Several distinct and historic neighborhoods make up this district: ### Brewerytown Located in the southern portion of the district, Brewerytown is a historic neighborhood that runs along the Schuylkill River. Historically named for the numerous breweries that operated there during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area has experienced significant residential and commercial redevelopment in recent years, particularly along the Girard Avenue corridor. ### Strawberry Mansion Bordering the eastern edge of Fairmount Park, Strawberry Mansion is a neighborhood rich in cultural history. It features historic Victorian-era homes and has historically been a hub for jazz music and civil rights activism in Philadelphia. The neighborhood is named after the historic Strawberry Mansion historic house located nearby in the park. ### Sharswood Situated just east of Brewerytown and south of Strawberry Mansion, Sharswood is a primarily residential neighborhood. In recent years, it has been the focus of major urban revitalization and housing redevelopment initiatives led by the Philadelphia Housing Authority and local community organizations.
### North Central and the Temple University Area The eastern boundary of the 22nd District runs along Broad Street, encompassing parts of the North Central neighborhood. This area includes the western edges of the Temple University campus, making it a bustling hub for student housing, off-campus activities, and transit-oriented development. ## Neighborhoods in the 22nd Ward (Northwest Philadelphia) If you are researching political boundaries, voting divisions, or historical genealogical records, the "22nd District" may refer to the 22nd Ward. In Philadelphia's ward system, the 22nd Ward is located in the Northwest section of the city and covers a completely different set of neighborhoods than the police district. ### Germantown Germantown is one of the most historic neighborhoods in Philadelphia, founded in 1683. It played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War and the abolitionist movement. Today, it is known for its diverse community, historic stone architecture, and active preservation efforts.
### Mount Airy Located just north of Germantown, Mount Airy is widely recognized for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and proximity to the Wissahickon Valley Park. The neighborhood is historically notable for its intentional racial and socioeconomic integration efforts during the mid-20th century. ## Accessing Public Records and Directories for the 22nd District When researching local records, residents, or public notices within these neighborhoods, utilizing official directories and databases is the most reliable way to find accurate details. If you are trying to find public records or locate specific individuals, online search portals provide structured ways to access these records. ### Geographic and Property Searches To determine if a specific address falls within the 22nd Police District or the 22nd Ward, you can use the official City of Philadelphia Atlas tool. By entering a street address, you can view: * The designated police district and sector. * The political ward and voting division. * Property assessment history and zoning classifications.
### Historical and Obituary Archives For those seeking local listings, public notices, or historical obituaries for past residents of the 22nd District, digital archives serve as a primary resource. Understanding how to navigate these platforms can help you find the exact records you need: * **Name Search Options:** Search tools allow you to perform partial or full name searches to locate historical listings. * **Alphabetical Filtering:** Listings can often be filtered by the first letter of the last name to help narrow down search results. * **Chronological Browsing:** If you know the general timeframe of the record you are seeking, you can browse databases by month and year. ### Database Limitations and Verification When searching for historical records associated with the Philadelphia 22nd District, it is important to keep database limitations in mind. Digital archives may have gaps, and older physical records may not have been digitized. If an online search does not yield results, contact local historical societies, such as the Germantown Historical Society, or the Philadelphia City Archives directly to confirm the availability of historical files.
