DLFF is a proud supporter of the African American Museum of Bucks County (AAMBC). The AAMBC works diligently and tirelessly to honor the rich legacy of the African American experience, inspiring pride in African American heritage, while sharing the untold stories about the journey of African American people. The AAMBC programs and exhibits explore the history and heritage of the diverse cultures of Bucks County and beyond.
The AAMBC was founded on a dream in 2014, by a small group of dedicated volunteers, and continues to operate as a mobile museum with mainly an all-volunteer organization, offering pop-up exhibits to schools around the Bucks County area, as well as their widely popular Underground Railroad Tours.
“The AAMBC has been an all-volunteer organization for most of its 10-year history. With help from only a couple of outside consultants, the AAMBC has produced over 75 programs, exhibits and events, including school visits, corporate events, virtual events, festivals and much more. The consultants at DLFF provide vital services to the AAMBC that does not presently have the resources to fund itself,” says Executive Director and President of the AAMBC, Linda Salley.
The museum is coming up on an exciting year as they begin to celebrate their 10th year of operation as a mobile museum in Bucks County. It is also marking a major milestone as the board members of the AAMBC came together to break ground on their future home at Boone Farm, located in Langhorne. Built in 1716, the Boone Farm property has a rich history that spans three centuries and has historical ties to the Great Migration, making it eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
The Bucks County Commissioners recently leased Boone Farm to the African American Museum of Bucks County for $1.00 a year for 30 years. Renovations to the outside of the building have begun with help from the county, while the museum continues to fundraise for renovations to the inside of the building.
As part of their fundraising efforts, the AAMBC recently hosted a Valentine's themed concert and fundraiser on February 9. DLFF team members Sue and Sal DiLisio, Pam Lynch and Erynn Lynch attended on behalf of the foundation. The event gave tribute to R&B musician, Luther Vandross and also offered a special guest appearance by Kim Sledge of Sister Sledge.
Salley, says “[DLFF’s] attendance at our major events this year, and DLFF support through press coverage and an aggressive social media campaign, has helped the museum build awareness in the Greater Bucks community. This is an integral step in gaining funding for the Museum’s Capital Campaign,” Salley continues “The incredible staff at DLFF, specifically Pam, Erynn and Jim Downey, have made a tremendous impact on the AAMBC’s success and its ability to unleash its potential in the community.”
The AAMBC has done remarkable work in its efforts to share the untold stories and hidden figures behind Bucks County’s rich history. The history of Black and white abolitionists collaborative efforts, beginning in the early 1800s, the pivotal role of Bucks County in the Underground Railroad, Black soldiers in the military, and other contributions in culture and history, up to the present day, inspire pride and inclusiveness in the Bucks County community.
The AAMBC hopes to open the doors to the public in its new and permanent home at Boone Farm in 2025 and continue to share the wealth of history in Bucks County. The AAMBC also hopes the partnership with DLFF will continue in the future. “Our missions are so well aligned. We would not have been able to accomplish what we have this past year without their expertise and help,” says Salley.
For more information on how you can support the AAMBC and make their dream at Boone Farm a reality, visit their website https://www.aamuseumbucks.org/bod-capital-campaign
