In collaboration with the Kentucky Rifle Foundation, the Heritage Center will host a symposium with four expert speakers on topics relating to 18th century Pennsylvania German Longrifles. The symposium, which includes lunch, is free of charge thanks to the partial support from the Institute of Museum & Library Services (IMLS). Click here to register.

The Caspar Wistar Papers & More

Harry Nowak, guest curator,  Evolution of the Long Rifle—the Early Years

Mr. Nowak will consider questions about why this type of rifle proliferated in  Pennsylvania, a proprietary colony. Who were the rifle customers? Why did early Pennsylvania immigrant cultures demand rifles?

German Immigrant Culture of Southeast Pennsylvania

Scott Paul Gordon, historian of early Pennsylvania Moravian communities

Dr. Gordon  will discuss Moravian communal and non-communal production.

The Use of Baroque and Rococo Art on Early Rifles: Identifying the Regional Aspects

Tim Hodges, Director of the Kentucky Rifle Foundation

Southeastern Pennsylvania Powder Horns—The Early Years

Art DeCamp, collector and author of Pennsylvania "Horns of the Trade" Screw-tip Powder Horns and their Architecture

Mr. DeCamp will share regional techniques, design, and decorative styles of this functional companion of the Longrifle.