NORRISTOWN, PA – Montgomery County Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites invites the public to attend upcoming holiday events and tours hosted at its historic sites throughout the remainder of November and December. These events are family friendly and are low or no cost to attend, reservations are recommended.
Pennypacker Mills Holiday Tours
November 22, 2022, through January 8, 2023 – free admissionTuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.Closed Mondays and county holidays5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, PA 19473
Visit historic Pennypacker Mills to view a breathtaking range of Christmas décor sure to take you back in time! Visitors will uncover the story behind Christmas of the past (1850), present (1910) and the future (1920) and how each timeframe coincided with Samuel Pennypacker’s life.
Tours include an 1850’s Christmas scene when Samuel Pennypacker was a young boy and there were a few homemade ornaments on the Christmas tree and gifts of the era. A 1910-style Christmas tree is decorated with handmade and purchased ornaments, gold, and red beads for shine, and presents under the tree. In the 1920s, visitors can see how Christmas decorations changed with the use of electric lighting, telephones and the first radio broadcast. Guests can also view early examples of printed gift wrap and tinsel garland.
Throughout the mansion Christmas is celebrated with decorations that reflect the influence of lady’s magazines, such as Lady’s Home Journal. A large centerpiece graces the dining room table along with a turkey, which was enjoyed every Christmas Day.
Peter Wentz Farmstead Candlelight Event
December 3, 2022, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. - $2 per person suggested donation 2030 Shearer Road (East of intersection of Routes 73 & 363), Lansdale, PA 19446
Come spend a lovely winter’s eve with us at the Peter Wentz Farmstead’s annual Candlelight Event! The soft glow of candles will light your way as you explore this historic property. Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with this picturesque look at wintertime on a colonial Pennsylvanian farm. Register for timed tickets to tour the first floor of the historic house and learn how people made do on cold December nights before the advent of electricity and central heating.
In addition to the house tour, a variety of other activities will be taking place throughout the property. Meet members of the 6th Pennsylvania Regiment to hear about winter life in the Continental army or stop by our Summer Kitchen to watch an open-hearth cooking demonstration. Those brave enough to go up to our Belsnickel will find out if they’ve been naughty or nice (and maybe come away with a treat!)
Pottsgrove Manor 18th-Century Holiday Frost Fair
Saturday, December 11, 2022, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. - $2 per person suggested donation100 West King Street, Pottstown, PA 19464
At this 18th-Century Holiday Frost Fair, visitors can gather, explore, find unique items, and learn about the past by immersing themselves in a historic-style market fair.
Come dressed for the weather and gather the whole family plus a friend or two to start new holiday traditions at Pottsgrove Manor. Follow the sound of laughter and music to engage with Tucker’s Tales Puppet Theater. Play a fair game to engage with the past and keep warm by stopping over at the hot chocolate tent for a sample of this historic beverage. Explore the world of 18th-century goods made by historic woodworking and weaving vendors. See what recipes are being prepared at the bake oven before journeying through the first floor of Pottsgrove Manor to learn about the history of Twelfth Night traditions from the 1750s. Visitors will also be able to talk with living history interpreters throughout the museum to hear about life from over 200 years ago. See what the cook is preparing in the reproduction kitchen and uncover holiday recipes worth bringing to your own table.
Guests are invited to visit modern vendors and peruse The Shoppe at Pottsgrove Manor to find the perfect seasonal gift for friends and family. From ornaments, to jewelry, pottery, and much more, there is something special in every stall! Hot foods and sweet treats complete the day, but the memories of Frost Fair will last the season long.
Frost Fair is primarily an outdoor event and weather dependent. Free parking and complimentary shuttle available at Pottstown Memorial Park, follow signs for parking. Visitors may encounter uneven terrain and steps as they go through the grounds. A handicap accessible entrance to the museum is available, information will be at the Greeter Tent.
StoryWalk® at Pennypacker Mills
Through December 20225 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, PA 19473“Eat My Dust!” is the newest StoryWalk® placed along the main entrance to historic Pennypacker Mills. The book tells the true story of Henry Ford who invented the Model T. to popularize his automobile, Ford needed money. His solution was to enter a big race which offered a $1,000 prize. Winning would give him the notoriety that he needed to sell his automobile. Did Henry Ford win? You’ll have to find out when you come to Pennypacker Mills and read the new StoryWalk®. Stop by anytime through December 2022 for this free experience.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library. Conceived to inspire parents, teachers, and caregivers to take children outdoors for physical activity and to learn, StoryWalk® helps build children’s interest in reading while encouraging healthy activity for both adults and children.
Visitors are welcome to enjoy the Pennypacker Mills StoryWalk® after hours, just park in the first parking lot and walk the driveway to read the story. This project was launched in partnership with the Montgomery County Office of Public Health and is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant.
For a comprehensive list of upcoming events hosted by Montgomery County Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites, visit www.montcopa.org/calendar.
About Montgomery County Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites
Montgomery County Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites offer wonderful opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy various natural resources, participate in educational and recreational opportunities, and appreciate our historic past. Whether you are a bike enthusiast, a lover of antiques, or just want a quiet space for a family picnic, there is something for you throughout our facilities.
Montgomery County owns and/or manages more than 6,000 acres of public open space which includes nine parks, five historic sites, and nearly 100 miles of regional trails. These areas include over 125 historic and non-historic structures, playgrounds, a fish ladder, a working historic canal lock, a wildlife center, and an archives/artifact collection of over 53,000 pieces. Our parks, trails, and historic sites combined are enjoyed by over 2 million visitors each year. Park lands include fishing opportunities, environmental education programs, hiking, boat rentals, pavilions, and more. Our trail systems and connections have been noted as some of the finest trails in the country, with the goal of all Montgomery County residents being no further than a few miles from their home to a trail experience. The historic sites preserve such things as the collection of a Pennsylvania governor, a Pennsylvania German farmstead, a colonial ironmaster’s home and the first American home of John James Audubon, a National Landmark.
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