General Meeting

In researching their new book, “Slavery, Friends, and Freedom in Bucks County,” authors Pat Mervine and Joe Coleman have uncovered dozens of untold stories about Bucks County people and places involved with the Underground Railroad. They have been able to link Bucks County to daring escapes, challenges to the Fugitive Slave Act, and even an infamous Supreme Court decision, all of which made national headlines. The stories they will share will take you back to the time when slavery and bounty-hunting were legal, and when people of both races found the courage, compassion, and conviction needed to make Bucks County a safe haven and Pennsylvania a free state. Their book, “Slavery, Friends, and Freedom in Bucks County,” will be available for purchase at this event; the full purchase price of $30 goes to the African American Museum of Bucks County’s Capital Campaign.

Patricia L. Mervine enjoyed a 30-year career as a speech/language pathologist and assistive technology consultant in Bucks County schools. For her second act, Pat has become immersed in researching local history. Her first book on local history, “Boone Farm: Its People and Place in Middletown History,” tells the stories of the twenty-one owners of the Boone Farm, a 1716 stone farmhouse on the banks of Core Creek. That property is soon to be the permanent home of the African American Museum of Bucks County. Both “Boone Farm” and “Slavery, Friends, and Freedom in Bucks County” are Pat’s gifts to the African American Museum of Bucks County, a project she believes in with whole heart and soul.

Joseph Coleman retired in 2019 after teaching United States history in high schools in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for a total of 35 years. He is now teaching history at The College of New Jersey. He serves as the archivist for the Hulmeville Historical Society and wrote “Hulmeville Borough A History at 150” to help celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the incorporation of Hulmeville. Joe was delighted when Pat invited him to help with this project and hopes to continue to support the work of the African American Museum of Bucks County.

This event is free for members. Non-members are also welcome to attend, and donations are always appreciated.