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:
September 20 / 2pm
The Story of Tacy Richardson: Pennsylvania Paul Revere or Imagined Revolution Volunteer?
Rev. Homer Royer recounts quasi-famous stories from the 18- and 1900s about his 18th century ancestor Tacy Richardson Vanderslice, and their potential application for the 21st century. But this story also includes stories about who told Tacy’s stories. Rev. Royer, a retired clergyperson, has collected stories in Southeastern Pennsylvania for fifty years.
September 27 | 2pm
Effective Public History: Opportunities for Connecting Local History to America's 250th
Known as America’s most historic neighborhood, the Germantown section of Philadelphia (established in 1683) has distinguished itself by using public history initiatives to forge community. Dr. David Young, the author of The Battles of Germantown, considers what these efforts can tell us about public history’s practice and purpose in the United States. Young is the Executive Director of the Historical Society of Montgomery County, and this book won the 2020 Klein Prize by the Pennsylvania Historical Association for the book that best illuminates Pennsylvania history.
October 14 / Noon
“The famous place Trenton, which I shall never forget”: Hessian Soldiers Before, During, and After the Battle of Trenton
Three Hessian regiments, about 1,000 soldiers, were supposed to spend the winter of 1776–1777 quietly in Trenton, New Jersey, safe from George Washington’s army. But less than twenty days after they arrived in December 1776, they were surprised and captured. Jay Domalewski of the Old Barracks Museum will share a look at how the Battle of Trenton was a life-changing experience for those Hessian soldiers, including those who returned to their regiments and Germany and those who stayed in America, melding with Pennsylvania German culture.
October 17 / Noon–2pm (no Zoom)
Early American Farming Seminar & Museum Tour of Tools
Dressed in period wear, Greg Geesaman, co-owner of Heritage Art and Craft Studio, will take you on a journey to experience practices of gardening and farming during the 17- and 1800's. With over 30 antique farming tools on display, he will demonstrate how they were used. Attendees will learn what was grown and harvested for trade, survival, and profit.
October 25 / 2:30 pm
The Pennsylvania Germans in the American Revolution
In 1775 people of German extraction played vital roles in the Revolutionary War that began that year. From fighting in the battles to manufacturing weapons, from printing broadsides of the Declaration of Independence to baking bread for the army, from nursing the sick and wounded