National Parks / New Philadelphia National Historic Site
New Philadelphia National Historic Site
National Historic Site — IL
To a casual observer, New Philadelphia looked like a typical Illinois pioneer town. But a closer look revealed a unique and racially diverse community. New Philadelphia was the first US town platted and registered by an African American. A formerly enslaved man, Free Frank McWorter, founded New Philadelphia in 1836 and purchased freedom for himself and 15 family members.
Current Alerts
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Source: National Park Service.
Upcoming Events
- Night Sky Program: Starry Skies and Freedom StoriesSat Aug 29 2026Join us at the Pittsfield City Lake Campground, in Pittsfield, Illinois! Use this address in your GPS: 3252 E, Pittsfield, IL 62363. Parking is available at the baseball fields just north of the campground entrance. You are welcome to walk to the soccer field in the campground, where the program will occur. You may also drop off and pick up passengers at the soccer field entrance. Public restrooms are available.
- Reading with a Ranger: Barry Public LibrarySat Sep 05 2026This program takes place at the Barry Public Library, about 4 miles west of New Philadelphia National Historic Site. If navigating by GPS, use this address: 880 Bainbridge Street, Barry, Illinois 62312. Enter the library through the main entrance. Rangers will be just inside the front door. Parking is available along Bainbridge Street, and across the street at Lafayette Park.
- Reading with a Ranger: Pittsfield Public LibrarySat Sep 05 2026This program takes place at the Pittsfield Public Library, about 14 miles southeast of New Philadelphia National Historic Site. If navigating by GPS, use this address: 205 North Memorial Street, Pittsfield, Illinois 62363. Free parking is available in front of the library. Enter the children's library on the basement floor using the accessible entrance on the right side of the building.