Preserving the Past. Empowering the Future.

A Cultural Foundation for History, Creativity, and Community

From the beginning, historic preservation and storytelling have been woven together with culture, creativity, youth empowerment, and stronger communities—our long-standing, community-centered way of working in Philadelphia and across America. Local roots, national significance.

Our Mission

The King's Highway Trust Foundation exists to protect the stories and places that define us—and to open doors for the creators, entrepreneurs, and young people who have always been part of this work as stewards of our shared story.

Historic preservation will always be at our heart: the buildings, roads, and memories that connect Philadelphia—and every American—to our shared beginnings. We have always been a cultural foundation in the full sense—championing film and narrative, music and the arts, innovation and small business, and programs that help youth and neighbors thrive together. That weave is who we have always been at our core; the lessons and inspiration we share have long reached past any single zip code.

We believe a healthy community needs both roots and wings—grounded in history, lifted by imagination and opportunity. That balance is how we've always approached the work, and it's what we invite you to be part of.

501(c)(3)
Nonprofit
60+
Historic Sites (Trail)
Historic streetscape and community in Philadelphia

Our Pillars

Five ways we've always held history, culture, and community—as one intentional, interconnected whole.

Historic Preservation

We safeguard landmarks, stories, and the physical landscape of Philadelphia—so future generations can walk the same roads and see how this city helped shape America—and why caring for historic places matters in every community across the country.

Film & Storytelling

From documentaries to narrative work, we use film to educate, inspire, and connect audiences to history and to each other—because stories change how people see their own neighborhoods.

Music & Creative Arts

We support creative expression that reflects our communities—music, visual arts, and cultural programming that celebrates identity and brings people together in shared experience.

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

We champion local builders and ideas—small business, creative ventures, and practical innovation—because economic vitality and cultural vitality grow from the same soil.

Community & Youth Development

We invest in young people and neighbors through mentorship, skills, and safe spaces to lead—so the next generation carries history forward as active stewards, as part of who we have always been.

Why Culture and Community Matter

When we lift culture, we lift people—economically, socially, and spiritually.

Cultural Identity

Knowing our history and expressing who we are builds pride, belonging, and resilience—in Philadelphia and in America at large. Culture isn't extra—it's how communities remember who they are and imagine who they can become.

Creative Expression

Arts and storytelling give voice to lived experience. They challenge, comfort, and connect us—and they belong in every Philadelphia neighborhood and in communities across America, rooted in neighborhood life as much as in downtown institutions.

Economic & Community Growth

Heritage tourism, makers, events, and creative industries strengthen Philadelphia's economy and model what's possible for historic corridors nationwide. When we support culture and small enterprise together, neighborhoods—and the country—benefit.

Programs & Initiatives

How our mission shows up in the world—preservation, creativity, and community as one fabric, the way we've always worked.

Film & Documentary

Projects like The King's Highway and related storytelling that put Philadelphia's place in American history on screen—and open conversations in classrooms, living rooms, and public media from coast to coast.

Music & Arts Showcases

Showcases and partnerships that spotlight local artists and traditions—building stages for talent that might otherwise go unheard.

Youth Mentorship

Mentorship and learning pathways that connect young people with history, media, and leadership—so they see themselves as stewards and creators at the center of the story.

Local Entrepreneur Support

Collaboration with and amplification of neighborhood entrepreneurs—innovation that keeps dollars and energy circulating locally.

Community Events & Festivals

Events and cultural programming that bring neighbors together—celebrating heritage, creativity, and the joy of gathering on common ground.

Trail & Heritage Access

The King's Highway Historical Trail and educational resources make our preservation work tangible—walkable, explorable, and teachable—free and open to the public, in line with the access we've always believed in.

How You Can Help

There's a place for you in this long-standing community effort—whether you show up, shop, volunteer, or partner.

Attend Events

Join screenings, talks, and community gatherings. Your presence strengthens the room and shows sponsors and neighbors that culture matters here—something this community has long made visible together.

Stay in Touch
Support Creators

Purchase films, merch, and media that fund our work. Every DVD, USB, shirt, or map purchase helps power preservation and programming.

Shop & Support
Volunteer

Offer your time for events, outreach, or special projects. Join neighbors who have long stepped up to make things happen on the ground—and help carry forward what we've always been about.

Volunteer
Partner With Us

Schools, businesses, arts groups, and civic organizations—we're stronger together. We welcome collaborations that serve your mission and ours, rooted in the partnerships we've built from the beginning.

Partner
Sponsor Youth Programs

Underwrite mentorship, workshops, or scholarships. Investing in young people in Philadelphia is investing in the leaders and storytellers America needs tomorrow.

Sponsor
Donate

Tax-deductible gifts sustain preservation, creative work, and youth programming as one intentional whole—the full mission woven into who we are. Every gift deepens work that has always been interconnected.

Donate

Impact That Reflects Who We've Always Been

Preservation wins, storytelling reach, and community roots—the same through-line of our work from the beginning.

Historic preservation advocacy

Heritage & Advocacy

From landmark awareness to community voice around places like Lower Dublin Academy, we've helped neighbors see historic buildings as assets worth fighting for—not obstacles to "progress."

King's Highway documentary and trail

Film & Public Storytelling

The King's Highway reached audiences on PBS, streaming, and nationwide platforms—turning Philadelphia's story into a shared American narrative people can watch, discuss, and teach anywhere in the country.

Community and trail map

Trail Map & Open Access

The Historical Trail Map and free resources put dozens of sites on the map—literally—so visitors and Americans everywhere can explore, learn, and see how one historic corridor reflects a much bigger national story.

Join Us

Whether you care about brick-and-mortar history, documentary storytelling, a young person's first mentorship, or a block party that brings everyone out—you belong in this work we have always shared. From Philadelphia to partners and audiences across the country, we build culture that strengthens America.

Get Involved Support the Mission Partner With Us