Crispus Attucks Association

For Immediate Release

William C. Goodridge Reception

Contact: Mya Varno

717-848-3610 x248
Fax: 717 843 8966
mvarno@crispusattucks.org

York County prides itself on its very diverse history. A city, once a staple
within this young nation, is the birthplace of several well known heroes and even
more silent ones. Plans are underway to welcome an unsung hero back to York after
a 150 year absence.

On November 18th, 2015 the Crispus Attucks Association of York will hold a
reception in honor of the historic William C. Goodridge. The event, held at the York
Railroad Station, will begin promptly at 5:30 PM and is scheduled to conclude
at 7:30 PM. Parking will be available beside the train station. Tickets are available
for purchase on crispusattucks.org. All are welcome to enjoy an eventful night,
reliving the legacy of Goodridge.

William C. Goodridge was a very prominent businessman and leader

within the community. Born into slavery, he went on to amass great wealth, but he
risked it all to help enslaved people runaway through the Underground Railroad. His
home, properties, and even his rail cars were used to transport freedom seekers to
safety in the north, like Osborne Perry-Anderson a key figure in the Harper's Ferry
raid.

This event will be truly unique because you can engage with living history
on topics such as the politics of their time and even Yorks pivotal role in the
Underground Railroad. Kelly Summerford, who portrays the character of William

Goodridge throughout Pennsylvania, will bring this event to life. Other notable
historical figures attending the event will include Francis Harper and Olivia Hamilton
Smith, said development coordinator, Mya Varno.

Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a lively night of music and
discussions while learning about the prestigious history of our hometown hero. A
very exclusive exhibit, from a collector in California, featuring original photographs
of Goodridge will be on display during the reception. Hors doeuvres and beverages
will also be provided.

Our city is steeped in rich heritage where visitors already come to put
themselves in the footsteps of great American figures, from the Founding Fathers
and President Lincoln to generals of the Civil War, said Brent Burkey,
Communications Specialist with the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau and
member of the Public Relations and Fundraising Committee helping to steer the
Goodridge project. This center will be a welcomed expansion of our destinations
history assets highlighting unique aspects of our story, such as the courage and
fortitude of William Goodridge, especially as York prepares to mark 275 years since
its founding in 2016.

Proceeds from the event will provide the Crispus Attucks Association with funds
needed to renovate the home of Goodridge, on 123 East Philadelphia Street. Of the
18 sites associated with the Underground Railroad, by the Pennsylvania Historical
and Museum Commission, Goodridge's home is the only remaining structure owned
by a former slave who was instrumental in the Underground Railroad. The
Goodridge Freedom Center and Underground Railroad Museum, a historic landmark
within our city, is currently closed due to the ongoing renovations of the home.

We plan to celebrate opening the Goodridge Freedom Center during Crispus

Attucks' 85th anniversary.Our goal is to have this first phase of the Center open by
the spring of 2016. said Varno.

For more information on the event or the Goodridge Freedom Center, please feel
free to contact Mya Varno via phone at 717-848-3610 x248 or
email mvarno@crispusattucks.org. Visit thewebsite for additional information about
Crispus Attucks Association.

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