(The following information was provided by the Montgomery County Office of Communications.)
The public is invited to Pennypacker Mills, the historic mansion home of former Pennsylvania Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker to attend upcoming summer programs at the historic site.
Porch Performance: “Fire in the Hole!”
Saturday, July 16, 4 p.m.
Men like Irish miner Frank Kehoe’s back breaking work in the coal mines of Pennsylvania, spurred the industrialization of America. Come to Pennypacker Mills to see historian Rich Pawling brings to life what it was like to work in the “patch,” shop in the company store, and move up from breaker boy to a “miner with papers.” “Fire in the Hole!” is a first-person performance with musical accompaniment.
Anthracite coal kept millions warm in growing cities, fired furnaces in the industrial northeast, spawned extensive transportation networks, and provided jobs for immigrants seeking better lives in the 1900s. The story of anthracite is about the spirit of capitalism, technology and the difficult lives of the men and boys who mined millions of tons of coal. Their hard, dangerous, and usually low-paid work made it possible to fuel cities and transform manufacturing, transportation and everyday lives.
Guests are invited between 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to walk the property and complete a Treasure Hunt activity or tour the Pennypacker mansion to see what life was like in the early 1900s. The performance will begin at 4 p.m. on the porch, attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket to sit on outdoors as Rich Pawling shares what life was like as a coal miner in Pennsylvania. “Fire in the Hole!” is sponsored by the Friends of Pennypacker Mills.
Boomerang Workshop
Saturday, July 30, 10 a.m. to noon
Families are invited to learn about boomerangs, a popular toy of the early 1900’s. Make several different designs of boomerangs, learn how to launch them, and see if they return to you! This is an outdoor workshop, and all materials are provided. All ages are welcome. Free, pre-registration preferred. Call 610-287-9349 today.
In the Good Old Summertime
Sunday, Aug. 7, 1 – 3 p.m.
In the early 1900s, summertime meant casual gatherings at homes and community events, summer picnics, lawn games and meeting friends and family. Today, why not enjoy a summer celebration much like the Pennypackers had when they lived at Pennypacker Mills? Join us on Sunday, August 7 to enjoy an early 20th century summertime celebration. Kids can enjoy old-fashioned lawn games of croquet, ring toss, tabletop games, and easy crafts to make. The General Store will be open with fun activities where kids can buy food and goods as people did at the Schwenksville general store. The whole family can take a walk-through tour of the air-conditioned mansion. Free, suggested donation $2 per person.
Discover Who Committed the Dastardly Crime!
Sherlock Holmes & the Speckled Band
Saturday, Aug. 20, 4 p.m.
Follow Sherlock Holmes, investigator extraordinaire, as he unravels one of the greatest murder mysteries, “Sherlock Holmes and the Speckled Band.” This thrilling story begins when a woman comes to Holmes and his associate, Dr. Watson, begging for his help to solve the mystery of her sister’s death. The story follows him to the old mansion where he must stop a killer from committing another horrible crime.
Actor Neill Hartley portrays Sherlock Holmes in this 19th century story which would become a milestone book in the field of crime fiction. After Hartley’s performance, stay for a question and answer period. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on and enjoy one of the area’s most versatile actors as he portrays investigator Sherlock Holmes.
Visitors can call (610) 287-9349 to pre-register for a tour or register online. To see a full list of upcoming events at Pennypacker Mills click here.
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 through 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:
Peter Wentz Farmstead Now Accepting Registrations for Kids Colonial Camp July 11-15
Pottsgrove Manor Invites Community to Two Juneteenth Programs
Pennypacker Mills Announces June Events
Montco Trail Challenge Returns for Seventh Year
Pennypacker Mills Invites Guests to Visit the General Store
