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Southeastern Pennsylvania Longrifles—The Early Years

Open through October 18, 2026

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see an extraordinary, assembled collection of early southeastern Pennsylvania Longrifles, this exhibit is organized in conjunction with The Kentucky Rifle Foundation and guest curator Harry Nowak, with partial support from the Institute of Museum & Library Services (IMLS). This created collection illustrates German and immigrant cultures of Bethlehem, Reading, and Lancaster by showcasing regional design influences. Many of the Longrifles from private collections have never been displayed, including three newly discovered and unrecorded early rifles.

These Truths are Not Self-Evident: Stories of the Revolution in the Perkiomen Region

Open through March 27, 2027

Using a “graphic novel” style of artwork, the exhibit presents stories that have been passed down from the Revolution. Historical and anecdotal evidence, along with an interactive device, help visitors weigh fact and fiction. A special-made large map allows adults and children to place the stories in the region. See our Semiquincentennial page for details on accompanying programs, including opening weekend. The exhibit and programs are made possible in part through the support of The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation of New York and the Institute of Museum & Library Services, (Grant IGSM-257792-OMS-25).

Revolutionary Fraktur

Open through April 25, 2027

Come view some of the Heritage Center’s amazing collection of Fraktur—illuminated Pennsylvania German manuscripts—one of the largest in the world. Between the dates of 1763 to 1783, fraktur transitioned from its European calligraphic and baroque roots to the blossoming of Pennsylvania German folk decoration. In many instances, it is quite different from what is seen in later fraktur. In this exhibit, we display 35 examples from this time period.

Jamee Pemberton’s Quilt Exhibit —

“From Gifts of Love to Finding My Artistic Voice”

Open through November 5

Introducing Jamee Pemberton, who started quilting in November of 2008, just after completing her 2175-mile hike of the Appalachian Trail. Before re-entering the workforce, she had a couple of months off where she decided to spend her time making holiday gifts. As a lover of handmade gifts from the heart, she completed eight quilts to give as gifts and discovered a newfound passion! Jamee creates quilts of many styles that tend to have color punch, and she likes to include very personal touches drawing inspiration from her love of science, nature and traveling. She has won several awards in regional and local quilt shows. Jamee has turned to her artful side and started lecturing and teaching quilting workshops after a 35-year career as an engineer and project manager. Jamee’s current quilt designs are improvisational and modern. She lives with her husband, Jeff, in Quakertown, Pennsylvania.