New Philadelphia Association Donates Additional 20 Acres to New Philadelphia National Historic Site
Land transfer supports the ongoing effort to preserve and carry forward the vision of Free Frank and Lucy McWorter
BARRY, Ill. — August 21, 2026 – As the New Philadelphia Association (NPA) prepares to welcome descendants, supporters, and community members to this year’s Free Frank Freedom Day celebration at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, the organization is announcing the donation of nearly 20 additional acres of historically significant land to the National Park Service for inclusion in the New Philadelphia National Historic Site.
The transfer builds on previous land donations and represents another important step in preserving the community established by Free Frank and Lucy McWorter. By placing these additional acres into National Park Service stewardship, NPA is helping ensure that New Philadelphia’s history, landscape, and legacy are preserved for future generations.
For decades, the New Philadelphia Association, descendants, community members, scholars, preservationists, volunteers, donors, and partners have worked together to protect and promote the historic townsite. This latest donation continues that shared commitment and expands the land and resources under National Park Service stewardship.
“This donation is about more than transferring property,” said Kaye Iftner, President of the New Philadelphia Association. “It is another step in preserving the place that Free Frank and Lucy McWorter worked so hard to create. Their vision of opportunity, community, and freedom continues to inspire people nearly two centuries later, and we are proud to help ensure that story remains available for future generations.”
The donated property includes the site’s visitor information kiosk, interpretive exhibits, accessible parking areas, and other cultural resources that were previously maintained by NPA.
The transfer also reflects the continued partnership between the New Philadelphia Association and the National Park Service as efforts continue to preserve, interpret, and share the history of New Philadelphia and its founders.
“This donation is an important step in protecting the resources and stories of New Philadelphia for visitors and the community,” said National Park Service Superintendent Chris Collins. “The New Philadelphia Association has been an invaluable partner in the development of the park.”
Located near Barry, Illinois, New Philadelphia was founded in 1835 by Free Frank McWorter, a formerly enslaved man who purchased his own freedom and the freedom of family members before establishing the town. New Philadelphia became the first town in the United States known to have been officially platted and registered by an African American and stands as a powerful example of entrepreneurship, determination, and the pursuit of opportunity.
The announcement comes ahead of NPA’s annual Free Frank Freedom Day celebration, which commemorates the anniversary of Free Frank McWorter’s purchase of his freedom and honors the legacy that he and Lucy McWorter built through determination, sacrifice, and vision. This year’s event will be held at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, Illinois, on Sunday, September 13, bringing together descendants, scholars, supporters, and community members to reflect on the McWorters’ impact and the continuing effort to preserve and share New Philadelphia’s history.
NPA invites the public to join this year’s Free Frank Freedom Day celebration and commemorate the historic achievement that made New Philadelphia possible. To reserve your seat, click here.
For the New Philadelphia Association, this donation marks another milestone in an ongoing mission. NPA will continue working with the National Park Service, descendants, educators, researchers, and community partners to support preservation, education, interpretation, research, and public engagement efforts connected to New Philadelphia.
“Every step we take to preserve New Philadelphia helps carry forward Frank and Lucy’s dream,” Iftner said. “As we gather to commemorate the day Free Frank secured his freedom, we are reminded that his story, and Lucy’s, continues to inspire new generations through their courage, perseverance, and commitment to creating opportunities for others.”
About the New Philadelphia Association
The New Philadelphia Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and interpreting the history and legacy of New Philadelphia and its founders, Free Frank and Lucy McWorter. Through preservation, education, research, and community engagement, NPA works to ensure that the story of New Philadelphia continues to inform and inspire future generations.
Media Contact
Kaye Iftner
President, New Philadelphia Association
newphiladelphiail@gmail.com
833-582-9622