African American Museum of Bucks Co. Gala To Raise Funds

LOWER BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The countdown clock has started.

After years of planning and building, the African American Museum of Bucks County is planning to open at Boone Farm in Core Creek Park in Middletown Township sometime early next year, officials said. But first there will be a gala.

"The elusive move-in date has been moved several times due to construction issues completely beyond our control," Patricia Mervine said.

Mervine is the author of "Boone Farm: Its People and Place in Middletown History." The historic farm dates back at least 300 years, with links to the Great Migration of the 20th century.

The farm at 867 Newtown-Langhorne Road will soon serve as the permanent home for the African American Museum of Bucks County.

Mervine said there will be soft openings for the museum before the grand opening "to work out any kinks and get our staff and volunteers up to speed." A date for the official opening has yet to be set.

"I can promise you — this museum will be worth the wait," Mervine said. "I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how important this museum will be as a center of local history that isn’t fully told anywhere else in the county."

Meanwhile, the museum and Parx Casino are teaming up for a fundraiser on Dec. 11 from 6-9 p.m. at Parx Casino Racetrack Building, 3001 Street Rd, in Bensalem.

The theme this year is “Preserve the Legacy: Complete the Vision.”

The event will feature a sit-down dinner and inspiring entertainment, and will serve as the final fundraiser before the museum opens. Tickets are $175 each and may be purchased at: aamuseumbucks.org.

“We are extremely grateful for the ongoing support of individuals, businesses, and the Bucks County Commissioners over the past four years and are eager to celebrate the near completion of the Museum with our friends and supporters," AAMBC President and Executive Director Linda Salley said.

"We are now in the home stretch. We hope this gala will bring in the remaining funds necessary to ensure that the museum can open in early 2026," Salley said. "While the museum’s exterior renovations are complete, we are still working with our design firm in transforming the interior of the building into a modern-day learning center featuring the culture and history of African Americans in Bucks County and beyond.”