Information provided by the Montgomery County Office of Communications
Offering both fun and education, Pottsgrove Manor presents two programs this spring. Join us for an engaging look into historic waterways at our Maritime History of 18th-Century Philadelphia talk. If it’s May it’s Annual Colonial Mayfair! Celebrate the arrival of good weather with shopping, dancing, music, and of course, history!
Maritime History of 18th-Century Philadelphia
Saturday, April 6 at 1:00 p.m.
Water transportation proved critically important during an era before bridges, railroads, and highways crisscrossed America. The Potts family harnessed water power to transport their iron goods from their wharf in Philadelphia to places near and far. Dive into the role of the riverfront in colonial Philadelphia with researcher and author Michael Schreiber, as he speaks on the history and stories from the docks of the city.
Suggested $2 donation per person.
Annual Colonial Mayfair
Saturday, May 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Travel back to the 18th Century at Pottsgrove Manor’s Annual Colonial Mayfair! Kick off the day by joining in the Maypole celebration with its rainbow ribbons and festive music. Explore the first floor of the museum to learn about the Potts family home. Take it outside to the grounds of the museum where you’ll find living history interpreters, crafters, and ambassadors to the past. Find locally made goods and activities fit for the fair. Enjoy puppet performances and historic trades demonstrations guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained! Kids of all ages are invited to participate in hobby horse races and try their hand at historic toys and games.
Free visitor parking is available at Pottstown Memorial Park, located at 75 W. King Street, with a complimentary shuttle service to the grounds of Pottsgrove Manor.
This program is weather-dependent, with a suggested $4 donation per person.
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, Pottstown, PA 19464 (near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422 near the Carousel at Pottstown 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 our website.