A Call to Courage and Community
Celebrating Johnson House Historic Site’s 258th anniversary · 2026 · Honoring Congressman Dwight Evans
As we prepare for Johnson House Historic Site’s 258th anniversary in 2026, the Johnson House Historic Site is proud to announce that Congressman Dwight Evans has accepted our invitation to be one of this year’s Distinguished Honorees.
The 2026 Conductor’s Ball will celebrate those who continue the legacy of the Underground Railroad — champions of freedom, justice, and civic renewal. Proceeds will support education, preservation, and the Center for Social Advocacy’s intergenerational programs.
Event Overview
The Conductor’s Ball is the Johnson House Historic Site’s signature fundraising gala, held just before Juneteenth. In 2026 we will gather to celebrate 258 years of courage, resistance, and community at Philadelphia’s only publicly accessible Underground Railroad station. Proceeds support education, preservation, and the work of the Center for Social Advocacy.
2026 Theme
A Call to Courage and Community
In a milestone year for Philadelphia and for Johnson House, the 2026 Conductor’s Ball will celebrate those who continue the legacy of the Underground Railroad — champions of freedom, justice, and civic renewal. We will uplift stories from our community, spotlight the Center for Social Advocacy, and invite guests to invest in the preservation of the house that preserves our history.
Honorees
Legacy of Leadership
Congressman Dwight Evans
Johnson House Historic Site is proud to announce that Congressman Dwight Evans has accepted our invitation to be one of this year’s Distinguished Honorees. His leadership on economic opportunity, neighborhood investment, and community-focused policy embodies the values of the Johnson family and the freedom seekers who passed through this house.
Beacon of Truth Award
Dr. Erica Armstrong-Dunbar
The Beacon of Truth Award recognizes individuals whose scholarship, leadership, and storytelling illuminate the struggle for justice and freedom. Honorees shine a light on hidden histories and enduring truths, connecting past and present while inspiring new generations to confront injustice with courage, clarity, and integrity. This award celebrates those who make history visible and truth undeniable.
Cultural Catalyzer Award
Rosalyn J. McPherson
The Cultural Catalyzer Award honors visionary leaders whose creativity, innovation, and commitment to community ignite cultural engagement and inspire collective progress. This award recognizes individuals who transform heritage into action—bridging history, education, and innovation to uplift voices, preserve legacy, and strengthen the cultural fabric across generations.
Why It Matters
Your Evening Supports Preservation
Every ticket, sponsorship, and auction bid helps Johnson House:
- Protect and restore our 1768 National Historic Landmark
- Expand archive and collections work (digitizing letters, preserving family documents, sharing abolitionist history)
- Grow intergenerational programming through the Center for Social Advocacy
- Prepare for major 2026 projects tied to Philadelphia’s 250th Commemorations
Event Details
Event Date & Time
Friday, June 12, 2026
Cocktail Hour: 6:00 PM
Dinner & Program: 7:00–8:30 PM
Dancing: 8:30–9:45 PM
Closing: 10:00 PM
Location
Germantown Cricket Club
Includes “Parking on site” and “Accessible entrance available”
Dress Code
Black-tie optional · Cultural formal welcome
Preliminary Evening Program Includes:
- Archival & community history display
- Honoree & Dwight Evans Legacy Award presentation
- Historic Preservation Call-to-Action
- Silent Auction
- Live jazz / dance band
Sponsorship & Host Committee
Partner With Us
The Ball’s success is driven by community leaders, businesses, foundations, and neighbors who serve on the Host Committee and as Event Sponsors. Sponsorships begin at $1,000 and include recognition on the website, in the program booklet, and at the event.
Sponsorship Tiers (short version):
- $25,000 – Legacy Sponsor (Presenting, 20 tickets, speaking role)
- $10,000 – Gold Sponsor (10 tickets, ½-page ad, recognition)
- $5,000 – Silver Sponsor (6 tickets, ¼-page ad)
- $2,500 – Bronze Sponsor (4 tickets, name listed)
- $1,000 – Community Partner / In-Kind Sponsor (2 tickets, name listed)
RSVP & Ticketing
Tickets
Ticketing will open Spring 2026. Join the interest list to be notified when table and individual tickets go live.