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44 PENNSYLVANIA Historical attractions linked to Pennsylvania's African-American heritage can be found in both small towns and big cities. Places like the Johnson House Historical Site in Philadelphia, the Kennett Underground Railroad Center in Kennett Square, the Blairsville Underground Railroad Museum in Blairsville and the Thaddeus Stevens-Lydia Hamilton Smith Historic Site in Lancaster highlight the state's role as a refuge for slaves seeking freedom. That story is brought to life through an Underground Railroad re-enactment called "Living the Experience," performed at Lancaster's Bethel AME Church. The pivotal Civil War battle is commemorated at Gettysburg National Military Park, while a key turning point in the American Revolution is remembered at Washington Crossing, the spot where George Washington famously crossed the Delaware River. PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia is the clear choice for your next meeting. With a state-of-the-art Convention Center located in the heart of the city (boasting the largest ballroom on the East Coast), plus world-class shopping, nightlife, culture, dining and thousands of hotel rooms all within a few blocks, there is nothing missing to make your next great meeting here. The second-largest city on the East Coast and fifth largest in the United States, Philadelphia is within 200 miles of 46 million people. It's the cradle of liberty, a city of medical firsts and the only UNESCO World Heritage City in the nation. It's home to James Beard Award-winning chefs, was named one of the most walkable cities in the nation and lies less than 2 hours from New York City and Washington, D.C. by Amtrak's Acela Express. When you hold a meeting, convention or trade show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, you are not just investing in a building or floor space, you are investing in an experience. Philadelphia's location in the center of the Northeast Corridor makes it easy and affordable for attendees to travel here. Situated in the heart of the city — both geographically and culturally – the Convention Center boasts famed landmarks within short walks of the facility. With over 1 million sq. ft. of sellable space and 80 meeting rooms, the Pennsylvania Convention Center combines historic preservation and archi- tectural innovation with state-of-the-art technology, making it one of the most adaptable, high-tech convention centers in the nation. And, its convenient Center City location means meeting here couldn't be easier. Philadelphia is home to numerous world-class museums with some of the most famous works of art in the world. Visit the renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art along Philadelphia's Museum Mile on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, with its col- lection of more than a half-million paintings, sculptures, artifacts and a collection of French Impressionist works. The African American Museum in Philadelphia collects and preserves art and artifacts and, through exhibitions and programs interprets the history and stories of African Americans. Planners can schedule conference related meetings with a special event such as the annual Odunde African American Festival (June), which is the largest African celebration on the east coast. Or attendees can take a trip during Wawa Welcome America! (June/July), Philly's week-long Fourth of July cele- bration, which just happens to be completely free. If music festivals are more your scene The Roots Picnic (June) is another possibility. RHODE ISLAND The Providence Black Repertory Company and a small museum at the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society turn the spotlight on the African-American history and Culture of the Ocean State. Providence also is home to the Meeting House of the First Baptist Church in America and the Culinary Archives & Museum at Johnson & Wales University. One of the city's favorite family attractions is the 430-acre Roger Williams Park, which encompasses the Carousel Village, the Museum of Natural History and Roger Williams Park Zoo. Rhode Island's more than 400 miles of shoreline includes several prime resorts ideal for a family reunion or incentive trip. One such retreat is Block Island, located 10 miles off the southern coast. Newport's Gilded Age mansions are among the state's top sightseeing attractions. The International Tennis Hall of Fame and the White Horse Tavern — the nation's oldest operating saloon in the United States — are also found in Newport. Pennsylvania Convention Center Rhode Island C.C., Providence photo credit: Paul Loftland/PHLCVB B M & T ••• November/December 2020 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com