February 23, 2025
Black History Month Presentation
Sunday, February 23, 2025
1 - 4pm
Celebrate Black History Month with an engaging and thought-provoking program at Pennsbury Manor. On February 23rd from 1-4pm, join Pennsbury Manor and Gather Place as we grapple with how Quakers’ ideals of equality and justice coexisted with slavery.
Learn about the history of slavery in Pennsylvania from Pennsbury’s Director, Doug Miller. Then, enjoy a dramatization of the 1688 Germantown Quaker Petition Against Slavery, the first protest of slavery by a religious body in the thirteen colonies. We’ll discuss William Penn’s participation in the institution of slavery in the context of rising pro-abolition views amongst Quakers.
Afterwards, enjoy a riveting presentation by Shirley Lee Corsey, Executive Director of Gather Place museum at the Historic African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church of Yardley. Witness her compelling first-person portrayal of Susanna Warder—an enslaved woman who lived and worked at Pennsbury Manor from birth in 1701 until death at the age of 109.
Ms. Corsey will then illuminate untold stories of African American contributions to Yardley Borough, Bucks County, and beyond that connect local history to powerful themes of justice and equality.
Admission to this event is free. Donations are encouraged.
