The dream of an operational African American Museum of Bucks County continues to get closer as construction on the facility continues.
Since 2022, work has been underway to turn an often forgotten and debilitated farmstead into a modern museum that will be open to the public.
Credit: Tom Sofield/NewHopeFreePress.com
Bernard Griggs, the county government’s project manager and diversity officer, is overseeing the project at the historic Boone Farm along Langhorne-Newtown Road (Route 413) near the intersection with Bridgetown Pike in Middletown Township. The site is part of Core Creek Park.
With support from generous donors, the county government, and state government, work has been underway to install new electrical systems, reconstruct the basement, add new parking areas, demolish aging staircases, water seal the basement, prepare to install an elevator, add support columns, and create new bathroom facilities, Griggs said.
Through the winter and spring, contractors will continue to work on framing, rebuild the floors, building new walls, adding porches, finishing the walkway, completing mechanical upgrades, and grading of the yard, Griggs said.
“The core and shell of the construction should be completed by mid-July,” he said.
Interior work to finish the museum will take several additional months.
Griggs said the entire project should be completed by this time next year.
“This is probably one of the coolest projects I’ve worked on in my 35 years of construction,” he said. “It’s really going to be a showpiece when it’s finished.”
In the decade since its inception, the African American Museum of Bucks County has been dedicated to showcasing the rich history and contributions of African Americans in the region. However, it has never had a permanent home.
Through educational outreach in schools and libraries across Bucks County, the museum has shared the stories, achievements, and artifacts of African Americans, complemented by a series of talks and community events.
Bill Reed, vice president of the organization, highlighted the museum’s efforts to secure additional funding to bring the project to fruition.
“African American history is American history,” Reed said.
Years ago, Boone Farm offered stable employment to Black Americans during the Great Migration and has since been recognized for its historical value. The farm ceased operations mid-20th century but not before leaving a legacy that includes buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Among these is the Godfrey-Kirk House, originally built for artisans and later converted into a farmstead.
