Gather Place Museum has announced the launch of its 1st Quarter 2026 Semiquincentennial programming as an America250PA Officially Recognized Program, also strengthened by a Bucks County Tourism Grant Program supporting the production and promotion of this Gather Place initiative Americas Women Trailblazers. Together, this recognition and funding affirm Gather Place Museum’s leadership in delivering inclusive, community centered public humanities programs that elevate local stories—especially women’s voices—within the broader American narrative as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
“As a woman of color, I’m honored to speak for those whose stories were too long left untold, overlooked, or forgotten—often told by others instead of in our own voices,” said Shirley Lee Corsey, Executive Director of Gather Place Museum. “As America approaches its 250th anniversary, I didn’t see enough sustained storytelling that truly celebrates America’s women, particularly those who shaped this nation in quiet, courageous, and world-changing ways.
That absence makes this work feel urgent and sacred, and I’m grateful to the Gather Place team for walking beside me as we tell the story by us, for us, and for all who deserve a fuller, truer history. African American & Women’s History = America’s history!”
January 9th & 10th 2026 | 12 noon – 3pm each day
Gather Place Gallery 250th Open House & Semiquincentennial Launch – Community Open House – Join us!
Gather Place Museum begins the year with the Gather Place Gallery 250th Open House, a two-day community event marking the official launch of its America250PA-aligned initiatives. Visitors are welcomed to experience newly curated exhibitions, enjoy light refreshments, attend special presentations connecting Yardley and Bucks County to the national story, and meet Gather Place “History Maker” reenactors.
Located in the historic African Methodist Episcopal Church of Yardley (est. 1877)—a National Register of Historic Places landmark—the museum highlights the interconnected histories of African Americans, Quakers, women, and everyday citizens whose lives shaped America locally and nationally. The open house signals that Gather Place Museum is open, active, and ready to serve as a hub for Semiquincentennial engagement throughout 2026 and beyond.
Address: 188 South Canal Street, Yardley, PA 19067.
If you plan on attending, call (215) 595-2722 or email [email protected].
February 2026
Living History, Local Stories, and Community Dialogue
Following the January launch, Gather Place Museum’s winter programming immerses audiences in pivotal American stories through first-person portrayals, illustrated lectures, and narrative presentations. Programs explore themes of freedom, leadership, resilience, and community formation—featuring figures such as Harriet Tubman, Hannah Penn, Susanna Warder, Frederick Douglass, Langston Hughes and Rosa Parks—while also examining the early history of Yardley and its early African American neighborhood, as well as the rich history of Bucks County’s Underground Railroad roots! Together, these programs invite reflection on the enduring pursuit of liberty, justice, and equality across America’s 250-year journey.
March & April 2026
Americas Women Trailblazers — Women’s History Month
In March, Gather Place Museum presents Americas Women Trailblazers, a four-part Women’s History Month lecture series made possible by 2025 Bucks County Tourism Grant funding. Inspired by Abigail Adams’s 1776 call to “remember the ladies,” the series spotlights both celebrated and long-overlooked women—many with Pennsylvania and Bucks County ties—whose leadership and advocacy helped shape the nation. Grant support enables Gather Place Museum to expand public access, strengthen cultural tourism, and ensure these stories are told with authenticity and care.
Throughout 2026
Education, Partnerships, and America 250th Engagement
With three years of impactful programming behind it, Gather Place Museum proudly continues its mission to “Bring History to Life!” Throughout 2026, the museum will offer its America 250th aligned educational programs for schools, libraries, museums, faith-based and community organizations, and civic and heritage groups. Offerings include first-person historical portrayals, lectures, workshops, guided museum experiences, and local history tours—available on-site and through community partnerships. Gather Place Museum is a non-profit affiliate of Bucks250PA and America250PA. Together, Gather Place Museum and its supporters celebrate 250 years of courage, resilience, and achievement, honoring the spirit of freedom and unity that continues to inspire communities locally and across the nation.
For program bookings or additional information, please contact [email protected].
