Programs & Events at the Schwenkfelder Heritage Center
History, art, genealogy, and community — every program we offer is a way into the story of the Perkiomen Valley and the people who shaped it. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime member, there's a place for you here.
Programs for Every Kind of Curious
School Programs & Field Trips
Curriculum-aligned programs for K–12 groups connect Pennsylvania history standards to living collections — the 1826 barn, original fraktur, and agricultural artifacts that no classroom can replicate. We handle the logistics; you focus on your students.
Adult Programs & Lectures
Our lecture series, workshops, and Brown Bag programs cover Pennsylvania German folk art, immigration history, regional legends, genealogy research, and community traditions. No academic background required — just an interest in the story of this valley and the people who lived it.
Annual Events
Pendi Goods and the Christmas Market are the Heritage Center's signature annual gatherings — a weekend market rooted in Pennsylvania German craft tradition and a holiday market that reflects the same handmade values as our collections. Both draw visitors from across the region each year.
Education Resources
Explore Pennsylvania German history at your own pace. Self-guided activities are available in person just outside the Education Room, or download a printable PDF by clicking any image below.
A Once-in-a-Generation Reason to Come Now
The Schwenkfelder community arrived in Pennsylvania in 1734. Nearly 300 years later, the Heritage Center is marking that history with semi-quincentennial programming — exhibitions, lectures, and events that place the Schwenkfelder story in the context of American religious freedom, migration, and cultural survival. This programming will not repeat. If you've been meaning to visit, now is the right time.
Never Miss a Program
Sign up for our email list and we'll send you upcoming events, new program announcements, and stories from the Heritage Center's collections — a direct line to everything happening in Pennsburg.
Frequently Asked Questions
What programs and events does the Schwenkfelder Heritage Center offer?
We offer school programs for K–12 groups, adult lecture series and workshops, and signature annual events including Pendi Goods and the Christmas Market. Programs cover Pennsylvania German history, fraktur and folk art, genealogy research, immigration history, and regional traditions. Registration for most programs is available online through our events calendar.
Are programs at Schwenkfelder Heritage Center open to the general public?
Yes. Most programs are open to any interested visitor — no membership required. Some programs have limited capacity and require advance registration; event listings note any restrictions or requirements.
What Pennsylvania German history lectures and workshops are available near Philadelphia?
The Schwenkfelder Heritage Center in Pennsburg, PA — approximately 45 minutes from Philadelphia — offers a year-round schedule of lectures, Brown Bag programs, and workshops on Pennsylvania German history, folk art, genealogy, and regional culture. Individual programs can be attended without a series commitment.
How do I register for programs at the Schwenkfelder Heritage Center?
Registration for most programs is available directly through our online events calendar, powered by our Levitate registration system. Select the program you want to attend, choose your date, and register in minutes. For school group bookings or programs with special requirements, contact us directly.
Does the Schwenkfelder Heritage Center offer school field trip programs?
Yes. We offer dedicated K–12 programs designed to align with Pennsylvania history curriculum standards. Programs include guided tours of the galleries and the 1826 barn, artifact interaction, and age-appropriate historical content. Contact our education staff to discuss grade-level options and to schedule your group's visit.