Our History
Our Mission and Vision
The mission of the African American Historical and Cultural Society of Bucks County is to research, document, and educate others on the rich and remarkable history of African Americans in Bucks County. Our vision is to generate greater interest in that history and become a valuable resource for exploring this diasporic legacy — building organizational capacity while forging lasting partnerships and collaborations within our community.
Uncovering Our Roots in Bucks County
For more than three decades the African American Historical and Cultural Society of Bucks County has been dedicated to researching and preserving the untold stories of African Americans who shaped our local communities.
Our research has uncovered remarkable histories — from Whitehall, a home for orphaned children of Black Civil War soldiers, to the Underground Railroad routes that passed through Bristol. We have traced the lives of residents who went on to graduate from Hampton University, documented land ownership and business history, explored connections to the Delaware Canal, and honored the cultural and military sacrifices of determined people of color who left their marks throughout Bucks County
Our Journey Through Time
The primary objective has been to research, share and document historical information that declares African American participation in respective Bucks County communities.
The additional and specific goal was to erect a Cultural Monument dedicated to African American participation in Bucks County at Lion's Park on the Delaware River in Bristol. Our current objective is to establish a Cultural Diversity Center.Â
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One of the hallmarks of our organization is the completion of the Harriet Ross Tubman Monument dedicated in 2006. This monument stands six feet, five inches tall, without an approximately four-foot pedestal and points northward. The monument stands as a grand sculpture along the banks of the Delaware River, in scenic Bristol Borough’s Lions Park. The anchor and significance of this product is the artist’s James Gafgen’s magnificent bronze sculpting.
In Loving Memory of Louise Davis
Charter Member & Founding Visionary
Louise Davis, a native of Bristol, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, was a cherished Charter Member of the African American Historical and Cultural Society of Bucks County whose passion and dedication helped shape the foundation of our organization.
A woman of extraordinary talent and intellect, Louise held a BA in Education, BFA, and MFA from Tyler School of Art, Temple University. Her deep commitment to education, the arts, and history drove her lifelong mission to preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of African Americans in Bucks County.
Louise was a tireless advocate for collecting books, artifacts, articles, genealogies, and performances that reflect our cultural legacy. She worked passionately alongside AAHCSBC with a vision of establishing a regional library, museum, and meeting place in Lower Bucks County — a space that would foster a sense of continuity and connection within and between all ethnicities.
Her vision, her spirit, and her contributions to our community will forever be woven into the fabric of this organization. We are deeply grateful for her dedication and the lasting impact she leaves behind.
Forever in our hearts.
Meet Our Board of Directors
President Deal Wright became a charter member of the African American Historical and Cultural Society of Bucks County and was elected the organization’s first president in 1992. As the current [2019] president, he initiates and participates in many of the research projects. He continues to research the history of the building known as White Hall, which in 1870 became an orphanage for children of Colored Civil War soldiers located in Croydon, Pennsylvania. An active participant in the initiation and completion in 2006 of the waterfront Harriet Ross Tubman Monument in Lion’s Park in Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania.Â
Board Member Juanita Tiggett-Slaton is a Sr. Program Planner for Lockheed Martin Corporation. She currently serves as board president for No Longer Bound (NLB) and board president for Neighborhood First Program Inc. (NFP Inc.) and serves on the board of the African American Historical Cultural Society of Bucks County (AAHCSBC). Previously, she served on the board of the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission, the Bucks County NAACP, and her community organization, the Bloomsdale Fleetwing Improvement Committee. She is a long-time resident of Bristol Township in Lower Bucks County with her husband Carl.
Denise McClease is a lifelong Bucks County resident dedicated to community engagement, social justice, and empowerment. As a director for a local nonprofit organization, she supports initiatives that promote equity, opportunity, and dignity for individuals and families throughout the community. Her work has helped create collaborative and welcoming spaces that encourage education, advocacy, and community connection. She is passionate about preserving history, uplifting diverse voices, and supporting efforts that strengthen cultural awareness and understanding. Through her service and leadership, she remains committed to making a positive impact within the Bucks County community.Â
Be Part of Our Continuing Story
Our history is still being written. Join us as we continue to research,
preserve, and celebrate the rich African American heritage of Bucks County.