Black History Month Message Spread By Bucks Co. Museum Leader

YARDLEY, PA —It's difficult to get some time with Shirley Lee Corsey these days as the leader of the Gather Place Museum tours Bucks County institutions to spread the message about Black History Month.

Corsey is the little engine that could, transforming an old church in a section of the borough off the beaten path into a symbol of strength where Black History shines brightly as the county awaits the opening of its own Black History Museum.

Corsey, who just turned 70 recently, spent a few minutes with Patch this week during her busy schedule that will see her show up for another Black History event this weekend.

"It's a really busy time for me," said Corsey, who has now retired to devote full-time attention to the museum on South Canal Street.

She's appeared this week on KYW News Radio to tout her appearance Sunday at the Pennsbury Manor —William Penn's reconstructed estate —for her 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.

The event takes place from 1-4 p.m., at Pennsbury Manor.

Corsey will also tell untold stories of African-American contributions to Yardley Borough, Bucks County, and beyond that connect local history to powerful themes of justice and equality.

"Gather Place Museum is thrilled to now be asked to provide our well-received programs throughout these Bucks County communities and especially through the Bucks County Free Library branches," Corsey said.

She'll be appearing for programs at the Bensalem branch on March 7 and the Doylestown Free Library on March 23. She performed as Black History icon Harriet Tubman during an event at the Levittown branch and the Wrightstown Free Library recently.

About Gather Place Museum

Gather Place Museum is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of Yardley Borough and its African American community. The museum is located in the historic AME Church of Yardley, built in 1877, and serves as a vibrant educational and cultural center. Through dynamic programs and community engagement, we celebrate the stories of resilience, justice, and equality that have shaped our nation.