Gather Place Celebrating 1-Year Anniversary In Yardley

YARDLEY, PA —Shirley Lee Corsey is now known throughout the borough. And she's placed her "little hidden gem" on the map.

Over the past year, the longtime resident has transformed the African Methodist Episcopal Church on South Canal Street into a gathering place for residents to recognize the significance of Black History in the borough.

"I'm thrilled and humbled to mark my first anniversary as conservator," said Corsey, who recently gave Patch an exclusive tour of the church.

Last September, Gather Place held its grand opening as a Bucks County museum.

Corsey said "this charming place" has a rich history that dates back to 1877 when it was built by African Americans who crossed the Delaware River from Trenton, N.J., to settle in what was then called Yardleyville.

"I proudly continue the legacy of preservation that has been upheld by African Americans for generations," she said. "This church stands as a testament to the resilience and faith of our community, and it's an honor to be entrusted with its care."

The 146-year-old structure is the first African American woman-owned and operated American History Museum to open in Bucks County. The museum features first-person history lessons and live re-enactments in addition to its permanent exhibits.

The museum accepts free-will donations in person and online at www.GatherPlaceMuseum.org.

The church has had a spot in Corsey's history and heart for years.

"Being a 3rd generation resident of the mostly overlooked and previously African American section of Yardley Borough, it's such an honor to now be able to tell the rich history of Yardley’s Quaker founders as well as so many additional people like the hard-working middle-class people I grew up with who loved this community and all of its wonderful traditions," she said.

She lives across the street from the church and her grandmother's home was right next door.

"We are a little hidden gem," Corsey told Patch previously. "This old church is a legacy. And my goal is to leave a legacy that Black people were here."

Corsey isn't just leaving a legacy though.

She's worked hard over the past year to refurbish the property, making interior and exterior renovations that have included a new paint job and a new roof, courtesy of a $50,000 grant from state Sen. Steve Santarsiero.

Work on the interior was also done with the church's wood floors sanded and the lime plaster walls, dating to the 1800s, being repaired.

Corsey said she owes a debt of gratitude to the late Helene Derry Giles, a lifelong Yardley Borough resident, who, in 1982, diligently filed the Heritage application with the Bucks County Conservancy office in Doylestown for this landmark.

Corsey said thanks Thanks to her foresight, the church received a Bucks County Historic Commission Marker, and her dedication paved the way for the work she's been able to accomplish over the past year.

"With the unwavering support of my family, friends, and the entire community, we have made significant strides in preserving and restoring this historic gem and I couldn't be prouder of the progress we've made together," Corsey said.

Corsey, though, just doesn't serve as conservator and executive director. She's also a performer.

On a recent Saturday afternoon, Corsey was rehearsing before Patch to play the role of Susanna Warder, an enslaved person of William Penn.

She's performed as several characters for residents who attend the museum's numerous programs, including playing Harriet Tubman, a live re-enactment Corsey performed in February.

"To everyone who has witnessed and contributed to this success, I extend my heartfelt thanks," Corsey said. "This journey has been one of joy and fulfillment, and I am excited for the future as we continue to cherish and celebrate the A.M.E. Church's legacy in Yardley Borough."