Board proclaims Black History Month; African American Museum of Bucks County outlines plan for permanent site

The Board of Supervisors proclaimed February 2023 as Black History Month and invited representatives of the African American Museum of Bucks County to present the museums history and plans for a permanent site in Middletown Township.

Chair read the proclamation recognizing the contributions of African Americans and highlighting the museums role as Bucks Countys archive for African American history. "We hereby proclaim February 2023 as Black History Month," the proclamation says.

Commissioner Marceglia introduced Linda Salley, the museums representative, who described the museums beginnings as a traveling exhibit starting in 2014 at the First Baptist Church of Langhorne and the grassroots fundraising and community organizing that led to publicly visible exhibits. "Today is that day," Salley said, urging ongoing support.

Museum vice president Bill Reed and adviser Greg Liles summarized the organizations volunteer needs and fundraising goal. "Our goal is to raise between $2,500,000 in the next 3 to 5 years, and we're well on our way," Liles said, noting planned outreach to corporate and political supporters.

Board members thanked the presenters and encouraged community donations; board staff noted the museum book is being sold at the township building and two donations were dropped off the day of the meeting.

Next steps: the board expressed support for the museums effort and encouraged continued outreach and donations while staff and the board acknowledged the museums growing presence in Middletown Township.