America's History Live

08/22/2024

08/10/2024

🌟 Gather Place Museum: Preserving Yardley's Historic African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church Legacy 🌟
We are thrilled to share a significant update from the Generational Voices™ Project! This groundbreaking initiative shines a light on the often-overlooked contributions of Yardley Borough's African American community, stretching back to the town's Quaker roots in 1682. Through this project, we have captured invaluable memories and stories that reveal the deep and enduring impact of these residents on Yardley's history.
This spring, in May 2024, we filmed a series of fourteen powerful video-recorded focus group interviews at the Historic African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church of Yardley Borough, now home to Gather Place Museum. These interviews, featuring community members aged 60 to 100, provide a rich tapestry of personal narratives, photos, and documents that paint a vivid picture of the past. Each story contributes a unique voice to the collective memory of Yardley Borough's African American history.
Currently, these recordings are safely archived on a secure Gather Place Museum software portal. For those eager to dive into these narratives, access is available by invitation only for an in-person viewing experience at the museum. But don’t worry—there’s more to come! We're working on exciting plans for a public reveal later this year, where everyone will have the chance to engage with these treasured stories.
This important work is made possible through the support of the Lilly Endowment Inc., and funding from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The Gather Place Museum itself is a cornerstone of Yardley's rich history. The Historic African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, where the museum is housed, has deep roots in the community, tracing back to the village’s founding by Quaker William Yeardley in 1682. The property, once known as the Boatyard lot, was later owned by the Eastburn family and served as a gathering place for African American worshippers as early as 1817. This site, affectionately called the "Free Peoples Church" and later "The Colored Church," was integral to Yardley’s Underground Railroad activities.
In July 2022, Shirley Lee Corsey, a third-generation Yardley Borough resident, became the legal conservator of this historic landmark. Originally built in 1877 by African American AME congregants from Trenton, NJ, the church now serves as the headquarters for Gather Place, a non-profit dedicated to bringing history to life. The church's inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places highlights its vital role in preserving Yardley’s legacy.
CHECK OUT OUR FALL 2024 PROGRAMS HERE
https://gatherplace.org/civil-war-program | https://gatherplace.org/underground-rr-1
GATHER PLACE MUSEUM - "We bring history to life!"

08/07/2024

Gather Place Museum is now a Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Canal Trail Friendly (D&L) rest stop! We now better cater to the needs of walkers, runners, hikers, and bikers who love this charming, historic Yardley Borough area, well suited for these activities. Don't miss our beautifully completed Gather Place Reflective Garden, featuring our honorary bench and bricks patio, perfect for a peaceful break to sit and rest. who love this charming, historic Yardley Borough area, well suited for these activities. Special thanks to concept designers Michael Lee and his wife Marlene for their incredible work. Our outdoor space is functional, green, and serene, adorned with shrubs and flowers. Offering a nice view of the historic D&L National Heritage Corridor Canal Trail Lock # 5. his project was completed in partnership with the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc. Funding was provided in part by the National Park Service and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and administered by the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc. We also acknowledge additional funding sources for this project; Yardley Borough Parks & Recreation Department, and The Yardley Harvest Day Committee. https://gatherplace.org/d%26l-trail-friendly-1

07/13/2024

Historic and Cultural Significance: The African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in Yardley is a testament to the area's rich history, tracing back to its origins in 1682 when Quaker William Yeardley founded the village. Continuing this legacy, William's nephew, Thomas Yardley, further developed the village into what became known as Yardleyville in the early 1700s. The A.M.E. Church of Yardley property predecessors’ ownership ties directly back to Thomas Yardley, George Yardley, and Charles Yardley when this property was called the Boatyard lot. The Eastburn family (also Quakers) owned a hay press barn here, that also served as a gathering place for African American worshippers, named the "Free Peoples Church”, then The Colored Church, established in 1817. Thus, this church played a vital role in Yardley’s Underground Railroad legacy, offering solace and support during tumultuous times. In July 2022, Shirley Lee Corsey, a third-generation resident, became the legal conservator of this historic landmark. Established in 1877 by African American A.M.E. congregants from Trenton, New Jersey, the church now serves as the headquarters for Gather Place, a non-profit organization. Its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places further underscores its significance in preserving Yardley's legacy and its ties to the Underground Railroad.

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!

07/09/2024

Yardley photographer Josh Friedman captures landscape frames of scenes throughout Bucks County in this Patch photo feature. (Josh Friedman)
Editor's Note —This is a weekly series that runs exclusively on the Yardley Patch.
YARDLEY, PA —The Gather Place has found a home in the borough as a place of historic significance.
The old African Methodist Episcopal Church has been transformed into a Bucks County museum over the past few years and The Gather Place has generated lots of interest and activity as a place where people can learn about Yardley's role in the "Underground Railroad." The church was recently renovated and it shines as a jewel along South Canal Street.
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Historic and Cultural Significance: The African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in Yardley is a testament to the area's rich history, tracing back to its origins in 1682 when Quaker William Yeardley founded the village. Continuing this legacy, William's nephew, Thomas Yardley, further developed the village into what became known as Yardleyville in the early 1700s. The A.M.E. Church of Yardley property predecessors’ ownership ties directly back to Thomas Yardley, George Yardley, and Charles Yardley when this property was called the Boatyard lot. The Eastburn family (also Quakers) owned a hay press barn here, that also served as a gathering place for African American worshippers, named the "Free Peoples Church”, then The Colored Church, established in 1817. Thus, this church played a vital role in Yardley’s Underground Railroad legacy, offering solace and support during tumultuous times. In July 2022, Shirley Lee Corsey, a third-generation resident, became the legal conservator of this historic landmark. Established in 1877 by African American A.M.E. congregants from Trenton, New Jersey, the church now serves as the headquarters for Gather Place, a non-profit organization. Its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places further underscores its significance in preserving Yardley's legacy and its ties to the Underground Railroad.
>>>CHECK OUT OUR FALL 2024 PROGRAMS HERE
https://gatherplace.org/civil-war-program | https://gatherplace.org/underground-rr-1
GATHER PLACE MUSEUM - "We bring history to life!"

06/19/2024

🎉 Celebrate Juneteenth: America's Second Independence Day! 🎉
Join us in commemorating Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, a federal holiday celebrated every June 19th! 🌟 This special day marks the end of slavery in the United States, honoring June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation—two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln's historic declaration on January 1, 1863.
Did you know? Early Juneteenth celebrations started in Texas in 1866 and spread across the South, becoming a nationwide festivity during the Great Migration. From church gatherings and large meals to music and public readings, Juneteenth has evolved into a vibrant celebration of African American culture and heritage. 🎶🍗📜
By the 1920s and 1930s, food festivals became central to the festivities. Although its popularity waned during the Civil Rights Movement, Juneteenth saw a resurgence in the 1970s with a renewed focus on African American freedom and arts. In 1938, Texas recognized Juneteenth by proclamation, and in 1979 by legislation. Today, all U.S. states and D.C. formally observe the holiday. 🇺🇸 In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, the first new one since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983!
✨ How do we celebrate today? ✨
• Public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation
• Traditional songs like "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and "Lift Every Voice and Sing"
• Readings of works by African American writers like Maya Angelou and Ralph Ellison
• Delicious BBQ, red velvet cake, and strawberry soda (symbolizing resilience and joy)
• Community events: parades, cookouts, historical reenactments, and more!
Juneteenth is a day to educate, celebrate, and take pride in African American heritage. It's a time for community, family, and remembering our shared history. Let’s make this Juneteenth unforgettable! 🎈✨
www.gatherplace.org

05/10/2024

📸 Explore Hidden History on Yardley Borough's South Canal Street! 🌟 Step into the past with these captivating photos, where a tale of hidden history unfolds, bridging the past to the present. Discover the evolution of Yardleyville’s "Boatyard Lot," dating back to the late 1600s, originally spanning 130 acres. Nestled near South Main Street and Letchworth Avenue, this historic gem offers a glimpse into Yardley's vibrant past.

Owned by Yardley's Quaker founding family members—Thomas, George, and Charles Yardley—the Boatyard Lot housed a hay press barn and served as a vital Underground Railroad link. Explore the rich heritage of the "Free Peoples Church," later renamed "The Colored Church" in 1817, a sanctuary for worshippers seeking refuge.

Experience the charm of Eastburn Row, where historic twin homes were constructed for railroad workers of Yardley’s New York Railroad station. Uncover the hidden lives of Annie and Samuel Harmen, adding depth to Yardley's narrative as African American Civil War Veterans.

Visit us at Gather Place Museum to immerse yourself in the intertwined stories of local history, community resilience, and cultural heritage. Join us on Fridays and Saturdays from 12noon to 3pm, or contact us for group visits and special program bookings. Don't miss our upcoming special events, celebrating Women's History Weekends! Check out our upcoming special events: https://gatherplace.org/womens-history-weekends

Plan your visit now and discover the hidden treasures of Yardley's Historic District. For more info and bookings, visit www.GATHERPLACE.org or contact us at 215.595.2722 or email [email protected].

04/27/2024

📢🕰️ History Unfolded Through Gather Place Museum and the Pennsbury Manor! 🏛️
👥 Did you know that William Penn owned slaves? Last week, we delved into the untold stories of Susanna Warder and her life at Pennsbury Manor, the Country Estate of William Penn.
📖 Shirley Lee Corsey transported school children and their teachers back in time with her captivating portrayal of Susanna Warder. They learned about her family, her husband, and others enslaved by the Penn Family.
🌿 Exploring the late 1600s property alongside the other knowledgeable Pennsbury Manor docents and historian educators was a journey through time. From the barn to the kitchen house, and the garden to the majestic William Penn and Family mansion, they were immersed in Pennsylvania’s history, that happened right here in Lower Bucks County, along the historic Delaware River!
🚌Over several days this past week, we were thrilled to welcome a busload of local school children, accompanied by their teachers and parents, to join us for this enlightening experience. Together, we brought history to life!
🤔 Missed the event? Stay tuned for future opportunities!
🔍 Visit us to immerse yourself in the intertwined stories of local history, community resilience, and cultural heritage on Fridays and Saturday From 12noon to 3pm at Gather Place Museum! Other days/times of the week for group visits or special program bookings request, please contact us at 215.595.2722 or email: [email protected].
Check out our upcoming special events: https://gatherplace.org/womens-history-weekends
📅 Plan Your Visit:
• Gather Place Museum Hours: Fridays and Saturdays: 12noon - 3pm
• Available for group visits or special request bookings on other days – please call to R.S.V.P
🔗 More Info & Bookings: www.GATHERPLACE.org | https://gatherplace.org/our-programs
📞 Contact: 215.595.2722 ✉️ Email: [email protected]
Experience Yardley

04/23/2024

🌟REDISCOVER YE OLDE YARDLEYVILLE🌟
Step into history at Gather Place Museum with us, situated in the historic AME Church of Yardley (est. 1877), right near the scenic Delaware River and the historic Delaware Canal. Explore the origins of Yardley, originally known as Yardleyville, where the strategic “Boatyard lot” once sat at the lower end of the village, so close to the Yardley Ferry bustling with activity and rich narratives. Take a little walk with us (on good weather days of course), around this little-known area in the Historic District of Yardley Borough.
🔍 Highlights of this Gather Place Museum "Bring History to Life!" program include:
• Learn about the rich history of Yardley, originally established in 1682 by Quaker William Yeardley and transformed into Yardleyville by his nephew, Thomas Yardley.
• Explore the transformation of the Boatyard lot, once central to the Historic Delaware Canal’s trade and travel, into a significant meeting place for African American worshippers since 1817.
• Discover documents, photos, and artifacts that reveal the once vibrant and overlooked African American community in historic Yardleyville.
• Learn about Mary Derry, the oldest known African American resident of Yardley Borough, whose family's presence spans seven generations, enriching our local heritage.
• Celebrate the establishment of the AME Church in 1877, a vital part of Yardley’s legacy, learn about this site and other “Yardleyville” and Bucks County, Pennsylvania Underground Railroad links.
Visit us to immerse yourself in the intertwined stories of local history, community resilience, and cultural heritage on Fridays and Saturday From 12noon to 3pm at Gather Place Museum! Other days/times of the week for group visits or special program bookings request, please contact us at 215.595.2722 or email: [email protected].
Check out our upcoming special events: https://gatherplace.org/womens-history-weekends
📅 Plan Your Visit:
• Gather Place Museum Hours: Fridays and Saturdays: 12noon - 3pm
• Available for group visits or special request bookings on other days – please call to R.S.V.P
🔗 More Info & Bookings: www.GATHERPLACE.org | https://gatherplace.org/our-programs
📞 Contact: 215.595.2722 ✉️ Email: [email protected]

04/06/2024

🌟 Exciting Announcement: Unveiling Yardley Borough’s African American Legacy! 🌟
Hey everyone!
Join us as we embark on an incredible journey to preserve and celebrate Yardley's rich African American heritage with the launch of the Generational Voices Project at Gather Place Museum. Led by Shirley Lee Corsey, this transformative initiative aims to capture the essence of Yardley's past, tracing its roots back to Mary Derry from the 1700s.
Did you know that the Derry lineage, the oldest Yardley Borough descendants, still resides in Yardley, spanning seven generations? Many of them live in homes built by their grandparents and great-grandparents, preserving their legacy through the ages.
Since our kickoff in March 2024, the project has been delving deep into the intricate history of Yardley's African American inhabitants. We're shedding light on often-overlooked narratives told by Black people and others who knew them, uncovering stories that have long been hidden in the shadows.
Through professionally captured video interviews, a historical documentary, and a digital interactive archive, we're bringing these narratives to life like never before. And that's not all! We're also thrilled to announce the upcoming publication of the first comprehensive book about Yardley Borough’s Black community, meticulously researched and documented with primary sourced documents.
This book will explore the connections to Yardley’s Quaker founders, early industries, properties, culture, growth, and documented links to the Underground Railroad—a true story of triumph that remains unknown to many current-day residents of Yardley, Bucks County, and the state of Pennsylvania.
So what can you expect? Over the next few months, this project will continue to evolve, culminating in an exciting red carpet "sneak preview" event happening later this fall 2024! It's going to be an event you won't want to miss!
Join us in celebrating the resilience and unity of Yardley Borough's African American community. Together, let's preserve and honor our shared heritage for generations to come.
This is just the beginning! Want to share your family legacy from Yardley Borough's hidden African American community? Contact us today.
Contact: 215.595.2722 | [email protected] | www.gatherplacemuseum.org
Additional Resources: Link to National Trust for Historic Preservation's Grant Recipients 2024

03/07/2024

🎉 Let's extend our gratitude to Allyson Kliefoth of the Lower Makefield Historical Society, (pictured in the middle, in photo by Linda Crane). Ms. Kliefoth, generously donated a remarkable piece of memorabilia—a delicately engraved teaspoon—for display at a special 1895 American History event! This treasure allows us to rediscover a forgotten chapter of our past, where resilience and determination thrived amidst challenges. Now, it's proudly exhibited at Gather Place Museum located in the historic district of Yardley Borough. Join us in celebrating the legacy of the Negro Building and its pivotal role in advancing the New South, fostering progress and unity. 🌟📚 Dive into the Hidden Legacy of the 1895 Cotton States Exposition! 📚🎉Transport yourself back to the groundbreaking 1895 Cotton States and International Exposition, where history unfolded, and a new era began for the South! Picture a vibrant fairground, bustling with nearly 1 million visitors from September 18 to December 31, 1895, all eager to witness the wonders of the New South.
Imagine Booker T. Washington, a beacon of hope for African Americans, delivering his historic "Atlanta Compromise" speech—an unprecedented moment as the first African American to address a mixed audience in the South. His pragmatic words resonated in Gilbert's Auditorium, marking a pivotal point in history. Yet, the true highlight of the exposition was found on the outskirts, in a humble pavilion called the Negro Building. Unveiled on October 21, 1895, this space showcased the remarkable achievements of African Americans in a predominantly white society. From captivating artworks to stimulating debates, the Negro Building embodied resilience and ingenuity. Despite its inconspicuous location, the Negro Building became a beacon of hope and progress, cementing Atlanta's status as the South's capital. Beyond being an exhibition space, it served as a hub for civil rights leaders, sparking discussions that would shape America's future. Read full story here> https://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/flashback-the-1895-cotton-states-exposition-and-the-negro-building/
Join us for upcoming Bucks County Women History events here> https://gatherplace.org/womens-history-weekends
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