March 2024: A Note From Our Executive Director:

About Us:

Shirley Lee Corsey, a third-generation resident of Historic Yardley Borough, assumed the role of conservator for the historic African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in 2022. First established in 1877 by African Americans migrating from Trenton, New Jersey, now serves as the headquarters of Gather Place, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The church stands as a testament to their resilience. We are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Under Corsey's stewardship, the church transformed into the first African American-owned and operated museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, opening its doors on September 10, 2022. The mission, revitalized, focuses on restoring, preserving, and celebrating the site's rich heritage through generous donations and grants.

The museum offers engaging community-based exhibits and events, shedding light on Yardley Borough's Quaker founders and its ties to the Underground Railroad, alongside the diverse tapestry of its neighborhoods and families. Since its inception in 1817 as The Free Peoples Church, The Colored Church, the property has remained African American-owned, embodying a legacy that intertwines with Bucks County's history.

With a dedication to storytelling reminiscent of West African Griots, the museum employs various mediums, from documents and photographs to filmed documentaries and historical reenactments. It aims not only to educate but also to entertain, bringing history to life in a lively and immersive manner.

Supported by Corsey's leadership, Gather Place Museum delves into Pennsylvania's rich history, exploring the connections between its Quaker founders and pivotal figures like Harriet Tubman, William Still, and Frederick Douglass in the abolitionist movement. It also sheds light on overlooked African American women such as Sojourner Truth and Ida B. Wells-Barnett, who contributed to the Women's Suffrage movement. Moreover, this museum highlights the often-forgotten contributions of African American soldiers, both male and female, spanning from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War.

We "Bring History to Life!" ~ We honor this rich legacy, enriching our patrons with a understanding of a more inclusive American history, ensuring that the voices of the past resonate in the present, and inspire future generations.special (then and now).  “GRATITUDE!"

Sincerely,

Shirley Lee Corsey, Conservator

The "old" A.M.E. Church of Yardley.| Gather Place | 215.595.2722