(The following information was provided by the Montgomery County Office of Communications.)
Join Pottsgrove Manor for summer programs that highlight the
history of the 18th century and the community in Pottstown, marking 260 years
since John Potts first advertised about his new town. Community of Pottstown
Virtual Roundtable will be livestreamed to Pottsgrove Manor’s Facebook Page.
Resolved to Erect a Town, the Origins of Pottstown: Lecture by Dan Graham;
People and Places, Historic Walking Tours of Pottstown; and Open House Days:
Historic Cooking and Collections Curiosities will be held in-person.
Community of Pottstown Virtual Roundtable (Virtual Event)
Saturday, June 12 at 11 a.m.
Discover stories about the lives of some of the first people who called Pottstown home. The staff of Pottsgrove Manor will share the research about the demographics, labor, and interactions of the community in colonial Pottstown. Learn about how the town found success through personal stories from those who lived in the growing town. Following the conversation will be a Q&A and reflections on the dynamics of the community. This no-cost program will be livestreamed on Pottsgrove Manor’s Facebook page on Saturday, June 12, at 11 a.m.
Resolved to Erect a Town, the Origins of Pottstown: Lecture by Dan Graham (In-Person Event)
Wednesday, July 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Bring a lawn chair and learn about the history and growth of the town the Potts family founded. Potts family author and researcher Dan Graham will trace Pottstown’s development and milestones since John Potts first advertised the town in 1761. This outdoor lecture is a suggested $2 donation per person and is weather permitting.
Using maps and primary resource documents, Graham will take the audience through the growth of the town from the time of the Potts into the early 19th century. Discover what key businesses and developments lead to the growth and success of early Pottstown! Graham has written numerous books and articles about the Potts family and the history of ironworks in Pennsylvania. Many of his works can be found at the Museum Shoppe at Pottsgrove Manor and his family genealogy research can be accessed for free online.
People and Places, Historic Walking Tours of Pottstown (In-Person Event)
Wednesday June 21 at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7 p.m.
Explore modern day Pottstown with a new lens as the staff of Pottsgrove Manor highlight the people and places of 18th century Pottstown. This outdoor walking tour is a suggested $2 donation and is approximately one hour in length. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable footwear and to bring drinking water.
Uncover stories about the businesses and community members that made colonial Pottstown thrive. Guided walking tours will highlight the places where the grist mills, taverns, schools, and homes were in the first days of the community. Engaging stories about the accomplishments and struggles of life in the early town will bring a picture of the past alive. Walk through modern downtown Pottstown with a new perspective and see for yourself the stories of the town’s growth.
The public is asked to register before attending the walking tours at www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor. Tours will begin at Smith Family Plaza, located at 138 E High St, Pottstown, PA 19464, across from the Pottstown Borough Hall. This program is weather permitting.
Open House Days: Historic Cooking and Collections Curiosities (In-Person Event)
Saturdays, August 7, 14, 21, 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Every Saturday in August has something new to discover at Pottsgrove Manor! The public can see select 18th century items from the Pottsgrove Manor collection up close and ask questions to the curator. Visitors can also find historic summer treats being created in the reproduction kitchen from period recipes. The schedule for the month can be found below so everyone can choose which days they would like to visit. The first floor of the museum will be open for visitors to explore at their leisure. Each weekend is a suggested $2 per person donation and welcomes visitors of all ages.
About Pottsgrove Manor
Pottsgrove Manor exemplifies the restrained elegance of early Georgian architecture popular with wealthy English gentry during the mid-18th-century. Built in 1752 for John Potts, ironmaster and founder of Pottstown, the mansion was situated on a nearly 1,000 acre plantation, which by 1762 included the town of “Pottsgrove.”
As a successful ironmaster and merchant, John Potts, was appointed Justice of the Peace and Judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. He was elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly from both Berks and Philadelphia Counties.
Although only four acres of original property remain today, Pottsgrove Manor has lost none of its original charm and architectural beauty. The sandstone exterior, elegant interior and fine furnishings reflect the eminence that the Potts family had attained before selling the property in 1783. The mansion has been restored to recreate the lifestyle and times of the Potts family. Pottsgrove Manor is open year-round for guided tours, as well as public programs, school tours, lectures, and workshops. A museum shop on site offers a wide selection of 18th century reproduction items, books, toys, and more.
Pottsgrove Manor is following all current CDC and PA Department of Health guidelines for the mitigation of COVID-19 at the facility. All visitors must follow these guidelines.
Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King Street, Pottsgrove, PA 19464. (Near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422 near the Carousel at Pottsgrove and Manatawny Green Miniature Golf Course) Pottsgrove Manor is operated by the Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites.
For more information, please call (610) 326-4014 or visit www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor. Members of the public can also like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook or follow us on Instagram for updates
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