04/26/2026
Pennsylvania Germans and The American Revolution.
SCHS To Present 2026 Roush Memorial Lecture Featuring
“Windows to Revolution: Pennsylvania Germans & the War for Independence
By Kay Poeth
The Snyder County Historical Society is proud to present the 2026 Roush Memorial Lecture on Sunday afternoon, May 3 beginning at 2 pm at Sharon Lutheran Church, located at 120 S. Market Street in Selinsgrove. The public is invited and encouraged to attend this free presentation as we commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary.
During the 2026 Roush Memorial Lecture, Christopher Malone will focus on the experiences of the Pennsylvania Germans during the American Revolution. Drawing on German-language journals, folk art, domestic objects, and archeological evidence, Malone will explore how immigrant communities navigated military service, political division, religious life, and everyday survival during a time of profound upheaval.
Of special interest to our area of Central PA, he will discuss the introduction of Mahantango Valley furniture in 1926 to the wider public, leading to a better understanding of our regional identity, craftsmanship, and culture during the numerous commemorations of the American Revolution.
A highly-regarded curator and scholar, Christopher Malone specializes in Pennsylvania German material culture. He currently serves as curator of Historic Trappe and the Center for Pennsylvania German Studies as well as the curator for the Lutheran Archives Center in Philadelphia. He earned his Master’s in American Material Culture through the distinguished Winterhur Program at University of Delaware.
The Roush Lecture series was endowed as a program of The Snyder County Historical Society in 1986, and honors the memory of both Raymond E. and Ruth Lowe Roush. In the mid-1970’s, Ray Roush chaired the Snyder County Communities National Bicentennial, Inc. which inspired and coordinated local observances of the anniversary of American Independence.
Both Ray and Ruth served as president of the society and gave generously of their time, talents, and financial resources to advance the society’s library and museum programs and the work of the historical society. This free program is offered in their memory.
Mark your calendars for the 2026 Roush Memorial Lecture on Sunday afternoon, May 3 beginning at 2 pm at Sharon Lutheran Church, located at 120 S. Market Street in Selinsgrove.
Caption:
The Snyder County Historical Society to proud to host the 2026 Roush Lecture being held on Sunday afternoon, May 3 at 2 pm at Sharon Lutheran Church, located at 120 S. Market Street in Selinsgrove. The public is welcome to attend this free historical presentation entitled, “Windows to Revolution: Pennsylvania Germans & the War for Independence.”
