Shirley Lee Corsey, Founder of Gather Place located at the Historic African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church of Yardley, happily announces the Ye Olde Yardleyville Festival, a collaborative, family-friendly event presented in partnership with the Yardley Friends Meeting, as part of the nationwide America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration!

Taking place on Saturday, May 30, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Yardley Borough, this free, public event reflects a powerful collaboration between two historic institutions—Gather Place at the Historic AME Church of Yardley and the Yardley Friends Meeting. Together, they bring to life a more inclusive and culturally rich America 250th celebration, honoring stories that are too often overlooked but are equally essential to the American narrative.

This immersive historical experience invites the community to explore Yardley’s origins as Yardleyville, established in 1682, while elevating the voices and contributions of Quakers, African Americans, abolitionists, and Bucks County’s deep connections to the Underground Railroad.

“This festival is about telling the full American story,” said Lee Corsey. “It’s about lifting the untold history—stories of courage, faith, resistance, and community—that stand alongside the legacy of George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. And Abigail Adams who wrote in 1776—let us also remember the ladies—whose voices and contributions helped shape this nation.”

Event Highlights

The festival begins at 1:00 p.m. at the Yardley Friends Meeting House (65 North Main Street, Yardley, PA 19067), serving as the central gathering and parking location. The opening program includes:

• Welcome remarks from event facilitators
• Special acknowledgment from Yardley Mayor Caroline Thompson
• Traditional Olde English refreshment

From 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., attendees will travel over to Gather Place at the Historic AME Church of Yardley (188 South Canal Street, Yardley, Pa 19067), where history is brought vividly to life through:

• 1800s Period-dressed interpreters and storytellers
• Living history experiences reflecting the cultural traditions of the community
• Outdoor hospitality under a large tent featuring traditional foods such as fresh fried fish & chicken, macaroni and cheese, greens, and cornbread
• Soft, inspirational music creating a welcoming and reflective atmosphere

At 3:00 p.m., guests may choose between two meaningful experiences:

• An Underground Railroad Guided Walking Tour along the Delaware Canal towpath at Lock #5, connecting participants to “IT HAPPENED HERE!” – real local stories of freedom and resilience (limited to 30 walkers; RSVP required – contact us at [email protected] or 215.595.2722
• A Quaker Experience at the Yardley Friends Meeting House, featuring historical displays,
  1700s Period-dressed interpreters and storytellers
• Storytelling, and Traditional Olde English refreshments

From 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., all attendees will reconvene at the Yardley Friends Meeting House for a closing program, celebrating shared history and community connection.

A free shuttle service will run continuously between locations, though both sites are walkable. Visitors may feel free to attend either event location whenever they wish throughout this day.

A Shared American Story

At its heart, the Ye Olde Yardleyville Festival is a celebration of:

• America’s 250th anniversary
• Historic Yardley Borough’s cultural roots and historical significance to our nation’s broader history
• The importance of inclusive storytelling and community collaboration

By bringing together the legacies of the Quaker community, the Historic African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, and the broader narratives of abolition, faith, and freedom, this event ensures that America’s 250th Anniversary is not only commemorative—but complete.

Organizers encourage the public to attend, share the event widely, and bring family, friends, and neighbors to experience history in a dynamic and meaningful way.

To reserve a spot on the Underground Railroad walking tour or for more information, please contact: [email protected] or call 215.595.2722.