When Maria Moller attended “Yard Songs” more than two years ago, she was confronted with an unsavory era in Philadelphia history. The multimedia installation was artist Jebney Lewis’ elegy to the train-age of Kensington, but the piece also touched on the oft-forgotten Kensington Riots of 1844, when Protestant groups clashed with Irish immigrants, resulting in at least 20 deaths. The event led to, among other things, the formation of Philadelphia’s fire department and Catholic schools. 

Inspired, she contacted Lewis with a new idea: “The Kensington Riots Project.” The piece would be created with neighborhood kids, connecting their immigrant experiences to the struggles of the Irish over 170 years ago. 

After a year and a half of development, workshops and street art, KRP is launching a gallery opening this weekend, featuring highlights of the process and celebrating seven of the most committed high school participants. 

(via Metro – ‘Kensington Riots Project’: Immigrant experiences, then and now)