WRIGHTSVILLE, PA — After 225 years, the historic Mifflin Farm in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania, will open its doors to the public, offering a unique opportunity to explore a documented Underground Railroad site and the site of a critical Civil War battle. State officials announced the opening on Thursday, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance during a Black History Month event hosted at the site.
Spanning 79 acres, Mifflin Farm is home to the Mifflin House, a known stop on the Underground Railroad in the 19th century. The site also played a pivotal role during the Civil War’s 1863 Gettysburg Campaign. The property, now under the oversight of the Susquehanna National Heritage Area, is scheduled to open for tours this spring. Plans are underway to develop a heritage park and discovery center within the next decade, ensuring broader public education and engagement with its history.
“This site is integral in telling the story of Pennsylvania and its fight to end slavery,” stated Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “It connects us to the struggles and bravery of those who risked everything for freedom and those who stood for justice during difficult times.”
An investment of $2.1 million in state grant funds, alongside support from organizations such as the National Park Service, The Conservation Fund, regional groups in York County, and private donors, has been integral to the farm’s restoration and development. Future projects on the property include walking trails to interpret its role in the Underground Railroad, exhibitions on the Civil War battle fought in Wrightsville, and a museum featuring notable Susquehanna River art that illuminates the region’s cultural and environmental history.
The Susquehanna National Heritage Area, led by President and CEO Mark Platts, is also spearheading the creation of an Underground Railroad Work Group. This workgroup, comprising local historians and community members, will curate a comprehensive visitor experience focused on Mifflin Farm’s historical significance as a safe haven for escaping freedom seekers between the early 1800s and 1840s.
“The Mifflin House is a beacon of cultural importance for this community and a broader touchstone within our nation’s history,” Platts remarked. “We are eager to welcome visitors, allowing them to connect with the stories of the Underground Railroad and Pennsylvania’s rich heritage.”
The project’s full vision, including additional cultural features, is slated to be completed within ten years. Once fully operational, Mifflin Farm will serve as a lasting tribute to Pennsylvania’s role in civil rights and wartime history, a vital resource for educators, students, and the public alike.
With its opening, the property stands poised to be a key educational destination, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs that shaped both the Commonwealth and the nation. The Mifflin Farm project represents a commitment to preserving history while inspiring future generations.
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