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 27, 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 25, 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 Longrifle - The Early Years

July 18, 2026–October 18, 2026

Long-rifles 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.

Who Lived in the Perkiomen Region in the 1700s?

Traveling exhibit February 2026–April 2027

In preparation for 2026, we commissioned a demographic study to learn who lived in the Perkiomen Region from roughly 1735 to 1835 (from the arrival of Pennsylvania Germans to the final period of the Gradual Abolition Act). General knowledge states that the region was primarily settled by white Pennsylvania Germans, but questions arise as to whether any Africans were here too. This exhibit will share the answers we have uncovered and the fascinating research methodologies that were used and will be offered to community organizations and schools to have on display. Research was supported by the Philadelphia Funder Collocative for the Semiquincentennial

This exhibit can viewed within schools and by the public at:

• Lower Salford Township Building April 20 through Mary 20

• Historical Society of Montgomery County May 21 through June 29

• Here at the Heritage Center July1 through 5

• Upper Hanover Township Building July 8 thought August 5

• The Goschenhoppen Festival August 7 & 8

• Upper Salford Park October 10 & 11

• Pennsburg Borough Hall October 12 through November 20

• Lower Frederick Township Building November 20 though December 18

• Upper Perkiomen Valley Library February 1 though February 28

Check back as we update this schedule.

Programs

Programs for all ages are in development. This calendar will be updated periodically. Here are the programs next up:

Local History Book Program: Discovering St. Lawrence Village – The Story Of A Community

April 12, 2026 at 2:00pm

Join native villager Richard Adams as he unveils the role played by his small Berks County village along the ancient Tulpehocken Trail. Based upon his book, In the Village: A History and Memoir of the Pennsylvania Dutch Community of St. Lawrence, Adams shares how the Rhine Valley German immigrant families who settled in the western wilderness of old Philadelphia County adapted to the circumstances and found religious liberty and land of their own, becoming farmers and innovators, building roads, businesses and local institutions. This lecture is free thanks to the support of the the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Opening Weekend These Truths are Not Self-Evident

All free thanks to the support of the the Institute of Museum and Library Services

April 18 10–11:30am

Puzzling History: an interactive workshop for older students and adults alike to work with historical materials. Reservations required.

April 19, 1–4pm

Patriotic crafts & light refreshments

1:30 & 3:00 Exhibit Walk with museum director

2:00 Patriotic Music with Keith Brintzenhoff

Book program: Chain of Title

May 3, 2026 at 2:00pm

Christopher Scott, a researcher focused on Colonial Pennsylvania, describes the historical research process for his latest book, Chain of Title: An Adventure to Uncover the 350-Year Legacy of the Old Grist Mill as well as introducing us to his findings.  He will be sharing tips and advice to avoid common pitfalls and ensure that your historical or genealogical research is productive, accurate, and most importantly – fun.

Brown Bag Lecture: When the Declaration of Independence Was News

June 10, 2026 at noon

A chance to hear and meet author Emily Sneff as she explains the fascinating history of the Declaration of Independence that you may not have learned in school.

Independence Weekend

All free thanks to the support of the the Institute of Museum and Library Services

July 3–5, 2026

Working with the Rotary Club of Upper Perkiomen and Upper Perkiomen Chamber of Commerce, the Heritage Center joins many community groups to host a stupendous three-day commemoration of food, fireworks, and fairs.

Longrifle Symposium

August 22, 2026

Day of lectures by noted scholars and collectors. Stay tuned for registration details. Contact Candace Perry to get on the list for registration.

Wm. Antes Workshop

August 23, 2026 at 1:30pm

This workshop with William Paton and Randy Steffy explores the process of building and documenting early Kentucky rifles, using the Wm. Antes Swivel breech rifle as an example. Workshop is free but registration is required. Contact Candace Perry to get on the list for registration.