Benjamin Franklin To Visit Pottsgrove Manor

Pottstown, PA – Come to Pottsgrove Manor on Saturday, June 8, 2013 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm for a visit with one of John Potts’ friends at the program “An Evening with Dr. Franklin.”

In 1742, Benjamin Franklin and Robert Grace (who would later become John Potts’ brother-in-law) cast the first Franklin stove at Warwick Furnace in Chester County. In this program, get a chance to meet Dr. Franklin, as portrayed by Bill Ochester, and learn about his invention, the “Pennsylvania Fireplace.” Mr. Ochester has been portraying Benjamin Franklin for over a decade, appearing at venues all over the country, including Valley Forge National Historical Park, Old City Philadelphia, the National Constitution Center, and the National Fourth of July Parade in Washington, DC.

After his formal presentation, visitors can chat with Dr. Franklin, enjoy colonial-style refreshments, and tour the first floor of the Potts’ mansion. There is a $2.00 per person suggested donation for the program, which is recommended for children ages 10 and up.

This program is being held in conjunction with Pottsgrove Manor’s current exhibit, “Forging a Lifestyle: Ironworking with the Potts Family.”  The exhibit can be viewed during a guided tour of Pottsgrove Manor during regular museum hours Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm, and Sunday, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Tours are given on the hour. The last tour of the day begins at 3:00pm. The site is closed Mondays and major holidays. Groups of ten or more should preregister by calling (610) 326-4014.

Pottsgrove Manor, home of John Potts, colonial ironmaster and founder of Pottstown, is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department. For more information and a full calendar of events, please visit the website web at www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor. Like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PottsgroveManor

New Iron Exhibit Opens At Pottsgrove Manor With A Lecture By Dan Graham

Pottstown, PA (January 17, 2013) – On Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 1:00pm, Pottsgrove Manor will open a new exhibit on Pennsylvania’s colonial iron industry with a lecture from historian Dan Graham.

In 1715, a Germantown blacksmith named Thomas Rutter built the first ironwork in the colony of Pennsylvania along the Manatawny Creek, setting the stage for the development of an ironworking empire in the region.  John Potts’ father, Thomas, entered into business with Rutter in 1725, and the next few generations of their families came to dominate the colonial iron industry through technical skill, business acumen, and profitable marriages.  In the exhibit “Forging a Lifestyle: Ironworking with the Potts Family,” the ins and outs of the early iron industry will be explored, from the physical work that was involved—mining, making charcoal, powering the forges and furnaces—to the business decisions that were made by those who owned and ran the ironworks, like the Potts, Rutter, Nutt, and Savage families.

The exhibit will kick off with Dan Graham’s lecture: “Colonial Pennsylvania Cast Iron Fire Backs, Stove Plates, and Warming Stoves, 1726-1760.”  Graham has done extensive research on the Potts and Rutter families and the early Pennsylvania iron industry.  His talk will focus on two of the products that came out of the early Pennsylvania iron furnaces, fire backs and stoves.  He will trace the development of stoves from the simple five-plate jamb stove to the elaborate ten-plate cooking stoves and the Franklin stove.  After the lecture, guided tours of the new iron exhibit will be offered.

The exhibit is open to all ages and can be viewed on a guided tour of Pottsgrove Manor during the museum’s regular hours between March 9, 2013 and November 3, 2013.  There is a suggested donation of $2 per person for the tour.

Pottsgrove Manor, home of John Potts, colonial ironmaster and founder of Pottstown, is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks and Heritage Services Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department.

Regular museum hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm and Sunday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.  Tours are given on the hour.  The last tour of the day begins as 3:00pm.  Groups of ten or more should pre-register by calling 610-326-4014.  For more information and a full calendar of events, please visit the website at: http://historicsites.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor or like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/PottsgroveManor.

Open-Hearth Cooking Demonstration At Pottsgrove Manor

Pottstown, PA (January 9, 2013) – On Saturday, February 16, 2013 from 11:00am to 3:00pm, visit Pottsgrove Manor and enjoy “Backcountry Cooking,” a demonstration of traditional open-hearth cooking.

While the wealthy Potts family could afford to eat fine dishes using imported ingredients, most colonists consumed much simpler fare. In this demonstration, see Pottsgrove Manor’s colonial cooks in action as they create dishes that would have been familiar to rural Americans in the eighteenth century.

Guests can visit with the cooks in the manor’s reconstructed colonial kitchen anytime during the program. Regular guided house tours will also be offered on the hour. There is a $2 per person suggested donation for this program.

Pottsgrove Manor, home of John Potts, colonial ironmaster and founder of Pottstown, is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks and Heritage Services Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department.

Regular museum hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm and Sunday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Tours are given on the hour. The last tour of the day begins as 3:00pm. Groups of 10 or more should pre-register by calling 610-326-4014. For more information and a full calendar of events, please visit the website at http://historicsites.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor or like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PottsgroveManor.

Abundance Of Attractions Makes Lancaster County Marketable

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lancaster County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Lancaster County, Kathleen Frankford contends, is no one-trick pony.

“It’s probably the most diverse destination in the country,” she said.

Sure, it is known for its Amish and the outlet shopping that attracts people by the busload.  But, there is also live entertainment, dining and lodging.

And, “within each of those categories, you have such a wide range of offerings,” Frankford said.

Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/807662_Abundance-of-attractions-makes-Lancaster-County-marketable.html#ixzz2JEbUTqMC

LancasterHistory.Org Is Set To Move Its Expanded Lancaster County Collection Into Its New $8.6 Million Building

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lancaster County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“Lancaster County‘s attic” has a new home.

That includes the ostrich egg from the Colonial-era Juliana library, the Oscar statuette awarded to RCA for making the first color picture tube, leather buckets from Lancaster’s Union Fire Company No. 1 and donated pewter, handmade cradles and racks of paintings.

Those items, 2,750 in all from the Heritage Center collection, have formally joined the 15,000 artifacts from LancasterHistory.org in a newly renovated and expanded facility.

The $8.6 million “Campus of History,” at Marietta and President avenues in Lancaster Township, will open to the public Feb. 1.

Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/797224_LancasterHistory-org-is-set-to-move-its-expanded-Lancaster-County-collection-into-its-new–8-6-million-building.html#ixzz2GMWo3rqN

Pottsgrove Manor By Candlelight – December 9th‏

Pottstown, PA – Revel in the spirit of the season at historic Pottsgrove Manor with the annual “Pottsgrove Manor by Candlelight” open-house on Sunday, December 9 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The public is invited to take a self-guided tour of the 1752 manor house, where costumed interpreters will portray the colonial residents of Pottsgrove Manor. As visitors make their way through the house, they will hear the strains of music played on historical instruments, see English country dancing, catch a whiff of the delicious smells in the kitchen as historical cook, Deborah Peterson, prepares a colonial feast, play traditional tavern games, and enjoy the beauty of the mansion lit by candlelight and bedecked with greenery.

After touring the house, guests will want to visit Pottsgrove Manor’s museum shop for unique, historically-oriented gifts like locally-made redware pottery and ornaments, reproduction glassware, handcrafted candles and soaps, books, toys, games, and more.

Next door to the mansion in the Miller’s House, young visitors can make free colonial crafts to take home, and complimentary seasonal refreshments of hot spiced cider and cookies will be served. Outside in the manor’s courtyard, visitors will be able to warm themselves by a bonfire (weather permitting) and enjoy historic carols sung by the Colonial Revelers singing group between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

A donation of $2 per person is suggested for this event. Visitors are asked to park at the Carousel at Pottstown building, 30 West King Street; a shuttle will transport visitors to and from Pottsgrove Manor throughout the event. Handicapped parking is available in the museum’s parking lot.

Can’t make it to the open house? Visitors can enjoy the spirit of the season at Pottsgrove Manor now through January 6, 2013 with a guided tour of the mansion, decorated for the holidays. Tours are offered during regular museum hours, and the museum shop will also be open for holiday shopping. Regular museum hours are: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tours are given on the hour. The last tour of the day begins as 3:00 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should pre-register by calling (610) 326-4014. The museum is closed Mondays, as well as Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Pottsgrove Manor, home of John Potts, colonial ironmaster and founder of Pottstown, is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Pottsgrove Manor is operated by MontgomeryCounty under the direction of the Parks and Heritage Services Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department. For more information and a full calendar of events, visit the website at http://historicsites.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor or follow Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PottsgroveManor.

“Twelfth Night Tours” At Pottsgrove Manor

Pottstown, PA– Visit Pottsgrove Manor between Friday, November 23, 2012 and Sunday, January 6, 2013, for a glimpse of colonial life during the holiday season.

With the historic site’s annual “Twelfth Night Tours,” visitors of all ages can enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful 1752 Georgian manor house, decorated with greenery for Yuletide.  Along the way, guests will learn about traditional English celebrations of Twelfth Night and how they differed from modern Christmas celebrations.

The tours are offered during regular museum hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The museum is closed Mondays, as well as Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.  Tours are given on the hour; the last tour of the day begins at 3:00 p.m.  A donation of $2 per person is suggested for the tour.  Groups of 10 or more should pre-register by calling (610) 326-4014.

Visitors will also want to stop into Pottsgrove Manor’s museum shop for unique, historically-oriented gifts like locally-made redware pottery and ornaments, reproduction glassware, handcrafted candles and soaps, books, toys, games, and more.  The museum shop is open during regular museum hours.

Pottsgrove Manor, home of John Potts, colonial ironmaster and founder of Pottstown, is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks and Heritage Services Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department.  For more information and a full calendar of events, visit the website at http://historicsites.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor or follow Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/PottsgroveManor.

Women’s History Lecture At Pottsgrove Manor

Pottstown, Pennsylvania — On Saturday, November 3rd at 1:00 p.m., Pottsgrove Manor will host a talk by historian Nancy Webster, titled “Women’s Woes: Childbirth, Life Stages, and Challenges to Female Health in Colonial America.”

Ruth Potts, the lady of the house at colonial Pottsgrove Manor, managed to birth thirteen children and outlive her husband by almost two decades, but not all colonial women were so fortunate.  In the lecture, Webster will speak about the difficulties faced by women in 18th-century America.  A donation of $2 per person is suggested for this program.

This lecture is being held in conjunction with the museum’s current exhibit, “Matters Personal, Details Private: Cleanliness, Hygiene, and Personal Pursuits in the Colonial Home.”  After the presentation, a guided tour of the manor house and the exhibit will be offered.  This will be one of the last opportunities for the public to tour the “Matters Personal, Details Private” exhibit before it ends on November 4th.

Pottsgrove Manor, home of John Potts, colonial ironmaster and founder of Pottstown, is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Pottsgrove Manor is operated by MontgomeryCounty under the direction of the  of the Assets & Infrastructure Department.

Regular museum hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. & Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.  Tours are given on the hour; last tour of the day begins as 3:00 p.m.  Groups of 10 or more should pre-register by calling 610.326.4014.  For more information and a full calendar of events, visit us on the web at http://historicsites.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor or http://www.facebook.com/PottsgroveManor.

Historical Lecture At Pottsgrove Manor

Pottstown, Pennsylvania — On Saturday, October 20th at 1:00 p.m., Pottsgrove Manor will host a talk by Potts’ family historian Daniel A. Graham.

In the lecture “That Healthy and Handsome Country Seat: A Look at Potts Family Real Estate,” Graham will speak about some of the other properties that were built and owned by members of the Potts family in addition to Pottsgrove Manor, including the house that would become Washington’s Headquarters at Valley Forge.  A donation of $2 per person is suggested for this program.

After the presentation, a guided tour of the manor house and Pottsgrove Manor’s current exhibit, “Matters Personal, Details Private: Cleanliness, Hygiene, and Personal Pursuits in the Colonial Home,” will be offered.

Pottsgrove Manor, home of John Potts, colonial ironmaster and founder of Pottstown, is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks and Heritage Services Division of the Assets & Infrastructure Department.

Regular museum hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. & Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.  Tours are given on the hour; last tour of the day begins as 3:00 p.m.  Groups of 10 or more should pre-register by calling (610) 326.4014.  For more information and a full calendar of events, visit us on the web at http://historicsites.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor or http://www.facebook.com/PottsgroveManor.

Homeschool Day At Pottsgrove Manor

Pottstown, PA – On Friday, October 5, from 10:00am to 2:00 pm, bring homeschoolers out to historic Pottsgrove Manor for a fun-filled and educational field trip that will let them explore the skills, trades, and pastimes of the 18^th century.

Around the grounds, children will be able to participate in hands-on activities led by Pottsgrove Manor’s staff and volunteers, including candle-dipping, quill pen writing, historic toys and games, laundry, and colonial dress-up.  Guests will get to visit with farm animals like sheep and rabbits and learn how their hair would be spun into yarn.  Participants will also see demonstrations of 18^th-century crafts, open-hearth cooking, and food preservation.  The first floor of the Pottsgrove Manor mansion will be open for self-guided tours, with volunteers stationed in the rooms to share the house’s history and answer questions.  The museum shop will be open for the purchase of books, games, souvenirs, and more.

This program is ideal for elementary-aged students and is open to individual homeschool families, homeschool groups, and small school and church groups.  The cost is $5 per child.  Call 610-326-4014 to pre-register or for more information.  Activities will be ongoing throughout the day; allow at least two hours for the visit.  As most activities will be outdoors, this program will be held weather-permitting.  Limited parking and handicapped spots are available in the Pottsgrove Manor parking lot.  Visitors may also park directly across on King Street in the Quality Inn parking lot.

Pottsgrove Manor, home of John Potts, colonial ironmaster and founder of Pottstown, is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.  Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks and Heritage Services Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department.

Regular museum hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00am to 4:00 pm and Sunday, 1:00pm to 4:00pm.  Tours are given on the hour.  The last tour of the day begins at 3:00pm.  Groups of 10 or more should pre-register by calling 610-326-4014.  For more information and a full calendar of events, visit the website at http://historicsites.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor.  Like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PottsgroveManor.

Homeschool Day At Pottsgrove Manor

Pottstown, PA (August 29, 2012) – On Friday, October 5, from 10:00am to 2:00 pm, bring homeschoolers out to historic Pottsgrove Manor for a fun-filled and educational field trip that will let them explore the skills, trades, and pastimes of the 18^th century.

Around the grounds, children will be able to participate in hands-on activities led by Pottsgrove Manor’s staff and volunteers, including candle-dipping, quill pen writing, historic toys and games, laundry, and colonial dress-up. Guests will get to visit with farm animals like sheep and rabbits and learn how their hair would be spun into yarn. Participants will also see demonstrations of 18^th-century crafts, open-hearth cooking, and food preservation.  The first floor of the Pottsgrove Manor mansion will be open for self-guided tours, with volunteers stationed in the rooms to share the house’s history and answer questions.  The museum shop will be open for the purchase of books, games, souvenirs, and more.

This program is ideal for elementary-aged students and is open to individual homeschool families, homeschool groups, and small school and church groups.  The cost is $5 per child.  Call 610-326-4014 to pre-register or for more information.  Activities will be ongoing throughout the day; allow at least two hours for the visit.  As most activities will be outdoors, this program will be held weather-permitting.  Limited parking and handicapped spots are available in the Pottsgrove Manor parking lot.  

Visitors may also park directly across on King Street in the Quality Inn parking lot.  Pottsgrove Manor, home of John Potts, colonial ironmaster and founder of Pottstown, is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.  Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks and Heritage Services Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department.

Regular museum hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00am to 4:00 pm and Sunday, 1:00pm to 4:00pm.  Tours are given on the hour.  The last tour of the day begins at 3:00pm. Groups of 10 or more should pre-register by calling 610-326-4014.  For more information and a full calendar of events, visit the website at http://historicsites.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor.

Like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PottsgroveManor.

“Living History Sundays” At Pottsgrove Manor

Pottstown, Pennsylvania — Come spend a casual summer Sunday afternoon at Pottsgrove Manor and enjoy the 18^th century surroundings as volunteers demonstrate colonial trades and pastimes.

On August 5, 12, 19, and 26, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Pottsgrove Manor’s living history volunteers, dressed in colonial period clothing, will be living life the colonial way.  Activities may include needlework, gunsmithing, butter churning, tape weaving, and more.  Visitors can watch, learn, and even join in!  Activities will vary from week to week, so call ahead or check the event listing on Pottsgrove Manor’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pottsgrovemanor to find out what will be offered that day.

A donation of $2 per person is suggested for this program.  Guests can also tour the museum’s current exhibit, “Matters Personal, Details Private:  Cleanliness, Hygiene, and Personal Pursuits in the Colonial Home” on their visit.

The exhibit can also be viewed during a guided tour of Pottsgrove Manor during regular museum hours now through November 4.  Regular museum hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Tours are given on the hour.  The last tour of the day begins at 3:00 p.m. The site is closed Mondays and major holidays.  Groups of then or more should pre-register by calling 610-326-4014.

Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.  Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks and Heritage Services Department.  For more information, call 610-326-4014, or visit us the website at http://historicsites.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor.

National Art Tour Comes to Pottstown

Pottstown, PA – The Gallery School of Pottstown and Gallery on High will be kicking-off a rebranding campaign this fall with an amazing art exhibit.  This show has been traveling throughout the south and was featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show in February 2011.  Threads of a Story: Continued will open September 7, 2012 at the Gallery.  Threads features the work of artist Charlotta Janssen, who was inspired by mug shots of famous–and non famous–people arrested during the civil rights movement in the 50s and 60s.

Threads evolved as a way to visually thank participants of the civil rights movement for their work and dedication that made the moment possible.  Janssen specifically honors Bus Boycotters from 1956 and Freedom Riders from 1961.  The artist’s goals are to transport the viewer back to this moment in time, to create a living history and bring awareness to a collective consciousness where segregation seemed normal and fighting it was a daunting task.  To realize these goals, Janssen re-imagines the mug shots of her subjects using oil, acrylic, rust and collage.  Mug shots are normally portraits of shame, but in those belonging to the Bus Boycotters and Freedom Riders, she sees their heroism, determination and courage.

The exhibit at the Gallery will feature eight brand new portraits in this incredible series, including new portraits of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks.  Also on display will be giclee prints of 15 of her portraits from the original series.  The show will open with a private reception on September 7.  The show will be open to the public from September 8 through October 20, 2012 during normal Gallery hours.  Educational field trips for local school and groups can also be arranged.  Pieces from the original series can also seen beginning July 6 at the African American Museum in Philadelphia.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this show.  Interested businesses should email info@galleryonhigh.com or call 610-326-2506 for more information.

Charlotta Janssen was born in Maine to German parents living in America under the Marshall plan.  In 1973, her family moved to Iran, which they fled during the revolution in 1979.  Janssen studied painting at the University of Arts in Berlin from 1986-1989, dropping out to travel the world as a street musician and performance artist.  To make sense of all of these experiences, she returned to painting in 1991 with a clear voice that was no longer searching but finding.  She
currently lives and paints augmented portraiture in Brooklyn, NY.

The Gallery School of Pottstown is a 501c3 non-profit community art school and gallery.  The School offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages.  The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence.  The Gallery on High hosts rotating shows featuring local artists.  The Gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.  The Gallery on High is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am-4:30pm and
Saturday 10am-3pm.  The Gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

Program At Pottsgrove Manor: “For Preserving The Health Of Soldiers”

Pottstown, PA (May 18, 2012) — Between 11:00am and 3:00pm on Saturday, July 7 at historic Pottsgrove Manor, visitors will be able to step into the revolutionary past with the living history program, “For Preserving the Health of Soldiers.”

The British were not the only enemy the Continental Army was fighting in the Revolutionary War.  A constant battle had to be waged against infection and disease in the military camps.  In this program, visitors will learn about camp life and the rules and regulations that were intended to keep soldiers healthy.  Re-enactors Ed and Wendy Moyer will present information about health, hygiene, and medical practices during the war, with a display of reproduction items used for such purposes.  Other re-enactors, portraying soldiers in the Continental Army, will be on hand to display their gear and show how soldiers dealt with life in the field. 

A donation of $2 per person is suggested for this program.  This program is being held in conjunction with Pottsgrove Manor’s current exhibit, “Matters Personal, Details Private: Cleanliness, Hygiene, and Personal Pursuits in the Colonial Home.”  Guided tours of the exhibit will be offered on the hour during the program.

The exhibit can also be viewed during a guided tour of Pottsgrove Manor during regular museum hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Tours are given on the hour.  The last tour of the day begins at 3:00 p.m. The site is closed Mondays and major holidays.  Groups of 10 or more should pre-register by calling 610-326-4014. 

Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.  Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks and Heritage Services Department.  For more information, call 610-326-4014, or visit the website at http://historicsites.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor.

Colonial Textile Program At Pottsgrove Manor

Pottstown, PA – What people often throw out today would have been repaired, refreshed, or reused by their colonial counterparts. Visitors to historic Pottsgrove Manor on Saturday, June 9^th between 11:00am and 3:00pm can see how this was done.

The interactive program, “Cleaning & Mending, Repairing, Extending: The Non-Disposable 18^th- Century Textile,” will feature a variety of living history activities and demonstrations throughout the day. These will include colonial laundry, dyeing, sewing, mending, ironing, and more.

A donation of $2 per person is suggested for this program. This program is being held in conjunction with Pottsgrove Manor’s current exhibit, “Matters Personal, Details Private: Cleanliness, Hygiene, and Personal Pursuits in the Colonial Home.” Guided tours of the exhibit will be offered on the hour during the program.

The exhibit can also be viewed during a guided tour of Pottsgrove Manor during regular museum hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tours are given on the hour. The last tour of the day begins at 3:00 p.m. The site is closed Mondays and major holidays. Groups of ten or more should pre-register by calling 610-326-4014.

Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks and Heritage Services Department. For more information, call 610-326-4014, or visit the website at http://historicsites.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor.

“Come To The Fair!” – Annual Colonial May Fair At Pottsgrove Manor

Pottstown, Pennsylvania – Celebrate spring at the Annual Colonial May Fair held at historic Pottsgrove Manor on Saturday, May 5^th from 11:00am to 5:00pm.

This yearly event is a fun-filled day with activities for all ages—games, music, dancing, and crafts. New to the fair this year is colonial conjurer Levram the Great, who will perform colonial magic shows and entertain visitors with pocket magic tricks throughout the day. Tuckers’ Tales Puppet Theatre returns again this year to perform the puppet shows St. George and the Dragon and their brand-new adaptation of the classic Cinderella. They will also provide festive historic music around the grounds during the event. Members of the Tapestry Historic Dance Ensemble will demonstrate authentic country dances and will lead visitors in dances around the Maypole to open and close the fair. 

In addition to the entertainment, a variety of Early American crafters and demonstrators will be on hand to display historic skills and trades and sell their wares. Young visitors can compete in hoop races, play with colonial toys and games, help churn butter, and more! The first floor of colonial ironmaster John Potts’ 1752 manor house will be open for self-guided tours during the fair. Historic foodways expert Deborah Peterson of Deborah Peterson’s Pantry will be demonstrating open-hearth cooking in the Pottsgrove Manor kitchen. Visitors can also shop at the Manor’s museum shop for colonial games, books, and unique gifts. 

While visitors can’t try the food cooked in the colonial kitchen, they will be able to purchase food during the event, including a variety of tasty baked goods from the Milkman Lunch Co. and Cake Shoppe of Pottstown.

A donation of $2 per person is suggested for this event. Visitors are asked to park at the Carousel at Pottstown building, 30 West King Street. Visitors can also stop in to the Carousel and see the progress that is being made there. Pottstown’s restored trolley will be giving FREE rides during the fair between the “First Saturday” activities downtown, the Carousel at Pottstown, and Pottsgrove Manor. Handicapped parking is available in the museum’s parking lot.

Pottstown Manor is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks and Heritage Services Department. For more information, call 610.326.4014, or visit us on the web at http://historicsites.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor.

Pottsgrove Manor River Walk Sept. 24‏th

Pottstown, Pennsylvania — On Saturday, September 24, Pottsgrove Manor’s historic site supervisor will offer an informative walking tour from the Manor to the Riverfront Park along the Schuylkill River. The walk will begin at Pottsgrove Manor at 11:00 a.m. and will conclude at the site at 2:00 p.m.

Along the way, we will discuss the history and importance of the Manatawny Creek and the Schuylkill River to the ironworking business of the Potts family.  A picnic lunch along the river will be provided before heading back to the Manor.  An optional guided tour of the house will be offered upon returning to Pottsgrove Manor.  Please bring water, wear sunscreen and/or a hat, and wear comfortable shoes.  The route is approximately 2 miles of paved trail and sidewalk.  The terrain is mostly flat, with one set of stairs.

There is a fee of $15 for this program.  Registration is required by September 20th.  Registrants will be given a choice of boxed lunches when they call to register.

Pottsgrove Manor, home of John Potts, colonial ironmaster and founder of Pottstown, is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.  Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks and Heritage Services Department.

Regular museum hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. & Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Tours are given on the hour; last tour of the day begins as 3:00 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should pre-register by calling 610.326.4014. For more information and a full calendar of events, visit us on the web at

http://historicsites.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor or http://www.facebook.com/PottsgroveManor.

River Walk From Historic Pottsgrove Manor, September 24th

For immediate release: Saturday, September 24th from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm River Walk & Picnic

Pottstown, Pennsylvania— On Saturday, September 24, Pottsgrove Manor’s historic site supervisor will offer an informative walking tour from the Manor to the Riverfront Park along the Schuylkill River. The walk will begin at Pottsgrove Manor at 11:00 a.m. and will conclude at the site at 2:00 p.m.

Along the way, we will discuss the history and importance of the Manatawny Creek and the Schuylkill River to the iron working business of the Potts family. A picnic lunch along the river will be provided before heading back to the Manor. An optional guided tour of the house will be offered upon returning to Pottsgrove Manor. Please bring water, wear sunscreen and/or a hat, and wear comfortable shoes. The route is approximately 2 miles of paved trail and sidewalk. The terrain is mostly flat, with one set of stairs.

There is a fee of $15 for this program. Registration is required by September 20th. Registrants will be given a choice of boxed lunches when they call to register.  Contact: Lynn Symborski, Museum Educator; lsymbors@montcopa.org or (610) 326-4014

Pottsgrove Manor, home of John Potts, colonial ironmaster and founder of Pottstown, is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown,Pennsylvania.  Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks and Heritage Services Department. 

Regular museum hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. & Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Tours are given on the hour; last tour of the day begins as 3:00 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should pre-register by calling 610.326.4014. For more information and a full calendar of events, visit us on the web at http://historicsites.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor or http://www.facebook.com/PottsgroveManor.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing all my readers a very Happy Thanksgiving!

A Victorian Christmas – Williamsport Embraces Its Heritage And Capitalizes On Tourism

Image via Wikipedia

A Victorian Christmas in Williamsport is not a one trick pony.  The event spans three days and includes a Holiday House Tour, a Holiday Parade downtown, Millionaire’s Row mansion tours, church tours, Williamsport Growers Market, carriage rides at Park Place, a Toy Train Expo, museum tours, a Victorian Soup Luncheon, a Victorian Buffet, a Victorian Tea and a Living Nativity! 

A Victorian Christmas in Williamsport starts this Friday, November 19th and concludes on Sunday, November 21.

For more information and details see their website:

http://www.preservationwilliamsport.org/vcevents.html