National Park Service acquires property from New Philadelphia Association

BARRY, Ill. — The New Philadelphia Association signed over on May 7 the first tract of property at the townsite off County Road 2 to the National Park Service for inclusion into the New Philadelphia National Historic Site.

Since the park’s establishment in late 2022, National Park Service officials have been working with members of the New Philadelphia Association for the donation of this 25-acre parcel of land within the park boundary.

The National Park Service recently announced the appointment of the park’s first superintendent, Chris Collins, who began his new appointment in June. In a press release, Collins said, “I’m excited to see this progress, and I look forward to collaborating with our partners to build upon their outstanding preservation efforts.”

Located near Barry, New Philadelphia is the first town known to be officially registered an African American. Free Frank McWorter, once an enslaved man, bought his freedom and the freedom of 15 family members by mining and processing saltpeter, by hiring his time to other settlers and selling lots in New Philadelphia, the town he founded.

The park was established as the 424th unit of the National Park Service in December 2022 to protect the resources and stories connected to the town’s history and to commemorate Free Frank’s legacy.