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Guided tours share the stories of successful ironmaster John Potts–the founder of Pottstown, Justice of the Peace, Judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, elected representative of both Berks and Philadelphia Counties to the Pennsylvania General Assembly–with engaging and researched interpretation of Pottsgrove Manor as the family’s home and headquarters. Visitors to the museum will discover the experience of the Potts family alongside all the people who labored in the home.
Pottsgrove Manor sits on four acres which are part of the County of Montgomery’s Division of Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites. When the Potts first purchased the property, they held 995 acres that ran along the Schuylkill River which eventually came to include Pottsgrove Manor, two grist mills, a forge, and the town of Pottstown. The Potts family continued to live and develop the town for generations, seeing it grow from less than 20 homes to a thriving borough.
Special programs, workshops, and exhibits continuously highlight the mission of Pottsgrove Manor to connect everyone to 18th-century history. Digital resources including educational videos and online collections can be found throughout our website and social media. Customized school, homeschool, scout, and adult group tours are available to bring history alive to any age.
Guided Tours
Upcoming Programs (2022–2023)
* All Programs are free and welcome all ages unless noted*
Saturday, June 17th, from 12:00 noon to 2:00pm
Juneteenth Celebration
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 ironworkers of Coventry Forge and find their present-day descendants. Following the talks, visitors are invited to participate in a volunteer cleanup of this historic cemetery, just a few minutes down the road from Pottsgrove Manor. Deepen your understanding of the past, and come learn about the free Black community of South Coventry.
Suggested Donation:
$2 per person.
Saturday, June 24th, from 11:00am to 3:00pm
“The Social & Medical World of Dr. Jonathan Potts”: Exhibit Opening Celebration
Join us as we celebrate the life and work of Dr. Jonathan Potts with a new exhibit, special lecture, and living history demonstrations detailing his major achievements and temporary struggles. Historian of 18th-century medicine, Jennifer Bolton will open the exhibit with an 11:00am presentation, exploring medicines purchased and used by Dr. Potts. Discover how physicians treated patients in an age before modern healthcare. Afterwards, learn about colonial medicine from reenactors, and explore the new exhibit (throughout the museum) with guided tours from Pottsgrove Manor’s staff. Check back with us for related programming during the exhibit’s run, and discover moments that forever changed the life of Dr. Jonathan Potts.
(Exhibit will run from June 24th to November 5th, 2023)
Suggested Donation:
$2 per person.
Saturdays, August 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, from 11:00am to 3:00pm
Open House Days: Historic Cooking and Collections Curiosities
Every Saturday in August has something new to discover at Pottsgrove Manor! The public can see select 18th-century items from the Pottsgrove Manor collection up close and ask questions to the curator. Visitors can also find historic summer delights being created in the reproduction kitchen from period receipts. Follow the month’s schedule and choose which days (and curiosities) to visit. The first floor of the museum will be open for visitors to explore at their leisure.
Suggested Donation:
$2 per person.
Saturday, September 9th, from 11:00am to 3:00pm
A Spinning Workshop with Ruth Konrad
Explore the art of spinning fibers into thread. Participants will go beyond demonstrations of traditional spinning techniques and learn how to transform raw wool into usable yarn themselves! Textile researcher and expert spinner, Ruth Konrad, will share the stories of the natural fibers that were used to make yarn and thread for textiles. Embrace a new skill while connecting to the past and join in this spinning circle at Pottsgrove Manor!
Ages 12+, Registration Required, Materials Fee $60 per person, participants are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch.
Saturday, October 14th, at 1:00 pm
Pottstown on Paper—Exploring Family History through Deeds
For the genealogy enthusiasts, join us for a presentation by Jeanne Sorg, Recorder of Deeds for Montgomery County! Dating back to 1784, the office is responsible for maintaining all county land records and other miscellaneous papers. Discover how you can trace the history of your own house or property! Or learn research methods for discovering your own family history in the region.
Friday, November 10th, at 12:00 noon
Road Trip!—Exploring Potts Places (Digital Series)
Follow this digital series as we hit the road, visiting the many households, forges, and furnaces connected to the Potts family and related connections. If you’ve heard about the commercial “iron empire” helmed by John Potts Sr., then it’s time you visit all the places connected to it. Join our staff virtually as they drive to different historic sites, exploring Potts-related places and having conversations with museum professionals, living history reenactors, and experts in the Pennsylvania iron industry.
Follow posts on social media and videos on our YouTube.
Friday, November 24th, 2023 through Sunday, January 7th, 2024
(During regular museum hours)
Twelfth Night Holiday Tours
Witness the transformation of Pottsgrove Manor for the yuletide season and reveal the traditions of an 18th-century Twelfth Night party. Twelfth Night marked the end of the Christmastide season, celebrated on Epiphany. Guided tours of the manor explore all aspects of the festivities, from the intense preparations to the differences between the way elite families like the Potts and their household staff experienced the season. Uncover the links of winter traditions both old and new at Pottsgrove Manor.
Suggested Donation:
$2 per person.
Sunday, December 10th, 2023, from 11:00am to 5:00pm
18th-Century Holiday Frost Fair
Celebrate the season with Pottsgrove Manor’s holiday event, Frost Fair! Immerse yourself by going through the grounds and talking with the historic vendors and demonstrators about their wares. Laugh with the whole family at historic puppet shows and musical entertainments! Wander through the museum as living history interpreters share the history of the holiday season with revelry and treats being made in the historic hearth. Find the perfect something for every person on your holiday list with local vendors and creators at the Holiday Market. Make sure Frost Fair is part of your holiday traditions!
Follow signs for parking and to free Visitor Shuttle to the grounds. Weather Dependent.
Suggested Donation:
$2 per person.
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