Lectures
The Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center offers a wide variety of programs for adults: group tours, lectures, workshops, and special events related to the history and culture of the Schwenkfelders, Pennsylvania Germans, and the local area. Access a printable seasonal calendar here.
Special Spring 2024 Program
Knoll, with its production plant in the Valley since 1941, has been central to the economy of the Upper Perkiomen Valley as well as an international style setter. Come hear from employees past and present about Knoll’s history and role in the community at “Back Porch Conversation: Working for Knoll” on Sunday, April 28 at 1:30 pm at the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center. As seats will be limited, please make advance reservations for this free program at Schwenkfelder.org/calendar (click on April 28) or call 215-679-3103. The conversation will be available by Zoom as well. The deadline to register is Thursday, April 25. We cannot guarantee seats for walk-ins.
The conversation will focus on the 20th and early 21st centuries. We have invited four former employees to kick off the conversation to talk about their interesting careers with Knoll. Each held many positions (only their last one is listed here): Kathleen (Kass) Bradely, President/CEO of Knoll North America (1998–2008); Jim Eldon, Designer and Director of Systems Development (1983–1987); Jane Rozanski, Vice-president of Operations for KnollStudio (2013–2000); and Ron Snyder, Director of Product Development (2019–2022). After their reminiscences, we will ask the audience to join in. The program will be filmed to become part of the Heritage Center’s archive of regional history. Refreshments are being provided by Premier Environments.
Brown Bag Lunch Lectures
During lunch, enjoy guest lecturers at noon on the second Wednesday of each month for a closer look into the Heritage Center collections as well as local and Schwenkfelder history. These programs offer both in-person and online participation. Find the upcoming topics on the online calendar or printable seasonal calendar. Call 215-679-3103 or email info@schwenkfelder.org to register.
Catch past lectures on YouTube.
Free.
See Calendar for details
Tea & Textiles with Caroline
Each fall we offer an afternoon of virtual lectures about textiles. Lectures can be purchased singly or as a set at a discounted price. And we send you a tea bag and recipe card too so that you really can have your tea with your textiles! Lecture and registration information available here after Labor Day each year.
Penn Dry Goods Market Speaker Series
Each spring, usually on the first weekend in June, during the annual Penn Dry Goods Market, we offer two days of fascinating talks by textiles researchers, collectors, and scholars. A ticket to a lecture allows you entrance to the antique show too. The series schedule is published in the winter for the following spring.
