Technical Workshop: Measuring and Recreating the Wm. Antes Swivel Rifle

This workshop focuses on the process of building and documenting early Kentucky rifles by studying the recreation of the William Antes swivel breech rifle owned by the Kansas State Museum of History. Dr. William Paton of the Kentucky Rifle Association, and Randy Steffy, master craftsman, will describe their collaboration in making the bench—or handmade—copy. (The bench copy along with another William Antes rifle will be on exhibit during the program.) This is a must-attend for early Longrifle and local Antes family enthusiasts. Seating is limited for this program. There is a $10 entrance fee. You can use the PayPal button below or call 215-679-3103 to register.

Longrifle Symposium

In collaboration with the Kentucky Rifle Foundation, the Heritage Center will host a symposium with four expert speakers on topics relating to 18th century Pennsylvania German Longrifles. The symposium, which includes lunch, is free of charge thanks to the partial support from the Institute of Museum & Library Services (IMLS).
The Caspar Wistar Papers & More

Harry Nowak, guest curator, Evolution of the Long Rifle—the Early Years

Mr. Nowak will consider questions about why this type of rifle proliferated in Pennsylvania, a proprietary colony. Who were the rifle customers? Why did early Pennsylvania immigrant cultures demand rifles?

German Immigrant Culture of Southeast Pennsylvania

Scott Paul Gordon, historian of early Pennsylvania Moravian communities

Dr. Gordon will discuss Moravian communal and non-communal production.

The Use of Baroque and Rococo Art on Early Rifles: Identifying the Regional Aspects

Tim Hodges, Director of the Kentucky Rifle Foundation

Southeastern Pennsylvania Powder Horns—The Early Years

Art DeCamp, collector and author of Pennsylvania "Horns of the Trade" Screw-tip Powder Horns and their Architecture

Mr. DeCamp will share regional techniques, design, and decorative styles of this functional companion of the Longrifle.

Brown Bag: Live Like the Founding Father: A Nostalgic Look at Early American Decoration in the 20th Century Home

How many of us grew up in homes with furniture and home accessories sold as “Colonial” or “Early American?” Join us for a trip down memory lane with Heritage Center curator Candace Perry as she explores the very popular 20th century Early American home decoration trends with a look at the good, the questionable, and the kitsch from the U.S. Centennial onward.

This program is free thanks to the support of the Institute of Museum & Library Services.

Program in-person or via Zoom. Register below or call 215-679-3103.

Jamee Pemberton's Quilt Exhibit Reception

Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music featuring local and international artists. Food and beverages will be available.

Southeastern PA Longrifle - The Early Years - Exhibit opening

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. The exhibit will be on display until October 18, 2026.

Brown Bag Lecture: Black Powder Industry in the Swamp (Unami) Creek Valley

Black powder (gunpowder) was a vital commodity two hundred years ago, used by hunters, sporting enthusiasts, the military, and industry. The Swamp Creek (today known as the Unami Creek) Valley was the center of black powder manufacturing in Montgomery County. Ed Johnson, retired teacher and president of the Goschenhoppen Historians, will provide background information on black powder, the various manufacturers involved in the industry, and the inherent dangers of producing the volatile substance.

This program is free thanks to the support of the Institute of Museum & Library Services.

Program in-person or via Zoom. Register below or call 215-679-3103.

Heritage Day

Wave a flag of independence at Heritage Day! We will host it here (hint: we have AC!) with our community partners. the flag theme will run through kid-friendly crafts, a brief presentation about the history of flag-making in our region by Curator Candace Perry, and a special visit from Betsy Ross.

4th of July Celebration

Start your Saturday, July 4th, early with many events sponsored by The Rotary of Upper Perkiomen. The parade leads you the New Goshenhoppen Park on 3rd Street in East Greenville where your family can enjoy crafts and activities for kids, and a variety of foods. Come at 6:30 to hear the Declaration of Independence read, just as citizens first heard it in 1776.

Sponsored by the Heritage Center as part of Montgomery County’s “Houses of Declaration” program, our reader Joshua Arthur Fink, will read part of the famous document in German as well as English—again as our Pennsylvania German forebears heard it. The interactive reading will be followed by patriotic tunes from the Brandywine Colonels Fife and Drum Corps as well as the Red Hill Band—all culminating in the ubiquitous fireworks.