By Betsy Natter

Credit: Pennypacker Mills

Many places boast that “Washington slept here,” and it is no different in Montgomery County. During the Revolutionary War in particular, George Washington, leader of the Continental Army, travelled throughout the region as he maneuvered his troops to engage the British. Local areas and historic homes became host to the Commander as the army planned and rested following various battles. Several of these sites are hosting living history events and exhibits this fall to mark the 240th anniversary of the encampments in the county. Step back in time and learn about our nation’s past at one of the events detailed below.

“Washington’s Encampment at Skippack” – Sept. 30 & Oct. 1
Skippack Historical Society
Evansburg Rd. & Skippack Pk., Skippack, PA 19474
(610) 584-1166

Enjoy this two day living history event sponsored by the Skippack Historical Society on the grounds of the historic Indenhofen farm in Skippack. Both days feature Continental Troops marching and firing muskets and demonstrating the daily life of a soldier during the Revolutionary War. Demonstrations include other domestic skills of the time including butter churning and apple butter making, tin punch, corn shelling, hearth cooking and blacksmithing. Tours of the restored house and barn will be available as well as special activities. Saturday will feature a program for children to experience a one-room school, and demonstrations by quilters and a tobacconist. Visit with George Washington and Betsy Ross on Sunday, watch rug weaving on a loom and enjoy a dulcimer concert.

The event runs Sat., Sept 30 from 10 am to 5 pm and Sun., Oct. 1 from 11 am to 4 pm. The event is free but a parking donation to help support the society’s work is appreciated.

Pennypacker Mills
5 Haldeman Rd., Schwenksville, PA 19473
(610) 287-9349

“War Comes to the Mills” – ongoing

A special exhibit running through Sun, Oct. 15th details the encampment of Washington’s army on the Pannebecker property for two different periods during the fall of 1777. At this location, Washington organized his army for the Battle of Germantown and then retreated back to their old camp following their defeat. The exhibit will show artifacts found on the property including an actual order from General Washington, and includes many of the human interest stories that took place such as the story of George Washington returning General Howe’s dog. The exhibit is in the bedroom which Washington used during his stay and is part of the general tour of the mansion. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sundays from 1 to 4 pm. Suggested donation is $2 per person.

Revolutionary War Encampment Walk – Oct. 1

In addition to the Mill’s exhibit, a special program will be held on Sunday Oct. 1 at 1 pm where visitors will hear the story of the encampment of General George Washington and his army in the fall of 1777 during a walking tour of the grounds. See where the soldiers camped and as well as visit a few gravesites where soldiers are buried. The program is for all ages and a donation of $2 per person is suggested.

Home & Headquarters: War Comes to Worcester – Oct. 14
Peter Wentz Farmstead
2030 Shearer Rd., Lansdale, PA 19446
(610)-584-5104

What would you do if an army marched in, pitched tents in your front yard and the general moved his headquarters into your house? Learn how the Wentz family coped with General Washington and his staff using their house as a military headquarters during the busy harvest season in the fall of 1777. During this living history event on Sat., Oct. 14 from 10 am to 3 pm you can experience the daily life of a Revolutionary war soldier, visit with General Washington and help with farm chores throughout the day. A $2 per person donation is suggested. 

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