After years of planning, the William C. Goodridge Freedom House & Underground Railroad Museum is coming closer to reality. Construction on the first floor and rear courtyard is underway – though more funds are needed to complete the construction on the first floor and expand the museum to the second floor.
Upon entering through the front door, visitors will be greeted with a period foyer and parlor, much like you’d expect with a house museum. While the foyer will be Victorian-era, the parlor will be Colonial Revival to reflect the home’s other notable resident, architect Reinhardt Dempwolf. In 1897, Dempwolf designed major renovations to the home. The front door, roof dormers, and many interior features are all Dempwolf additions.
Rear facade before and after, courtesy NuTec Design Associates, Inc.
A middle parlor will begin telling the story of the Underground Railroad in York County and the Goodridge family. As part of the interpretation, Crispus Attucks – developer of the museum – has at its disposal panels from the York County Heritage Trust’s “Underground Railroad in York County” exhibit as well as the Michigan Historical Society’s “Enterprising Images” exhibit about the Goodridge Brothers photography studio. Research materials may also be available.
The former dining room will become an interactive room, particularly for the school groups that visit the museum. Period music and replica items will be used to tell the story of the Underground Railroad, like how the Drinking Gourd song was used to guide runaway slaves toward freedom.
Next, visitors will enter the former kitchen, and literally stand surrounded by history while a multi-media presentation transports them back to the 1850s, the height of William Goodridge’s involvement on the Underground Railroad. They will also be able to see the root cellar where the escaped slaves were hidden. According to research by others, the Goodridge House is the only remaining Underground Railroad “station” house owned by an African-American in Pennsylvania.
The rear courtyard will enable outdoor activities for children and adults alike.
Living history will also be an important component of the Goodridge Freedom House, and the museum will jointly participate in Civil War / Victorian programs with the York County Heritage Trust.
If you are interested in contributing to or volunteering with the William C. Goodridge Freedom House & Underground Railroad Museum, contact Carol Kaufman at Crispus Attucks at 717-848-3610 x230.