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Peter Wentz Farmstead
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The Peter Wentz Farmstead
This stone house, built in 1758, was home to the Wentz family in the latter half of the 18th century.
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House Tours
Tours of the historic house are available by reservation Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 to 4:00 and Sundays 1:00 to 4:00.
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The Parlor
The parlor was the perfect place to receive guests. Mrs. Wentz may have served tea to neighbors here.
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Washington's Headquarters
George Washington used the Wentz house as his headquarters twice in October of 1777. His aides-de-camp, including Alexander Hamilton, may have used this room as a temporary office.
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Living History Demonstrations
The Farmstead holds regular public events where visitors can watch demonstrations of 18th century crafts like basket weaving, woodworking, spinning, and more.
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Colonial Camp
At our annual Colonial Camp, children get a hands-on look at life in the 18th century.
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Washington's Bed Chamber
During Washington's stay at eh Wentz house, he is known to have slept in this bed chamber on the second floor.
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Indoor Kitchen
The indoor kitchen was used during winter as it helped heat the house. The detached summer kitchen was used in warm weather.
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The Barn
This reproduction Pennsylvania German bank barn was built on top of the original foundations of Peter Wentz's barn, which was built in 1744.
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Sheep
The Peter Wentz Farmstead is still a working farm! Visitors love meeting our sheep, cows, and chickens.
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Sheep Shearing Day
Sheep Shearing is one of the Peter Wentz Farmstead's most popular public events. Visitors come to watch the sheep get shorn and learn about the busy life of a farm family in springtime.
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Peg and Sam
Peg and Sam are twin sisters who were born here on the property and have been trained as oxen since they were just babies.
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Educational Programming
The Farmstead offers tons of educational programming for kids, like quill-and-ink writing, colonial toys and games, Pennsylvania German craft projects, and more.
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Step Into the Past!
Kids are fascinated to see what children did for fun back in the days before video games!
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The Historic House
People lived and farmed at the Peter Wentz Farmstead from 1744 until 1969 when Montgomery County purchased the property and painstakingly restored it to its late-18th-century appearance.
The Peter Wentz Farmstead is a restored 18th-century historic site and working farm, first settled by Peter and Rosanna Wentz in 1744. The house, built in 1758, is a remarkably unique example of colonial Pennsylvania German architecture and design. It is furnished throughout with period-accurate objects representing the types of items the Wentz family may have owned. Visitors to the Farmstead will see the house as it would have appeared in 1777, when General George Washington and his staff used the property as a temporary headquarters. After the Wentz family sold the farm to Devault Bieber, it was then purchased in 1794 by Schwenkfelder reverend Melchior Schultz. Generations of the Schultz family continued to live and farm here until 1969, when Montgomery County purchased the property. The farm buildings, livestock, and kitchen garden represent early Pennsylvania German farming culture and practices typical to this region.
The Farmstead offers plenty of fun, educational events and programming throughout the year, including living history demonstrations, workshops, nature programs, and much more. The historic house is open for guided tours year-round.
Click here to view our brochure!
TOURS
Free tours are available year-round. Tours begin on the hour from 10:00am to 3:00pm Tuesday through Saturday, and 1:00 to 3:00pm on Sundays. Plan your trip so that you allow at least 45 minutes for this personalized view into the past. Reservations are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Planning to visit? Suggested donation is $2 per person.
Let us know when you're coming! Call 610-584-5104
or email: peterwentzfarmstead@montgomerycountypa.gov
Visitors with limited mobility should note that the first floor of the Historic House is mostly handicap accessible, but the second floor is not.
Tour Hours
Tuesday - Saturday
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday
1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Closed Mondays and Holidays
Last tours start at 3:00 pm
Take a Virtual Tour.
Montgomery County’s Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites hours of operation during inclement weather events will vary based on regional geographic areas and micro climate conditions. To verify if a site is open, please call the site directly or check the facility’s social media page. When freezing temperatures, rain, and ice are in the forecast, the public is urged to be extra cautious on trails, roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. Visitors are encouraged to sign up for ReadyMontco text and email alerts to receive real-time alerts on closures, alerts, and other warnings.
Calendar of Events July-December 2023
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Contact Us
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Meg Bleecker Blades,
Historic Site SupervisorPh: 610-584-5104
Mailing Address:
Box 240
Worcester, PA 19490Street Address:
(East of intersection of Routes 73 & 363)2030 Shearer Road
Lansdale, PA 19446Hours
Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Closed Mondays and Holidays