Former David Library Property To Become Public Green Space

UPPER MAKEFIELD, PA — The Heritage Conservancy and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has purchased an 118-acre Upper Makefield farm that had previously been home to the David Library of the American Revolution.

The agreement will make the riverfront property available to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as part of the Delaware Canal State Park with public accessibility.

The David Library of the American Revolution closed its Washington Crossing campus at the end of last year after entering into a partnership agreement with the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia to create the David Center for the American Revolution at the American Philosophical Society.

“The David Library’s institutional attachment to the Bucks County community that has used its resources, enjoyed its programs and supported its growth remains strong,” said James Linksz, President of the David Library Board of Trustees. “There was a desire to retain the Library’s role in the community somehow.”

The library, operating in that location since 1974, features "significant" historic resources from the 19th century, including a stone house that dates to the era of the canal opening, and a mid-19th century mansion owned by members of the Taylor family of Taylorsville.

A significant portion of the property, 52.53 acres, was already protected from development through the Bucks County Agricultural Land Preservation program.

Heritage Conservancy agreed to include the transfer of its 25-acre Sol & Rose Nature Center in the acquisition.

More information about the transfer can be found here.