Great-great-grandson of New Philadelphia founders named president of association

October 23, 2024 | By Muddy River News

Gerald McWorter, new president of the New Philadelphia Association, presents outgoing president Phil Bradshaw with a plaque of appreciation for his 28 years of service to the association. | Photo courtesy of New Philadelphia Association

NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ill. — The New Philadelphia Association has a new president. Gerald McWorter will replace Phil Bradshaw, who is retiring after serving as the founding president for 28 years.

McWorter is the great-great-grandson of Frank and Lucy McWorter, the founders of New Philadelphia in 1836. McWorter is an emeritus professor at the University of Illinois and has served as the organization’s vice president for approximately 10 years. McWorter will lead the organization’s transition to its partnership with the National Park Service, which Congress voted into the National Park System in 2022.