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