(Credit: Montgomery County Office of Communications)
This summer Pottsgrove Manor invites the public to learn about colonial Pottstown and life in the 18th century at special events throughout July and August.
Visitors can walk in the footsteps of Pottstown’s earliest residents and hear about their stories on Thursday, July 11 with “Footsteps in History, Walking Tours of Pottstown” departing at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Every Saturday in August visitors to the museum can enjoy special historic demonstrations, highlights of the collection, and self-guided tours of the first floor during “Open House Days,” running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Footsteps in History, Walking Tours of Pottstown
Thursday, July 11 at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
"Footsteps in History, Walking Tours of Pottstown” feature stories from the colonial era of Pottstown, from the Potts family’s vision for the town and the first businesses that helped the city grow. Tours are led by Pottsgrove Manor staff and primary source materials are incorporated into the tour, such as the original advertisement for Pottstown, ledger pages from the first store, and newspaper clippings of drama featuring the 1770s school. The route is just over one mile in length and tours will take one hour. Walking surfaces are paved and there are stairs involved. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring drinking water. Tours depart from Smith Family Plaza, across from the Pottstown Borough Hall building.
Registration is required and can be found on Pottsgrove Manor’s website. This program is a suggested $2 donation per person and is weather dependent.
Open House Days
Saturdays on Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The museum doors are opened to visitors with special demonstrations and objects highlighted from the collection. Every Saturday includes different activities so visitors are encouraged to check Pottsgrove Manor’s website or social media to discover what is happening on the dates they would like to attend. See and smell historic recipes coming to life in the reproduction kitchen, play a parlor game, or race across the yard with a hoop and stick! Learn about some of the treasures of the museum from the curator and what these objects meant to the Potts family. With unique demonstrations each weekend, there is something new to learn about each time you visit.
The first floor of the museum will also be open for self-guided tours where visitors can explore the home at their own pace with staff and volunteers available to answer questions.
This program is a suggested $2 donation per person and welcomes all ages.
Further information can be found at Pottsgrove Manor’s website or by calling the museum at 610-326-4014. Questions can also be emailed to [email protected]
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 manor 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 home 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 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.
