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Holidaze

October 24–April 5, 2026

Over the years ,the Heritage Center has acquired a terrific collection of antique and vintage holiday-related objects, so we thought we’d put an exhibit together to show them off. We are going to be celebrating three holidays, all at once—Halloween, Christmas, and Easter. You’ll have a chance to see our fledgling Collegeville Costume collection; our delicate and beautiful antique blown glass Christmas ornaments; our egg-cellent scratch egg collection for Easter.  And of course, much more! 

Christmas Putz

November 14–February 2, 2026

The Putz is larger than in past years and includes an early farm scene and a suburb. The suburb features both pre-World War II paper buildings made in Japan as well as post-war paper buildings. Take a close look (we have a scavenger hunt to assist you) and find goats on a roof, ducks on the pond, a sled full or presents, and sledders, skiers and skaters.

A Good 5-Cent Cigar: Cigar Making in the Upper Perkiomen Valley

July 18–March 29, 2006

These days we usually associate cigar manufacturing with sunnier and more exotic locations than the Upper Perkiomen Valley. One hundred and twenty years ago, however, the industry was booming here and employed hundreds of men and women in several factories throughout boroughs.  Cigar making was so prevalent in this region that it was called the “cigarmakers’ belt.”

Hex Signs

Jan 23–April 6, 2026

 Be amazed by the hex signs created by Hunter M. Yoder, a hexologist and folk artist from Berks County. Over two dozen will be on display illustrating what Yoder calls "painted prayers," as these traditional Pennsylvania Dutch barn stars incorporate symbols rooted in pre-Christian Germanic traditions. Yoder’s work incorporates runic inscriptions and plant geometry, drawing inspiration from historical hexologists like Johnny Ott and Lee R. Gandee.