Step Into History: Visit Philadelphia Launches 'Las Huellas' Audio Trail

"Philadelphia would not be what it is today without the contributions of our Hispanic and Latino communities,” says Daniel Davis, director of cultural marketing at Visit Philadelphia. “We chose footprints because they represent the mark someone leaves behind. Through Las Huellas, we’re giving residents and visitors a chance to discover the people who helped shape our city.”

How the Trail Works

At each of the 11 locations, visitors scan a QR code at the footprint installation to hear the featured changemaker's story in either English or Spanish. The audio features voices from Philadelphia's Hispanic and Latino communities, including some of the featured historical figures themselves.

To bring these stories to life visually, Visit Philadelphia partnered with three talented local artists—Cindy Lozito, Manuela Guillén, and Fabiola Lara—who created original, vibrant artwork for each physical installation to reflect the legacy of the changemaker it honors.

Meet the Changemakers: The 11 Trail Locations

Whether you want to hit them all in one weekend or explore them gradually over the next month, here is where you can find the Las Huellas installations:

1. Chef Cristina Martinez

• The Legacy: South Philly Barbacoa founder Martinez brought her traditional slow-cooked Mexican dishes to a global audience.

• Location: South Philly Barbacoa (1134 S. 9th Street)

2. Diego Rivera

• The Legacy: One of history's most influential muralists who helped shape Philadelphia’s incredible public art legacy.

• Location: Mural Arts Philadelphia Headquarters (1727-29 Mount Vernon Street)

3. Dr. Carmen Febo San Miguel

• The Legacy: Instrumental in building Taller Puertorriqueño into Pennsylvania's largest Puerto Rican and Latino arts organization, serving for decades as both board chair and executive director.

• Location: Taller Puertorriqueño (2600 N. 5th Street)

4. Dr. Carlos Martínez Rivera

• The Legacy: A dedicated conservationist who developed a safety net to help protect a Caribbean frog species from extinction.

• Location: The Franklin Institute (222 N. 20th Street)

5. Enerolina Melendez

• The Legacy: Leader of the Dominican Grocers Association and a fierce advocate for neighborhood bodegas and small-business owners since 1998.

• Location: Dilworth Park (Near 15th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard)

6. Iris Brown and Tomasita Romero (Grupo Motivos)

• The Legacy: In the early 1980s, they united Puerto Rican women to create vibrant community spaces and gardens where neighbors could gather and thrive.

• Location: Las Parcelas (2248 N. Palethorp Street)

7. Jesse Bermudez

• The Legacy: The founder of Philadelphia's Asociación de Músicos Latino Americanos (AMLA), who supported Latino music and arts education for over 40 years.

• Location: Painted Bride Art Center (4029 Cambridge Street)

8. Chef José Garces

• The Legacy: The Iron Chef and James Beard Award winner who helped introduce Philadelphia diners to exceptional Latin flavors and culinary traditions.

• Location: Amada (217-219 Chestnut Street)

9. Judge Nelson Díaz

• The Legacy: Author of the Díaz opinion, a ruling that helped reshape federal housing policy and advance mixed-income communities.

• Location: Dilworth Park (1 S. 15th Street)

10. Sofia Deleon

• The Legacy: Founder of El Merkury, who successfully introduced a massive new audience of Philadelphians to Central American street food.

• Location: Reading Terminal Market (1136 Arch Street)

11. Rev. Luis Cortés Jr.

• The Legacy: Founded Esperanza in 1986, vastly expanding access to education, jobs, and affordable housing in the Hunting Park neighborhood.

• Location: Esperanza Arts Center (4261 N. 5th Street)