The Heritage Center joins in the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a year of exhibits and programs.
Uncovering and sharing how ordinary people in the Perkiomen Region experienced the American Revolution in this rural area.
The exhibits listed below are being made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services—Grant IGSM-257792-OMS-25. The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this exhibitions and programs do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services or the U.S. Government. For more information about the granting agency, visit www.imls.gov.
Exhibits
These Truths are Not Self-evident: Stories of the Revolution in the Perkiomen Region
April 17, 2026–March 17, 2027
The American Revolutionary era was a time of tremendous upheaval, including in central and western Montgomery County, PA, and this evidence survives in stories. Some stories are known facts, and some might be anecdotal. This exhibit will use numerous stories that have been passed down to us as the basis for a "graphic novel." Historical and anecdotal evidence will be presented to help exhibit visitors weigh fact and fiction, with an interactive device to help them determine their own answers. Additional funding from The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation.
Revolutionary Fraktur
June 12, 2026–April 26, 2027
Drawing upon our deep and colorful collection of fraktur, we will exhibit a selection of about 40 fraktur produced during the American Revolutionary period, 1763–1787.
Southeastern Pennsylvania Longrifles - The Early Years
July 18, 2026–October 18, 2026
Longrifles were finely crafted works of art that developed from the European tradition and had beautiful relief and incised carving. On loan from collectors, the long-rifles will showcase the workmanship and origins of these firearms. Produced in collaboration with the Kentucky Rifle Foundation.
Programs
Programs for all ages are in development. This calendar will be updated periodically. Here are the programs next up:
Independence Day Weekend
View photos and a video of the reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Brown Bag Lecture: Black Powder Industry in the Swamp (Unami) Creek Valley
July 8, 2026
Ed Johnson, retired teacher and president of the Goschenhoppen Historians, will share the history of the black powder industry in the Swamp (now called Unami) Creek Valley. This free noontime program explores how that area was the center of manufacturing in Montgomery County for this vital—and dangerous—commodity two hundred years ago. The program has two admission options: the Heritage Center's Semiquincentennial program, made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Register to ensure a seat at schwenkfelder.org/calendar and click on a date or call 215-679-3103. The program is available in-person or via a Zoom link.
Brown Bag Lecture: Live Like the Founding Fathers
August 12, 2026
How many of us grew up in homes with furniture and home accessories sold as "Colonial" or "Early American"? Join us for a trip down memory lane with Heritage Center curator Candace Perry as she explores the very popular 20th century Early American home decoration trends with a look at the good, the questionable, and the kitsch from the U.S. Centennial onward. The program has free admission as one of the Heritage Center's Semiquincentennial program, made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Register to ensure a seat at schwenkfelder.org/calendar and click on a date or call 215-679-3103. The program is available in-person or via a Zoom link.
Longrifle Symposium (waiting list only)
August 22, 2026
Day of lectures by noted scholars and collectors. Click here to register for either in-person or Zoom attendance.
Wm. Antes Workshop
August 23, 2026 at 1:30pm
Day of lectures by noted scholars and collectors. Click here to register for either in-person or Zoom attendance.