PIKE: Amid federal government upheaval, NPA announces new officers

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By BETH ZUMWALT

Despite the threat of dwindling federal funds for national parks, the New Philadelphia Association is going forward with plans for the historic site in Hadley Township in Pike County.

The New Philadelphia Association is pleased to announce the election of its new officers, and the adoption of a new board structure marking a significant milestone in the organization’s ongoing mission to support and promote the legacy of  the town of New Philadelphia, near Barry as the first town in the United States planned and legally registered by an African American, Free Frank McWorter, in 1836.

New Philadelphia became a unit of the National Park Service (NPS) as the New Philadelphia National Historic Site in December of 2022.

Following a 4 ½ month transition planning process,  the NPA elected its four officers at its board meeting Feb. 18, and adopted a new board structure with new bylaws, an executive committee and a larger, national board of directors.

The larger national board will meeting only a few times  a year, while the executive committee will meet monthly or has needed.

“The executive committee will appoint committees and then oversee those committees,” Kay Iftner, newly elected president of the NPA, said. “ “The executive committee will consist of 10 members and will oversee the day-to-day operations.”

Iftner, a NPA board member since 2009,  brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role. At the New Philadelphia Association, she has served as PR and communications chair and managed the Likes Lecture Series for the past few years. She succeeds Gerald McWorter who has been acting as interim president since October 2024 upon the retirement of Phil Bradshaw who served for 28 years as the founding president.

Joining Iftner in leading the NPA are newly elected officers: vice president: Gerald McWorter, the great-great-grandson of Frank and Lucy McWorter, an emeritus professor at the University of Illinois, and a longtime advocate for the recognition of New Philadelphia’s historical significance.Treasurer: Becky Winner, who has been instrumental in managing the organization’s finances, continues in her role to ensure the NPA’s fiscal health. Winner is a retired teacher, librarian, and author and lives in Pittsfield. Secretary: Kate Williams-McWorter, a retired professor in Information Sciences from the University of Illinois will take on the role of secretary, bringing expertise and passion to the organization’s mission.  Carol McCartney will continue in an advisory role.

The newly elected officers are committed to advancing the NPA’s mission in collaboration with the National Park Service and implementing the new board structure and direction.  The newly created executive committee will assemble soon and help with the organization of the larger national board. 

Iftner said she is not concerned about recent proposed  cut-backs to the National Park Service.

“It’s hard to predict. It changes daily,” Iftner said. “I haven’t heard that our situation will change. I thing we are fine. We share a park ranger and a superintendent with the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument. I haven’t heard that either is being affected by the proposed changes.

As the NPA transitions under new leadership, the organization remains steadfast in its dedication to honoring the legacy of Free Frank McWorter and the historical significance of New Philadelphia. The NPA invites members of the community and supporters nationwide to join in its efforts to preserve this vital piece of American history.

For more information about the New Philadelphia Association and upcoming initiatives, please visit newphiladelphiail.org.