(The following information was provided by the Montgomery County Office of Communications.)
June is jampacked with historic happenings at Pottsgrove Manor. Uncover the stories of historic Black communities in the French Creek region at the Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 17. Come back the following weekend to be a part of a new exhibit opening on the Social and Medical World of Dr. Jonathan Potts. All events are a suggested $2 donation per person.
Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 17, noon to 2 p.m.
Honor the history of the Black experience in America with two Juneteenth presentations at Pottsgrove Manor. Daniel Flickinger will tell the important work done by the Friends of the African Union Church of South Coventry, exploring the congregation’s history and protecting the church cemetery. Next, join in the journey down the research rabbit-hole, following Pottsgrove Manor’s attempt to trace community roots among the free and (once) enslaved Black iron workers of Coventry Forge and find their present-day descendants. Following the talks, guests are invited to visit this historic cemetery, just a few minutes down the road from Pottsgrove Manor. Deepen your understanding of the past and learn about the free Black community of South Coventry.
“The Social and Medical World of Dr. Jonathan Potts” Exhibit Opening Day
Saturday, June 24, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Be a part of the opening of Pottsgrove Manor’s exhibit on the life and world of Jonathan Potts. Medical historian Jennifer Bolton will speak on the medical landscape of the 18th century to kick off the opening. Visitors are then invited to go through the transformed museum to uncover the story of Dr. Jonathan Potts and how his choices to put the care of his community first took him across the colonies and was able to impact the lives of thousands. Living history interpreters will be highlighting aspects of Dr. Jonathan Potts’ life throughout the exhibit from his Reading Apothecary to the experience of Continental soldiers at Fort Ticonderoga. The exhibit will run until Nov. 5 during normal museum hours.
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 times and lifestyle of the Potts family, including those who labored for them.
Pottsgrove Manor is open year-round for guided tours, as well as public programs, school tours, lectures, and workshops. The Shoppe at Pottsgrove Manor offers a wide selection of 18th-century reproduction items, books, toys, candy, and more.
Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King Street in Pottstown and is operated by the Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites. For more information, please call 610-326-4014 or visit www.montgomerycountypa.gov/pottsgrovemanor. For the most current information, members of the public can also like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook or follow us on Instagram for updates.
See also:
Enrollment Now Open for Peter Wentz Farmstead: Colonial Camp 2023
Local Historical Sites Announce May and June Events
Towamencin’s Morgan Log House to Host Open House for New ‘Building Ghosts’ Exhibit
Montco Historic Homes Offer Holiday Tours and Events
Green Lane Park Announces November Educational Programs
