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America250PA @ Gather Place~Yardley Bucks County & Beyond!
Gather Place Museum is proud to be a recipient of a $20,000 Semiquincentennial Grant from America250PA in support of Gather Place Museum's original programs and events; Celebrating 250 Years of American Resilience – Yardley Borough, Bucks County, and Beyond: A Legacy of Justice and Equality. This initiative aims to showcases our region’s profound contributions to the founding principles of freedom, equality, and resilience that define our nation.
As an official statewide non-profit affiliate of America250PA and an active participant in Bucks 250PA, we are committed to preserving and sharing the diverse heritage that has shaped our community and inspired generations.
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Our Vision for America’s 250th Anniversary
Through the generous support of the Semiquincentennial Grant, Gather Place Museum will expand its programs, exhibitions, and educational initiatives to honor Yardley’s legacy of resilience and equality. These efforts align with the mission of America250PA to inspire unity, preserve our diverse heritage, and commemorate the sacrifices that shaped our nation.
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Our History
Gather Place Museum is headquartered in the historic African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church of Yardley, established in 1877. This sacred space, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has deep roots in Yardley Borough’s Quaker heritage. The property, originally was the Boatyard Lot, dates back to 1682 when Quaker William Yeardley founded the village.
By 1817, a hay press barn on the site served as a gathering place for African American worshippers, leading to the establishment of the "Free Peoples Church," later called "The Colored Church." This church played a vital role as a hub for worship and was likely connected to Yardley Borough’s Underground Railroad network, exemplifying the region’s commitment to justice and freedom.
A Message from Our director!
“This grant is a testament to the extraordinary history of Yardley Borough, Bucks County, Pennsylvania and beyond, and the people who made it a place of progress and hope,” says Shirley Lee Corsey, a third-generation Yardley Borough resident and the AME Church of Yardley’s conservator since 2022. “We are deeply honored to be recognized by America250PA and proud to support Bucks 250PA under the leadership of Commissioner Robert Harvie. Together, we will create a meaningful and inclusive commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.”
Support Gather Place Museum Events & Programs
CELEBRATE AMERICA'S 250TH with a custom-made "george" jacket
We are A proud America 250 PA Nonprofit Affiliate!
The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA), established in 2018, coordinates the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, emphasizing Pennsylvania’s role in the nation’s founding. America250PA aims to engage all citizens across the Commonwealth, highlighting the state’s history and its contributions to the nation. The initiative encourages reflection on past challenges, celebrates Pennsylvanians' impact, and inspires future leaders, fostering a deeper understanding of the nation’s history and its relevance to today’s issues. Read More - click here.
WHAT'S NEXT?
In the coming weeks, America250PA’s team will visit Gather Place Museum for a site tour and award presentation. Our program will also be featured in America250PA’s comprehensive events calendar, showcasing its importance statewide.