Pennypacker Mills

Pennypacker Mills Welcome to the official page of Pennypacker Mills. The collection also includes political, genealogical and personal papers, and photographs.
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A step back in time to the turn of the 20th century in a home filled with the original antiques in the collection of Samuel Whitaker Pennypacker who lived at Pennypacker Mills from 1900-1916. Besides being governor of Pennsylvania from 1903-1907, he was an internationally-known collector interested in all aspects of early Pennsylvania history, German and Dutch settlers, native Americans, the Revol

utionary and Civil Wars, as well as family history. Originally constructed about 1720, the mansion was redesigned and enlarged by architect Arthur Brockie in 1901 to reflect a country gentleman’s lifestyle. The 1900s History Center in the restored barn offers opportunites for hands-on activites at the General Store & Post Office, transportation center with carriages, wagons, and trains, and communications area with telegraph "texting." Activities throughout the year include exhibits, workshops, and special events. Large group and school tours are requested to call in advance to schedule visits. First floor of mansion and restrooms are handicap accessible. Picnic tables are available, as well as a Classroom building with a kitchenette that is available for rentals that holds 40 people.

This day in history: On June 18th, 1913, the Soldiers of New Jersey Monument in Dogwood Grove at Valley Forge was dedica...
06/18/2026

This day in history:

On June 18th, 1913, the Soldiers of New Jersey Monument in Dogwood Grove at Valley Forge was dedicated by President Woodrow Wilson’s daughter, Eleanor. Led by Brigadier General William Maxwell, the New Jersey soldiers were seen as united, organized, and disciplined. The monument commemorates the location in Valley Forge where the soldiers of New Jersey encamped. Many other states erected these monuments at Valley Forge to commemorate their soldiers’ encampments and sacrifices as well, and Samuel W. Pennypacker was chosen to accept and dedicate the Pennsylvania monument.

Want to learn more? Pennypacker Mills’ exhibit, Preserving Valley Forge: A Family Affair has information about the Valley Forge Monuments; or visit the exhibition online at https://sites.google.com/view/ppmvirtualexhibitions/ppm-virtual-exhibitions

Meet Phillis Wheatley on the porch at Pennypacker Mills Join us this Saturday, June 20 at 4 PM for a free outdoor perfor...
06/18/2026

Meet Phillis Wheatley on the porch at Pennypacker Mills
Join us this Saturday, June 20 at 4 PM for a free outdoor performance bringing the first published African American poet to life.

Historian‑actor Dr. Daisy Century shares Wheatley’s powerful story—from her childhood in West Africa to her rise as an acclaimed 18th‑century writer.

Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy an afternoon of history, storytelling, and community.

Calling all families to Pennypacker Mills’ free Victorian Game Day and Vintage Baseball event! Bring the whole family to...
06/14/2026

Calling all families to Pennypacker Mills’ free Victorian Game Day and Vintage Baseball event! Bring the whole family to learn about traditional Victorian-era activities and watch an exciting live 1860s-era baseball game. Kids can try classic lawn games such as croquet, graces, ring toss, and more. Explore Victorian-era tabletop games and optical illusion toys, offering a hands-on look at how families of the past entertained themselves both indoors and outside!

📍 Pennypacker Mills, 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville
🕙 Saturday, June 27th, drop in anytime from 12pm-3pm
💵 FREE event!

Come to Pennypacker Mills for the first of our Porch Performance series on Saturday, June 20th at 4pm. Experience an eng...
06/12/2026

Come to Pennypacker Mills for the first of our Porch Performance series on Saturday, June 20th at 4pm. Experience an engaging historical performance by Dr. Daisy Century portraying Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American poet. This free program will be presented on the mansion porch with lawn seating. Bring a chair or a blanket to sit on at this outdoor performance for all ages. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Pennypacker Mills.

On June 10, 1867, Samuel Pennypacker received an invitation from D.F. Moore to attend a Moonlight Hop scheduled for June...
06/10/2026

On June 10, 1867, Samuel Pennypacker received an invitation from D.F. Moore to attend a Moonlight Hop scheduled for June 13, 1867. The invitation extended a warm welcome, stating: “Please find an invitation to a ‘moonlight hop’ whereat we shall be much pleased to meet you. ‘Moore Hall,’ you are probably aware, is the property of Mr. Jeffery John, situated near Pickering Bridge. If you have any friends desirous of attending, we shall also gladly welcome them. Very Truly Yours, D.F. Moore.” During the mid-to-late 19th century, Moonlight Hops were popular social gatherings for people of all ages often from upper and middle classes that featured live music, socializing, and dancing under the stars or open air pavilions on warm, moonlit summer nights—commonly referred to as “hops.” In 1883, “Moore Hall” was purchased by Samuel's mother, Anna Maria. For many years thereafter, Samuel and his family spent their summers at this charming location.

Ready for some old‑school fun? Join us at Pennypacker Mills on June 27th for Victorian Game Day. Test your croquet skill...
06/09/2026

Ready for some old‑school fun? Join us at Pennypacker Mills on June 27th for Victorian Game Day. Test your croquet skills, toss a game of graces, or race your friends with hoop & stick. Kids, parents, grandparents—everyone can jump in! Make memories that feel straight out of history.
📍 Pennypacker Mills, 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, PA 19473
📅 Saturday, June 27th | 12pm-3pm
❗ FREE

Calling all historic baseball fans! Join us at Pennypacker Mills on Saturday, June 27th from 12pm-3pm for a free Victori...
06/05/2026

Calling all historic baseball fans! Join us at Pennypacker Mills on Saturday, June 27th from 12pm-3pm for a free Victorian Game Day and Vintage Baseball event! The Athletic Base Ball Club of Philadelphia will take the field for a doubleheader, played according to the 1860s rules using historically accurate uniforms and equipment. This authentic form of early “base ball” highlights the origins of America’s pastime and provides a lively and educational experience for all!

📍Pennypacker Mills, 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville
📅Saturday, June 27th, drop in anytime from 12pm-3pm
❗FREE event!

Meet Phillis Wheatley on the porch of Pennypacker Mills! Join us Saturday, June 20 at 4 PM for a free historical perform...
06/03/2026

Meet Phillis Wheatley on the porch of Pennypacker Mills! Join us Saturday, June 20 at 4 PM for a free historical performance by Dr. Daisy Century. Powerful first-person storytelling will bring to life the remarkable story of the first published African American poet.

Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy this outdoor Porch Performance, sponsored by the Friends of Pennypacker Mills.

Suggested donation: $2 per person.

On June 1, 1872, the U.S. Congress passed the Organizing Act, which established the Centennial Board of Finance to raise...
06/01/2026

On June 1, 1872, the U.S. Congress passed the Organizing Act, which established the Centennial Board of Finance to raise funds for the U.S. Centennial International Exhibition of 1876 in Philadelphia. The Board was tasked with selling stock to fund the fair, setting a firm deadline of June 1, 1875, to process all stock subscription requests. One notable purchase was by Samuel Pennypacker's grandfather Joseph R. Whitaker, who bought 10 shares at $10 each, receiving a certificate adorned with engravings of American history. This effort successfully raised the necessary $10 million to finance the grand event, which opened in Fairmount Park on May 10, 1876. Celebrating the nation's centennial, the exposition featured technological marvels like Alexander Graham Bell's telephone and Thomas Edison's telegraph system, along with cultural exhibits such as Heinz ketchup and the Statue of Liberty's torch. Attracting nearly 10 million visitors, this world's fair highlighted America's innovations and cultural prowess, leaving a lasting legacy.

Address

5 Haldeman Road
Schwenksville, PA
19473

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+16102879349

Website

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