Gather Place Wraps Up Black History Month

YARDLEY, PA —Shirley Lee Corsey became Harriet Tubman.

It's a first-person presentation that the conservator and executive director of The Gather Place Museum has showcased before. With the conclusion of Black History Month on Thursday, her portrayal last Saturday captured the essence of Tubman's entire life journey, from her childhood and escape from slavery to her pivotal role in the Civil War.

Tubman certainly has her place in Black History. But Corsey is also helping get the South Canal Street A.M.E Church on the map in Bucks County and the region as well.

"We’re so happy to be a locally and nationally recognized American History Museum —Open and operating since September 2022," Corsey said.

Over the past month, Corsey has promoted Black History at Sesame Place, with a presentation at the Middletown Township amusement park.

This month’s journey also included a Black History lecture for a Lower Makefield Township Women’s Club and providing “edutainment" at schools like the New Hope Academy.

Corsey also created a Harlem Renaissance "Buzz" for a corporate HR department staff and conducted events at the Yardley-Makefield Library and the Historic Pennsbury Manor.

"We dove deep into the stories of the Underground Railroad's path through Bucks County and beyond, first-person presentations about Harriet Tubman, and a lecture about the Civil Rights Movement, featuring Rosa Parks and Dr. MLK, Jr.," she said.

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.

"A heartfelt thank you to our amazing Bucks County community for supporting another year of “sold-out” events," Corsey said. "Stay tuned and get excited for our Spring 2024 Women's History Events."