Pennypacker Mills Presents: Traveling on the Perkiomen Railroad

View of the Pennypacker mansion, home of former Pennsylvania Governor Samuel Pennypacker and his family from 1900-1916.

On Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at 1 p.m., guests are invited to Pennypacker Mills for a free, in-depth presentation on the Perkiomen Railroad, presented by Steve Mallon, President of the Perkiomen Railroad Historical Society.

In the heyday of railroad travel, the Perkiomen Railroad was the connector between Philadelphia and Emmaus. With the train line passing through Schwenksville, the borough grew into a vibrant community with new businesses establishing themselves along Main Street, mail and newspapers arriving from Philadelphia, and many well-to-do Philadelphians building summer homes for their families to vacation in the country. The men who purchased these large summer homes then took the Perkiomen Railroad to work in Philadelphia.

At Pennypacker Mills, farm products such as milk and butter were transported to Philadelphia for sale. Samuel Pennypacker used the train line to commute into Philadelphia as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas and then when he became the Governor Pennsylvania, commuted on this rail line into Philadelphia and transferred to rail service to Harrisburg. 

Mark your calendar to spend a fascinating afternoon at the Mills learning about the history of the Perkiomen Railroad. The Pennypacker mansion will be open for free guided tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both tours of the mansion and this special program are free with donations accepted.

About Pennypacker Mills

Looking for an interesting place to visit that’s close to home? Pennypacker Mills is the answer! This historic site is open year-round for free guided tours of the home of Pennsylvania Governor Samuel Pennypacker and his family. Known for its collection of 18th and 19th century decorative arts, furnishings, personal and official documents, the story of this famous Pennsylvania family reflects the lives of those who lived in Montgomery County in the early 1900’s.

Pennypacker Mills is open Tuesdays thru Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sundays: 1 to 4 p.m., with the last tour at 3 p.m. each day. Pennypacker Mills is closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Tours take approximately one hour and are free, with a suggested donation of $2 per person.  

Pennypacker Mills is operated by the Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites. Pennypacker Mills is located off Route 73 (Skippack Pike) at 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, PA 19473. 

See also:

Montco Historic Homes Offer Holiday Tours and Events

Green Lane Park Announces November Educational Programs

Pottsgrove Manor Welcomes Dan Graham to Share Iron History

Montgomery County Education Career Fair Scheduled for Nov. 21

‘Operation Safe Homes’ Gun Turn-in Event Scheduled for Two Days This Month