Philadelphia’s Ninth Street, stretching between Fitzwater and Wharton streets, is steeped in history and authenticity. This iconic market, often referred to as the Italian Market, is now embracing a more inclusive identity through the Our Market Tours. These guided tours, returning for their second year, aim to educate locals and tourists alike about the vibrant, mixed immigrant legacy of the area.
Conceived by local artist Michelle Angela Ortiz, the Our Market project kicked off in 2019, celebrating the diverse immigrant history that defines Ninth Street. With an artistic touch, the project breathes new life into spaces in need of care, replacing old awnings and enhancing produce stands with artwork that showcases the personal histories behind the businesses.
Participants on the tour enjoy big, colorful murals and light boxes that reveal the stories of shop owners and their contributions to the market. As Ortiz explains the significance of the art, the narrative unfolds, allowing visitors to appreciate the rich tapestry of lives intertwined with Ninth Street.
“My mother worked in the market for 25 years,” Ortiz shared during an abbreviated tour for Billy Penn. “I have roots here; my mother has been part of this community for 55 years, having left her small town in Colombia to create a life in what we now know as the market.”
For Ortiz, the tours and the artwork they spotlight serve as a heartfelt tribute to her community. Proceeds from the tours are reinvested to help sustain and uplift Ninth Street, ensuring that it remains vibrant and relevant.
“Many stories we’ve gathered during our community gatherings showcase people’s connections to the market,” Ortiz said. “I grew up here, I still live here, and I’m raising my son in this neighborhood.”
As Ortiz guided the group through Ninth Street, her familiarity with the area was evident. Every half-block she greeted friendly faces, urging everyone to catch up. Our tour began with striking murals paying homage to local heroes, including the Di Bruno brothers, the founders of a beloved market store, and Elizabeth “Betty Ann” Mongelluzzo, a beloved florist known for her generosity who passed away in 2019.
A third mural honors Carl Redel, a Polish immigrant and Holocaust survivor who established Carl’s Farm Eggs. Ortiz’s artistic contributions, framed by artist Emily Busch, illuminate the lives of the individuals depicted.
“Creating their portraits allowed us to unlock new stories about these figures,” Ortiz explained. “When people see the images, they ignite memories and sparking conversations here in this space.”
Lisa Coyle, a former colleague and relative of Mongelluzzo, met us by the mural of “Aunt Betty Ann.” “When I sit out here with my coffee, I talk to her, waiting for her sassy response,” Coyle fondly recalled. “She represented the market, helping everyone without expecting anything in return. That was Aunt Bet.”
Contrary to its name, Ortiz emphasizes that the Italian Market represents a collage of immigrant stories. “We refer to it as Ninth Street,” she clarified, noting that many locals, including Italian families, prefer this term.
The goal is not to erase the area’s historical ties to the Italian community but to acknowledge its evolving nature. “We are a market of immigrants, and we’re not dismissing those cultural labels,” Ortiz stated. She argued that the market’s rich diversity should not be overlooked.
“Ninth Street is not only a tourist trap for photos or good food, but a living, breathing community that deserves respect and support,” she explained. The tours, she believes, reform perceptions of the market while fostering appreciation for its historical relevance.
As Ortiz articulated, it’s crucial for visitors to enter this space with dignity and respect.
The connection between the Our Market Tours and the neighborhood runs deep. Many guides, like Alma Tlacopilco, who also grew up in the area, bring personal experiences to their tours. Tlacopilco’s family has long been part of the market’s legacy, and she is now preparing to attend Temple University on a full scholarship with the intention of studying law.
“Supporting the people in the market is more important now than ever,” she emphasized, reflecting on current social issues. Visitors often express surprise at her close ties to the area once they learn her background.
“I grew up here, and it’s a different experience for them,” she shared.
Our Market Tours are offered in three languages: English, Spanish, and Vietnamese, reflecting the diverse linguistic landscape of the market. Additionally, a free digital tour app is available online, giving further context to the artwork and its significance.
One of Tlacopilco’s favorite highlights of the tour is the light box created for Adelita Restaurant, owned by Andres Hernandez. It features an image of a Mexican Revolution-era female soldier, symbolizing empowerment and strength.
“Soy de mujeres luchonas, trabajadoras y empoderadas,” reads the inscription, which translates to “I come from women who are strong, hardworking, and empowered.”
“This light box showcases female resilience; my household doesn’t follow traditional machismo roles,” Tlacopilco mentioned.
The Our Market initiative is ongoing, and plans for additional artwork and community investments are continually in development. Ortiz is currently working on revamping Phillip Vu’s store, which has long required an update. Vu is a Vietnamese immigrant whose story reflects broader trends within the immigrant community.
“We aim to revitalize his stand completely, offering a new exterior and artwork that celebrates his family’s story and Vietnamese heritage,” Ortiz explained.
Vu’s son, Bao Nguyen, has been actively collaborating with Ortiz to bring his father’s vision to life.
“My dad envisioned palm trees, waters, and a boat in the design, reminding him of his past and a serene life back home,” Nguyen stated.
Ortiz expressed the goal of creating lasting, sustainable installations this time around, emphasizing the importance of durability alongside beauty.
“Previously, we created beautiful awnings that didn’t last,” she elaborated. “We’ve engaged in extensive interviews and gatherings to ensure our approach is comprehensive and thoughtful.”
The Our Market project has already transformed numerous stands, replacing rundown structures with culturally rich replacements. Nguyen believes these updates will help attract more visitors.
“If the market looks nicer, it invites more people in, making them feel welcome,” he explained.
Throughout the tour, Ortiz seamlessly connected with a variety of community members. We crossed paths with James Beard Award-winning chef Christina Martinez of South Philly Barbacoa and Pip De Luca, owner of Villa di Roma, who also appears in a vintage photograph as a child on the tour.
Culminating at Chocolate Art and Crafts, a store showcasing handmade gifts reflecting Mexican culture, which is run by Eva Hernández, Ortiz expressed optimism about future merchandise collaboration featuring artwork from the tour.
The Our Market initiative honors the collective immigrant narratives that have shaped Ninth Street, from historic Italian vendors to more recent Mexican arrivals. “The stories reflect struggles and triumphs; it’s vital to recognize that the difficulties faced by previous generations resonate with today’s challenges,” Ortiz stated.
“With the increased presence of ICE, many families feel the need to avoid public spaces. This climate makes our work even more crucial, pushing us to advocate for our community,” she added.
The Our Market Tours are currently running as a partnership with Beyond the Bell Tours, scheduled to continue through the fall. Scheduled dates include August 2, September 4, October 4, and November 1, 2, 8, and 9.
Those interested in private tours can arrange them by contacting the Our Market Project for additional information.
image source from：billypenn
