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 Longrifles - 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:

Flag Day

On Sunday, June 14, come celebrate the opening of a new exhibit with family activities at the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center from 1 to 4pm.  Revolutionary Fraktur, another spectacular addition to the Heritage Center’s Semiquincentennial offerings, displays approximately 35 pieces that date to the Revolutionary period from 1763 to 1783. The opening activities include a fraktur-making workshop for all ages and a special visit from America250PA’s Mobile Experiential Unit, a traveling exhibit with interactives for young and old. The America250PA Mobile Unit, powered by Penske and produced in partnership with Visit Pennsylvania – The Great American Getaway, is a custom-built van to bring the Semiquincentennial directly to Pennsylvanians. It features three interactive exhibits that include trivia games and a digital storytelling booth.

Independence Day Weekend

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.

Friday, July 3

The night before will be a special July UPV First Friday with extended hours from 5:00–8:30pm and an exciting car show being held at the East Greenville Fire Co. parking lot. Organized by the Upper Perkiomen Chamber of Commerce. First Friday will take over 2nd Street, 3rd Street, Bank Street, and Main Street in East Greenville. Local businesses will stay open late, offering great specials, shopping, food, and community fun. Enjoy live entertainment, activities for all ages, and a festive atmosphere throughout the evening. The car show will be a special highlight, featuring classic cars and custom rides.

Saturday, July 4

Through the day, Saturday, July 4, the Rotary is sponsoring many activities. A parade will kick off at 9am from the 4/5 Center on Jefferson Street in East Greenville and lead the way to the New Goshenhoppen Park. During the day, there will be food vendors, crafts, games, and music in the Park.

The evening of July 4 will feature a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 6:30pm in New Goshenhoppen Park on Third Street, East Greenville, as part of a county-wide effort to stage “Houses of Declaration.” These public readings remind us of how most people in 1776 first heard of independence. Upper Perk’s reading, sponsored by the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center, will be an interactive adventure led by Joshua Fink and followed by performances by the Brandywine Colonials Fife & Drum Corps and the Red Hill Band. The night is capped by the annual fireworks display organized by the Rotary Club of Upper Perk.

Sunday, July 5

Continue the celebration at the Heritage Center from noon until 4pm. Community groups are coming to help the Heritage Center provide family fun. Most of the activities are themed around the flag, though not all. At 12:30pm Candace Perry will share a brief presentation about how flags were manufactured in our area, , and all will enjoy meeting Betsy Ross (reenactor Carol Spatz) between 1 and 3pm. The Upper Perkiomen Valley Library, Project Live, and the Borough of East Greenville also will provide crafts for kids. Four exhibits for the Semiquincentennial will be on view in the museum, and refreshments will be available. All activities are free, thanks to partial support of the Institute of Museum & Library Services.

Longrifle Symposium

August 22, 2026

Day of lectures by noted scholars and collectors. Click here to register for either in-person or Zoom attendance.

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. Click here to register.