"She was the only woman of her kind at that time -- a black woman."
Cornelia Wells was a cook for the Peters Family, the original owners of Belmont Mansion in Fairmount Park.
Freed by the abolitionist Judge Richard Peters around 1815, Wells settled in the Boelsen House, a cottage that still stands on West River Drive to this day (top photo).
Mrs. Audrey Johnson-Thornton is president of the American Women's Heritage Society, which refurbished Belmont Mansion (right):
"She decided in order to make her own livelihood that she would open it as a tavern, and she sold beer and ginger cakes. And it became known as The Tavern of Cornelia Wells."
Johnson-Thorton says Wells' clientele was among the elite of the elite:
"We know that George Washington, Adams, and other signers of the Constitution were close friends with Judge Peters, so I'm pretty sure that they went there."
Johnson-Thornton says Wells' Boelsen House, nearby Peters Island, and Belmont Mansion were all likely stops on the Underground Railroad.
KYW's Karin Phillips presents a weeklong series about the new exhibit at the National Constitution Center.
Part I: Tavis Smiley, The Man With The Vision In this report, KYW's community affairs reporter Karin Phillips talks to Tavis Smiley -- broadcaster, author, advocate, philanthropist, and also the presenter and creative force behind "America I Am."
Part II: Advisory Board Member Dr. Cornel West In this report, Karin Phillips speaks to Dr. Cornel West, a professor of religion and African American studies at Princeton University and one of America's most provocative philosophers.
Part III: Bringing the Artifacts Together In this report, Karin Phillips speaks to the executive producer of "America I Am" and some of those who contributed artifacts to the exhibition.
Part IV: Making the Vision a Reality In this report, Phillips talks to Mark Lach, the man responsible for the design elements of the "America I Am" exhibition.
Part V: The Doors Are Open! In the final report of her series, KYW's community affairs reporter Karin Phillips speaks to National Constitution Center president and CEO Joseph Torsella and some of the first visitors into "America I Am."
Richard Allen & Absalom Jones
KYW's Community Affairs Reporter Karin Phillips talks to Reverend Dr. Jeffrey Leath, pastor of Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, about church founder Richard Allen and fellow spiritual leader Absalom Jones. (4:43)
Activist & Sailmaker
KYW's Community Affairs Reporter Karin Phillips speaks with Bill Ward, Educator at the Independence Seaport Museum, about sailmaker and civil rights activist James Forten. (12:53)
A Unique Business Owner
KYW's Community Affairs Reporter Karin Phillips speaks with the President of the American Women's Heritage Society about a very unique business owner of the time. (8:20)
The African-American Businessman
KYW's Community Affairs Reporter Karin Phillips talks to Diane Turner, Curator of the Charles L. Bloxson Afro American Collection at Temple, about Businessman and Caterer Thomas Dorsey. (6:31)
Civil Rights Activist O.V. Catto - Pt.2
KYW's Community Affairs Reporter Karin Phillips spoke to Marcus Mitchell, president of the O. V. Catto Society, about civil rights leader Octavius Valentine Catto. (13:19)
Civil Rights Activist O.V. Catto - Pt.1
KYW's Community Affairs Reporter Karin Phillips talks to Philadelphia City Councilman James Kenney about civil rights activist Octavius V. Catto. (6:15)
Philly's 19th Century Black Renaissance
KYW's Community Affairs Reporter Karin Phillips talks to Dr. Diane Turner, Curator of the Charles L. Bloxson Afro American Collection at Temple University, about that bright time and how it slipped away. (10:37)
African Americans Living in 19th Century Phila.
KYW's Community Affairs Reporter Karin Phillips talks to Reverend Dr. Jeffrey Leath, pastor of Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, about living in 19th century Phila. (2:35)
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Mrs. Audrey Johnson-Thornton is president of the American Women's Heritage Society, which refurbished Belmont Mansion (right):
