Fundraising Campaign Launched For Yardley Mayor Memorial

YARDLEY BOROUGH, PA — Now that the Yardley Borough Council has signed off on it, the fundraising campaign for a memorial to the state's first black mayor has begun.

Mayor Edward E. Robinson Memorial Pavilion Signage and Interpretive Education Project at Buttonwood Park.

Shirley Corsey, executive director of The Gather Place museum, is seeking donations to support the Mayor Edward E. Robinson Memorial Pavilion Signage and Interpretive Education Project at Buttonwood Park.

Robinson was a lifelong Yardley resident, World War II veteran, dedicated public servant, and the first African American mayor of Yardley Borough and Pennsylvania.

Elected in 1977, he served the borough as mayor for 12 years.

On Sept. 1, 2026, the council unanimously approved Gather Place’s grassroots initiative to name the pavilion in Mayor Robinson’s honor.

Corsey said community support is needed to bring this historic tribute to life.

Gather Place plans to create and install:

• Permanent memorial pavilion signage
• A professionally designed, QR-coded interpretive educational stand
• Archival photographs
• Biographical information
• Oral histories
• Community recollections
• Interactive digital resources for students, seniors, educators, veterans, families, residents, and visitors
• A chronological history of Yardley Borough’s mayors

Community contributions will support historical research, professional design, fabrication, installation, permits, digital content, archival-image preparation, and ongoing maintenance.

Corsey said there are several sponsorship opportunities:

• Presenting Legacy Sponsor — $5,000
• History Preserver — $2,500
• Community Heritage Sponsor — $1,000
• Civic Leadership Sponsor — $500
• Friend of the Robinson Legacy — $250
• Community Contributor — Up to $249

Donor recognition may be included in campaign materials, on Gather Place’s website and social media, and in the dedication program. Permanent on-site recognition will depend upon the final design and Yardley Borough requirements.

Please donate, become a sponsor, or share this campaign:https://gatherplacemuseum.org/mayor-robinson-donate

Checks may be made payable to Gather Place and mailed to: Gather Place188 South Canal Street, Yardley, PA 19067, call 215-595-2722 or info@gatherplace.org.