Johnson House Historic Site - Conductor’s Ball 2026
About this Event
A Call to Courage and Community
Join the Johnson House Historic Site for an unforgettable evening celebrating legacy, leadership, and resilience.
The Conductor’s Ball is our signature fundraising gala supporting the preservation of the Johnson House Historic Site — a National Historic Landmark built in 1768 and one of Pennsylvania’s most significant Underground Railroad sites.
This inspiring evening will bring together civic leaders, community partners, historians, and supporters who believe in preserving history while empowering the next generation.
Honorees
Congressman Dwight Evans
Legacy of Leadership Award
Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar
Beacon of Truth Award
Rosalyn J. McPherson
Heart of the Community Award
What to Expect
Guests will enjoy an elegant evening featuring:
• Cocktail reception
• Historic storytelling and multimedia presentation
• Honoree tributes
• Dinner and program
• Silent & live auction
• Live music and celebration
This year’s program will highlight 258 years of courage, connecting the Underground Railroad legacy of the Johnson House with the work of its Center for Social Advocacy and Community Impact.
Agenda
🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:45 PM
Guest Arrival, Check-In & Reception
Host: Johnson House Historic Site / Event Planning Committee
Info: Guests arrive to live jazz and curated hors d’oeuvres. Signature cocktails inspired by Resilience & Courage. Archival projections highlight Johnson House milestones and sponsor recognition. Guests bid on auction items supporting the 2026 Preservation & Education Fund.
🕑: 06:45 PM - 07:00 PM
Call to Dinner & Welcome Transition
Host: Johnson House Historic Site Leadership
Info: Lighting shift and musical cue guide guests to their tables.
Emcee introduces the evening theme:
“A Call to Courage and Community."
🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:15 PM
Opening Remarks, Invocation & Heritage Storytelling Segment
Host: Johnson House Historic Site Leadership
Info: Guests are invited to enjoy dinner while the evening transitions into the formal program. This portion of the event allows time for fellowship, reflection, and celebration of the Johnson House Historic Site’s mission and legacy. “258 Years of Courage”
A multimedia presentation connecting the Underground Railroad legacy to today’s Center for Social Advocacy and community impact.
🕑: 07:15 PM - 07:20 PM
Musical Performance I – Voices of Philadelphia
Info: Featured local artist or ensemble performs a musical tribute celebrating unity and perseverance.
🕑: 07:20 PM - 07:35 PM
Harriet Tubman Portrayal
Host: Millicent Sparks
Info: An immersive, first-person historical portrayal by acclaimed actress and historian Millicent Sparks, bringing Harriet Tubman’s voice, courage, and conviction vividly to life. Through powerful storytelling drawn from Tubman’s own words and documented history, this moving performance transports guests into the moral urgency and spiritual resilience of the Underground Railroad era.
This segment serves as the emotional and historical anchor of the evening, connecting Johnson House’s 258-year legacy of courage to our present-day call to preserve and protect that history for future generations.
🕑: 07:35 PM - 07:45 PM
Musical Performance II - Voices of Philadelphia / Interlude
Info: Uplifting ensemble performance to re-energize the room. Visual montage of sponsor highlights and community partners displayed.
🕑: 07:45 PM - 08:20 PM
Honoree Recognition
Host: Johnson House Historic Site Leadership / Honoree Present
Info: A formal recognition of this year’s honorees for their leadership, service, and continued commitment to history, preservation, civic engagement, and community impact. This segment celebrates individuals whose work reflects the enduring values and legacy of the Johnson House Historic Site.
🕑: 08:20 PM - 08:30 PM
Fundraising Moment – “Preserve the Legacy”
Host: Johnson House Historic Site Docents / Program Narrator
Info: Live appeal and pledge moment led by the Emcee, supported by board members and Host Committee. Funds directly support preservation projects and youth engagement programs.
🕑: 08:50 PM - 09:00 PM
Closing Call to Action & Farewell Toast
Host: Event MC
Info: Executive Director offers final reflection — “A Call to Courage and Community” — inviting continued partnership through the 2026 Campaign. Group toast concludes the evening. Optional dance interlude as guests exit or linger.
🕑: 09:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Celebration & Dancing
Info: Live band / DJ. Continued silent auction pickup and guest engagement.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 25000.00
