This year-long initiative designed, developed, and being produced by Gather Place Museum - will explore African American and Women’s history, Quaker heritage, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and local history...
through first-person portrayals, interactive programs, and hands-on experiences for all ages.
As an America250PA and Bucks250PA nonprofit affiliate, Gather Place Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing Yardley Borough and Bucks County and Pennsylvania's vital role in our nation’s history. Housed in the historic African Methodist Epi
through first-person portrayals, interactive programs, and hands-on experiences for all ages.
As an America250PA and Bucks250PA nonprofit affiliate, Gather Place Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing Yardley Borough and Bucks County and Pennsylvania's vital role in our nation’s history. Housed in the historic African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church of Yardley, our museum serves as a cultural hub celebrating the contributions of African Americans, Quakers, and women at local, state, and national levels.
We invite the entire Bucks County community, the state, and beyond to join us as we kick off this monumental celebration—honoring 250 years of resilience, justice, and equality in America!.
Our Vision for America’s 250th Anniversary
Supported by this America250PA Semiquincentennial Grant and the Bucks County Tourism Grant, Gather Place Museum proudly launches its 2026 series: “Gather Place: Celebrating 250 Years of American Resilience ~ In Pursuit of Justice and Equality.”
**April 12, 2025 – America250PA’s representatives - former Gov. Mark Schweiker and Matt Darragh joined our historic kickoff!**
Gather Place Museum Makes History in Yardley!
Wehappily launched Bucks County’s first nonprofit-led America250PA community engagement event—Gather Place: Celebrating 250 Years of Resilience ~ In Pursuit of Liberty, Justice & Equality—at Yardley Friends Meeting House.
Presented in collaboration with Liz Young of Experience Yardley, this
Gather Place Museum Makes History in Yardley!
Wehappily launched Bucks County’s first nonprofit-led America250PA community engagement event—Gather Place: Celebrating 250 Years of Resilience ~ In Pursuit of Liberty, Justice & Equality—at Yardley Friends Meeting House.
Presented in collaboration with Liz Young of Experience Yardley, this event welcomed a full house of guests from Yardley, across Bucks County, and New Jersey. We were honored by the presence of Terri Androutsos (Bucks250PA), Doug Miller and Paul Bencivengo (Visit Bucks County), State Representative Perry Warren, and Councilman David Appelbaum, all of whom helped make this historic day even more meaningful.
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 Ye
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!
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 b
“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.”
Gather Place: America 250th Kick-off Success - Full House Community Engagement on 4-12-25 - Thanks All!
America's 250 Years: Gather Place Reflections in Photos
Support Gather Place Museum Events & Programs
CELEBRATE AMERICA'S 250TH with a custom-made "george" jacket
OUR HAPPY CUSTOMERS WEAR OUR CUSTOM-MADE DESIGNS ~ JUST FOR FUN! ~ CHILDREN ~ ADULTS ~ DOLLS ~ DOGS!
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.
Help GATHER PLACE make a difference
Gather Place Museum is a non-profit 501(c)(3) PA State organization. Headquarters at the Historic African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church located in the Historic District of Yardley Borough, PA..We are dedicated to preserving history, celebrating culture, and fostering community engagement in Bucks County & beyond!
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