Pat Mervine, local author, historian and member of Middletown Friends Meeting will speak at the Solebury Friends Meetinghouse, 2680 Sugan Road, New Hope, PA on Sunday, February 23rd at 11:15 am about her newly published book, Slavery, Friends, and Freedom in Bucks County.
Co-written with Joseph Coleman, Slavery, Friends, and Freedom in Bucks County explores the African American journey in Southeastern Pennsylvania from the 1600s through the post-Civil War era. Stories of fifty freedom seekers, abolitionists, and participants in the Underground Railroad are told within the historical context in which they lived. The book includes tales of extraordinary courage, of daring escapes from slavery, kidnapping, and significant African American settlements which have long since disappeared.
Pat will relate stories about Quakers who fought for abolition and the people of both races who provided support for those on the run and will talk about the laws that protected the enslaved, then stripped free people of their rights. She will also share stories specifically related to the Solebury-New Hope region.
All of this and more make up the history of Bucks County, the ripple effects of which are still felt today. After Pat shares some of these stories she will provide an update on the construction of the African American Museum of Bucks County.
Pat’s book was written as a fundraiser, with 100% of proceeds from its sale going to the AAMBC Capital Campaign. She will have copies of the book available for purchase; cost is $30; cash or checks payable to “African American Museum of Bucks County” will be accepted.
All are welcome to join Solebury Friends for their meeting for worship from 10 to 11 am before Pat’s talk. Please join everyone for a potluck lunch immediately following. This event is free and open to the public; all are welcome!