African American Museum to Hold Special Fundraising Event

The African American Museum of Bucks County will open its doors next year at Boone Farm, located in Middletown Township. The farm has links to the Great Migration when the owners offered good-paying jobs to African Americans in the 1930s and 1940s. The museum will tell the story of this local history that isn’t told in full anywhere else in the county. Parx Casino is known for supporting local community events and will partner with the museum for a fundraiser.

Parx partners with the museum

Parx Casino is partnering with the museum for a special fundraiser event on December 11 from 6 pm to 9 pm. It will take place at the Parx Casino Racetrack Building on Street Road, Bensalem. Parx also offers betPARX Casino for players who prefer to play from their mobile devices.

What to expect at the event

The theme of the event will be ‘Preserve the Legacy: Complete the Vision.’ Keith Spencer is a Philly baritone vocalist and concert entertainer. His performance ‘We shall not be moved’ will feature Civil Rights Movement songs and speeches.

Guests will also enjoy a full-course sit-down dinner, and a silent auction of work by local artists will take place. Dr. Walter P. Lomax, Jr., a well-known physician and philanthropist who lived in Bucks County, will receive a posthumous tribute.

Today, it’s not uncommon for nonprofit organizations to accept donations online, which can extend the reach of fundraisers. Even those who can’t participate in person can still contribute online.

From mobile museum to a vision coming to life

AAMBC President and Executive Director Linda Salley hopes that fundraising campaign marketing for the event is successful and that many guests attend. This will help to raise the funds needed to ensure the museum open early next year.

Since its formation in 2014, the AAMBC has operated as a mobile museum. It would do Underground Railroad tours and transport mobile exhibits to schools and libraries. Harvey Spencer, co-founder of AAMBC, would point out Boone Farm to Linda Salley as the possible future home of the museum. He died in 2016 before it became a reality.

In 2020, the AAMBC began leasing Boone Farm from the county and renovating the stone house that dates back more than 300 years. The pandemic caused unexpected delays, and there were many other struggles to overcome, like design and structural issues. Now, the finish line is finally in sight. The exterior renovations are done, but the interior still needs some work.

A modern learning center

A modern-day learning center will feature African American history and culture. In the reception area, a flipbook, a mural, and artifacts will share the history of Boone Farm with visitors. A Wall of Fame will feature a photo array of African Americans with Bucks County connections. On the wall, murals will be images of famous Black authors.

Permanent exhibits, such as African Roots and Slave Trade, will feature a timeline of history from the 1600s to the present day. A research library will contain antique and contemporary books.

The Passage to Freedom room will detail the story of the Underground Railroad in Bucks County. During the Great Migration, many African Americans travelled north through the night from Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. It will feature interactive technology and murals.

An education center will host changing exhibits throughout the year, with curricula related to students.

Many retired educators from Bucks County will volunteer to help out at the museum. They will promote an understanding of the African American experience through education and inspiration.