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.
Honoree Highlight
2026 Distinguished Honoree
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.
(Option: add a pull-quote box or photo here.)
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 commemorations
Event Details
Event Date & Time
Friday, June 12, 2026
Cocktail Hour: 6:00 PM
Program & Dinner: 7:00–9:30 PM
Dancing & Closing: 9:30–11:00 PM
Location
Germantown Cricket Club
(Include “Parking on site” or “Accessible entrance available” if you want.)
Dress Code
Black-tie optional · Cultural formal welcome
Evening Program Includes:
- Archival & community history display
- Honoree & Dwight Evans Legacy Award presentation
- Historic Preservation Call-to-Action
- Silent & Live 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 – Freedom Sponsor (Presenting, 20 tickets, speaking role)
- $10,000 – Conductor Sponsor (10 tickets, ½-page ad, recognition)
- $5,000 – Lantern Sponsor (6 tickets, ¼-page ad)
- $2,500 – Station Sponsor (4 tickets, name listed)
- $1,000 – Heritage 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.