Gather Place Promotes Black History At Sesame Place

LOWER BUCKS COUNTY, PA —Gather Place meet Sesame Place.

In celebration of Black History Month, the head of the Yardley-based Gather Place museum recently hit the road to make a presentation to employees of the Middletown Township amusement park.

Shirley Corsey, the conservator of the Gather Place Museum presented an "American History Bee —Harlem Renaissance History Makers Challenge program" to Sesame Place administrative staff and human resource leaders at its MLK Lunch and Learn series.

"We engaged the Sesame Place in a thrilling and educational game, testing their knowledge of Harlem Renaissance figures," Corsey said. "It was a joy to see everyone participate and learn together in a program that promotes that Black History is America’s History."

Corsey said Gather Place Museum promotes the power of "edutainment" —combining education and entertainment for learners of all ages.

Its programs are designed to foster learning experiences for adults, children, educators, and students alike.

Located at the Historic African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church (est. 1877) in the Historic District of Yardley Borough, Gather Place Museum is a nationally recognized hub for American History in Bucks County.

The organization and building is African-American-owned and operated, and open since September 2022.

Under Corsey's leadership, Gather Place is committed to preserving history, celebrating culture, and fostering community engagement.

The museum on South Canal Street in Yardley is open on Fridays and Saturdays from Noon to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.gatherplace.org.

In 2022, Sesame Place employees underwent mandatory diversity training and examined its own equity practices in the wake of a $25 million class-action lawsuit alleging racism against Black children.

The suit, filed against Sesame Place's owner SeaWorld in Pennsylvania federal court, says that costumed characters like Elmo, Ernie, and others refused to speak to Black children during recent meet and greet events, while hugging and high-fiving white children. It cites racist behavior dating to July 2018, and seeks a jury trial for damages inflicted since then.

(Photo Courtesy of Shirley Lee Corsey)