New Philadelphia Association Completes Strategic Planning Retreat

The New Philadelphia Association (NPA) recently concluded a Planning Retreat, held from August 21-23, 2024, at Sprague’s Kinderhook Lodge near Barry, Illinois. This retreat marks a significant milestone in the NPA’s 28-year history of developing, maintaining, and promoting the New Philadelphia site, the first town in the United States registered and platted by an African American, Frank McWorter, in 1836.

To chart a course for the future, the NPA organized a collaborative planning session that brought together current board members, NPS representatives, descendants of Frank McWorter, and participants from various organizations across the country. This diverse group, with expertise in history, community development, and education, worked together to shape the future direction of the organization.

Facilitated by representatives from the University of Illinois Extension Service, the retreat was an uplifting and positive experience. A written report summarizing the outcomes of the session will be presented to the NPA board in the coming weeks, and these findings will guide the establishment of leadership and goals for the new organization at its annual meeting in October.

Below are links to media coverage from the retreat.

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