Fallsington Friends Meeting is proud to announce a special book talk event featuring authors Pat Mervine and Joe Coleman on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at the meetinghouse, 9300 New Falls Road in Fallsington. The presentation, centered around their compelling new book, “Slavery, Friends, and Freedom in Bucks County,” is free to attend. Attendees will enjoy pizza and salad from 6:00 to 6:30 pm, followed by an engaging talk and Q&A session.

In their groundbreaking book, Mervine and Coleman reveal untold stories of courage and resistance linked to Bucks County’s role in the Underground Railroad. Their research uncovers daring escapes, bold challenges to the Fugitive Slave Act, and connections to a pivotal Supreme Court case that captured national attention. These stories illuminate a powerful era when slavery and bounty-hunting were legal, yet communities of both races stood united to transform Bucks County into a refuge and Pennsylvania into a free state.

“This book honors the bravery and resilience of African Americans who took tremendous risks in their quest for freedom and spotlights the Bucks County Quakers and free African Americans who were involved in the fight to end slavery,” said Pat Mervine.  Copies of Slavery, Friends, and Freedom in Bucks County will be available for purchase at the event for $30, with all proceeds supporting the African American Museum of Bucks County’s Capital Campaign.

History does, indeed, repeat…or at least produces recognizable echoes. The presentation on September 12 will highlight many similarities between the past and the present, as illustrated by laws in the 1800s and policies today, and by a story from the Underground Railroad that is full of surprises.

Fallsington Friends Meeting invites history enthusiasts and community members alike to join this meaningful evening of learning and reflection. This event not only celebrates local heritage but also supports an important cultural institution dedicated to preserving African American history in the region.