History was made this past weekend in Yardley Borough as Gather Place Museum, in collaboration with Experience Yardley, officially launched Bucks County’s first America250 community engagement event. The celebration, held at the historic Yardley Friends Meeting House, marked the beginning of a year-long series honoring 250 years of American resilience, liberty, justice, and equality.

Titled “Gather Place: Celebrating 250 Years of American Resilience ~ In Pursuit of Liberty, Justice & Equality,” the event drew a full house of more than 50 community members spanning generations—from local families and students to longtime residents and visiting history enthusiasts from nearby New Jersey.

Spearheaded by Gather Place Executive Director Shirley Lee Corsey, the program proudly represents the first America250PA and Bucks250PA nonprofit affiliate initiative to launch in Bucks County in anticipation of the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026. The event was made possible thanks to an America250PA Semiquin Grant awarded to Gather Place Museum, along with the help of The Bucks County Grant Program to help shine a light on Yardley’s unique place in American history.

Among the special guests in attendance were:

• Former Pennsylvania Governor and America250PA Co-Chair Mark Schweiker
• Matt Darrah, Director of Communications & Marketing, America250PA
• Terri Androutsos, Bucks250PA
• Doug Miller and Paul Bencivengo, Visit Bucks County
• Pennsylvania State Representative Perry Warren
• Yardley Borough Councilman David Appelbaum
• Liz Young, Executive Director of Experience Yardley

The event featured an interactive family-friendly highlight: “History Hunt for Me”, a scavenger-style activity that encouraged participants of all ages to explore American history in a hands-on way. The response was overwhelming, with more than 100 question-and-answer worksheets completed—an intergenerational triumph of learning, fun, and engagement.

“This wasn’t just an event—it was a movement,” said Corsey. “We are proud to begin a series that will uncover overlooked stories, celebrate local legacies, and invite our neighbors to be part of the living history that continues to shape this country.”

Upcoming programs from Gather Place Museum will include first-person portrayals, walking tours, and educational workshops, spotlighting historical figures like Harriet Tubman, Lucretia Mott, William Still, and Rosa Parks—connecting their national impact to Yardley’s local story.

Community support also played a vital role. Local businesses contributed prizes and refreshments to help make the day extra special:

• Commonplace Reader Bookstore
• EZ Works
• KW Realty
• PANNA
• Pretty Bird Coffee Roaster
• ShopRite of Yardley, which donated a grand prize of groceries and a $50 gift card
• Cramer’s Bakery of Yardley, whose generous cookie platter sweetened the day for every guest

Learn more about Gather Place Museum and its many upcoming events here.