On February 28th, The New Philadelphia Association and the National Park Service held a press event and signing celebration to begin the process of conveying cost-free, property owned by the New Philadelphia Association to the National Park Service.

Looking for Lincoln has announced the creation of a documentary short about New Philadelphia entitled; New Philadelphia Illinois: A Racially Diverse Community on the Illinois Frontier. Click here to read more.

Every June the Likes Lectures tell freedom stories that relate to New Philadelphia.  We will gather again this year to hear four stories every Tuesday in June at 7 p.m. In 2023, the dates are as follows; June 6, 13, 20, and 27th. The series began in 2004 as part of the archaeology NSF-REU field […]

Author Christine Ledbetter shares the story of Free Frank. Click here to read the article.

Just over a century after Free Frank founded the town of New Philadelphia, an act passed by the Senate and House, and signed by President Joe Biden, established the New Philadelphia National Historic Site as a unit of the National Park Service. Click here to read more.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Darin LaHood’s legislation to establish the New Philadelphia National Historical Park in Pike County, Illinois, as a unit of the National Park System. The bill passed by a unanimous vote. Click here to read the press release from the Congressman’s office.

The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom began a month-long social media takeover in honor of International Underground Railroad Month. The New Philadelphia Association participated on September 13th.  Take a look at our social activity below. Follow us on Facebook for more!

Every June our Likes Lectures tell freedom stories that relate to New Philadelphia.  We gather online again this year to hear four stories every Tuesday in June at 7 p.m. To attend, write to newphiladelphiail@gmail.com for the Zoom details. June 7: The New Philadelphia and Lincoln University Connection, Brigadier General Donald Scott, retired. The New Philadelphia and Lincoln University […]

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis toured the site of the first town in the U.S. platted and legally registered by an African American, Free Frank McWorter, with members of the New Philadelphia Association.  Click here to read the article from the Herald-Whig.

This Black History Month we’re responding to demand by offering two simple buttons here.  One to donate, another to order our book.  (If you’re in Pike County, send an email to jeffm@adams.net to pick one up.)  Thanks for your interest and support! 1. Make a donation 2. Buy a book for $25, we’ll ship to […]