POTTSGROVE, PA — Montco residents and visitors are invited to join
Pottsgrove Manor this September and October for programs that celebrate Potts family and local history. Visit
Pottsgrove Manor’s Facebook page Fridays, September 10, 17, and 24 at 12 noon for the release of Growing Up Potts, a digital series that showcases stories from the 13 children of the Potts family. Pottsgrove Manor also welcomes Brandyn Charlton, owner of
At the Sign of the Black Bear, for his presentation German Fraktur and Pennsylvania Folk Art on October 16, at 1 pm.
Growing Up Potts—Digital Series
Fridays, September 10, 17, 24 at noon
Connect with the childhood experience of the 18th century through stories about some of the 13 Potts children through this digital video series. Discover the ways the Potts children experienced the privilege that their family wealth and status afforded them and learn about the choices they made about their futures. Challenge the ways you have come to know the Potts family by engaging with their stories through the experience of growing up in the 18th century iron industry. This no-cost program will be released on
Pottsgrove Manor’s Facebook page and
website.
German Fraktur and Pennslyvania Folk Art: Lecture by Brandyn Charlton (In-Person Event)
Saturday, October 16, 1 p.m.
Discover the many different ways that Fraktur and traditional Pennsylvania Germanic art was used throughout the 18th century with artist and historical interpreter
Brandyn Charlton. This lecture is a suggested $2 donation per person.
From decorating important documents to patterns on dishware, Fraktur designs have a long history in the folk art of Pennsylvania. Learn about the many different functions of Fraktur and some of the most popular designs at this engaging lecture. The Potts ironworks frequently feature Pennsylvania Germanic designs, including tulip and heart motifs, as many German immigrants to Pennsylvania were purchasing stoves from Potts furnaces.
ABOUT POTTSGROVE MANOR
Pottsgrove Manor exemplifies the restrained elegance of early Georgian architecture popular with wealthy English gentry during the mid-18th-century. Built in 1752 for John Potts, ironmaster and founder of Pottstown, the mansion was situated on a nearly 1,000 acre plantation, which by 1762 included the town of “Pottsgrove.”
As a successful ironmaster and merchant, John Potts, was appointed Justice of the Peace and Judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. He was elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly from both Berks and Philadelphia Counties.
Although only four acres of original property remain today, Pottsgrove Manor has lost none of its original charm and architectural beauty. The sandstone exterior, elegant interior and fine furnishings reflect the eminence that the Potts family had attained before selling the property in 1783. The mansion has been restored to recreate the lifestyle and times of the Potts family. Pottsgrove Manor is open year-round for guided tours, as well as public programs, school tours, lectures, and workshops. A museum shop on site offers a wide selection of 18th century reproduction items, books, toys, and more.
Pottsgrove Manor is following all state and local guidelines for the mitigation of COVID-19 at the facility. Masks are required for all visitors indoors and recommended for unvaccinated individuals outdoors.