Raise the roof: Historic Towamencin landmark seeks community support to replace thousands of hand-crafted shingles
A piece of local history is asking the community for a hand — one shingle at a time.
The Morgan Log House, a rare 18th-century homestead in Towamencin Township, with a connection to frontiersman Daniel Boone, has launched a public fundraising effort called “A Shilling for a Shingle”, inviting residents to sponsor individual wooden roof shingles as part of a major restoration project.
For $30 per shingle, donors can help replace roughly 8,000 to 9,000 wooden shingles on the historic structure’s roof — each installed using traditional methods that date back more than two centuries.
Contributors will also have their names included on a Shingle Sponsor Board, leaving a lasting mark on one of Montgomery County’s oldest surviving homes.
The project is part of a broader $750,000 “Raise the Roof” campaign, which has already brought in more than $300,000 toward its goal. The work focuses on preserving the home’s distinctive German sidelapped roof, a historically accurate design that reflects the craftsmanship and building traditions of early Pennsylvania settlers. The current roof, last replaced in 2001 using period-appropriate materials, has allowed visitors to experience the home much as it would have appeared in the late 1700s.
Built in 1774 on land first settled by the Morgan family in 1708, the Morgan Log House remained continuously inhabited until 1964. Today, it operates as a museum and educational site, offering a window into colonial life through preserved architecture, artifacts and programming that highlights early farming, craftsmanship and daily routines in the region.
According to its website, the land the Morgan Log House stands on was originally deeded to the Commissioners of William Penn, who granted it as part of a 600-acre patent to a merchant named Griffith Jones in February 1702.
Six years later, in 1708, a Welsh immigrant named Edward Morgan purchased 309 acres of land from Griffith Jones. Morgan and his family became the first settlers of the property. Among the descendants of Edward Morgan and his wife Elizabeth are Boone, journalist and broadcaster Lowell Thomas, and mutual fund industry pioneer, Walter L. Morgan, according to the society website.
Unlike many historic properties that have undergone significant modernization, the Morgan Log House stands out for its authentic log construction and preserved character, making it a rare example of Germanic colonial architecture in southeastern Pennsylvania. Preservationists say maintaining features like the roof is critical not just for structural integrity, but for storytelling — allowing visitors to see, touch and understand how early residents lived.
Funds raised through the campaign will go directly toward the roof replacement, ensuring the building remains protected from the elements while maintaining its historical accuracy. Organizers emphasize that the roof itself is more than just a covering — it is a living artifact, shaped by the same techniques used by craftsmen more than 250 years ago.
In addition to individual shingle sponsorships, the campaign includes multiple giving levels for individuals, businesses and foundations, offering recognition opportunities ranging from donor listings to private tours and permanent on-site plaques.
Supporters can contribute through one-time or recurring donations, corporate sponsorships or legacy giving, all aimed at preserving the structure for future generations.
For organizers, the goal is simple but urgent: keep the story standing.
Residents interested in supporting the campaign or learning more can visit the Morgan Log House fundraising page or contact the organization directly for additional information.
