There's Always a New Chapter on the Gallery Walls

Our changing exhibit program brings fresh stories into the gallery throughout the year — drawn from our collections, our community partnerships, and the living history of Pennsylvania German culture. Whether you visited last month or last decade, there's something here you haven't seen before.

What's On View Right Now

Each exhibit listing on this page includes the subject matter, artifact types, and the date range it will be on view. If you're planning a visit around a specific exhibit, check the dates before you come so you don't miss it.

Stylized red and green floral logo with a yellow center and symmetrical leaves

Up Currently

Cartoon scene of children running indoors, with a stern man in a red uniform in the foreground.
Institute of Museum and Library Services logo with green dotted burst icon and black text
Institute of Museum and Library Services logo with green dotted burst icon and black text

Southeastern Pennsylvania Longrifles—The Early Years

Open through October 18, 2026


A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see an extraordinary, assembled collection of early southeastern Pennsylvania Longrifles, this exhibit is organized in conjunction with The Kentucky Rifle Foundation and guest curator Harry Nowak, with partial support from the Institute of Museum & Library Services (IMLS). This curated collection illustrates German and immigrant cultures of Bethlehem, Reading, and Lancaster by showcasing regional design influences. Many of the Longrifles from private collections have never been displayed, including three newly discovered and unrecorded early rifles.

These Truths are Not Self-Evident: Stories of the Revolution in the Perkiomen Region

April 18, 2026–March 27, 2027


Using a “graphic novel” style of artwork, the exhibit presents stories that have been passed down from the Revolution. Historical and anecdotal evidence, along with an interactive device, help visitors weigh fact and fiction. A special-made large map allows adults and children to place the stories in the region. See our Semiquincentennial page for details on accompanying programs, including opening weekend. The exhibit and programs are made possible in part through the support of The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation of New York and the Institute of Museum & Library Services, (Grant IGSM-257792-OMS-25).

Cartoon scene of children running indoors, with a stern man in a red uniform in the foreground.
Institute of Museum and Library Services logo with green dotted burst icon and black text
Cartoon scene of children running indoors, with a stern man in a red uniform in the foreground.
Institute of Museum and Library Services logo with green dotted burst icon and black text

Revolutionary Fraktur

June 12, 2026–April 25, 2027


Come view some of the Heritage Center’s amazing collection of Fraktur—illuminated Pennsylvania German manuscripts—one of the largest in the world. Between the dates of 1763 to 1783, fraktur transitioned from its European calligraphic and baroque roots to the blossoming of Pennsylvania German folk decoration. In many instances, it is quite different from what is seen in later fraktur. In this exhibit, we display 35 examples from this time period.

Jamee Pemberton’s Quilt Exhibit

 “From Gifts of Love to Finding My Artistic Voice”

Introducing Jamee Pemberton, who started quilting in November of 2008, just after completing her 2175-mile hike of the Appalachian Trail. Before re-entering the workforce, she had a couple of months off where she decided to spend her time making holiday gifts. As a lover of handmade gifts from the heart, she completed eight quilts to give as gifts and discovered a newfound passion! Jamee creates quilts of many styles that tend to have color punch, and she likes to include very personal touches drawing inspiration from her love of science, nature and traveling. She has won several awards in regional and local quilt shows. Jamee has turned to her artful side and started lecturing and teaching quilting workshops after a 35-year career as an engineer and project manager. Jamee’s current quilt designs are improvisational and modern. She lives with her husband, Jeff, in Quakertown, Pennsylvania.

Smiling woman in white shirt standing before a colorful quilt with diamond patterns.

  • How often do the changing exhibits at Schwenkfelder rotate?

    We typically present several new changing exhibits each year, with installations that may run for a few months or align with a specific season or programming cycle. This page is updated whenever a new exhibit opens, so it reflects what is currently on view.

  • Can I find out what the current exhibit is before I visit?

    Yes — that's exactly what this page is for. Each active exhibit is listed here with a description of the subject matter, the artifact types featured, and the open and close dates so you can plan your visit with confidence.

  • Are there programs or events connected to the current exhibit?

    Often, yes. Lectures, Brown Bag presentations, and special events are frequently scheduled in connection with changing exhibits. Any programming tied to a current exhibit will be listed here alongside the exhibit details, and you can browse all upcoming programs on our programs page.

  • Is there an additional fee to see the changing exhibits?

    No! There is no admission fee to visit the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center. Visit our Hours & Admission page for current pricing and any special admission arrangements for groups or members.

  • How will I know when a new exhibit opens?

    The best ways to stay current are to check this page before your visit and to follow our news and updates. We announce new exhibits and related programming there as details are confirmed.