History of Mt. Airy

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West Mt. Airy Neighbors was founded in 1959 to create and sustain West Mt. Airy as a racially integrated community. It was founded by George Schermer, the first Director of Philadelphia’s Human Relations Commission, and other neighbors concerned about white flight and block busting. From the beginning, West Mt. Airy Neighbors has sought to make its community a welcoming home for all people. To this day, West Mt. Airy remains one of the few stable racially integrated communities in the United States.

In 1999, in celebration of West Mt. Airy Neighbors’ 40th Anniversary, the organization honored 40 Good Neighbors whose contributions have strengthened our neighborhood and enhanced our shared community life. The 40 Good Neighbors were nominated by friends and neighbors in an open competition, and chosen by a committee representing all parts of East and West Mt. Airy. Biographies [link] of the 40 Good Neighbors illustrate the commitment of residents to their community, together with the values which energize West Mt. Airy as a whole, which make this an extraordinary place in which to live.

Because West Mt. Airy is one of the few integrated communities in the United States, it has been the subject of academic research and numerous newspaper and magazine articles. Long-time West Mt. Airy Neighbors Board member Pat Henning compiled an extensive bibliography on Mt. Airy. Pat died in June, 2005: see an appreciation of her contributions to the community.

Today, West Mt. Airy Neighbors works closely with its sister organization, East Mt. Airy Neighbors, on a wide range of projects, including the Mt. Airy Safety Network, the Mt. Airy Neighborhood Alliance, the Mt. Airy Schools Committee, and Mt. Airy Day.