POTTSTOWN, PA – Iron researcher and author, Dan Graham, presents on the historic origins of the Pennsylvania iron industry, through the story of Thomas Rutter this Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 1 p.m., at Pottsgrove Manor.
Before the Potts family became the leading iron-producing family in colonial Pennsylvania, it was Thomas Rutter who started the industry with the first blast furnace, Colebrookdale. Rutter set the foundations for the growth and expansion of Pennsylvania iron across the Atlantic world. Learn how family descendants including Ruth Savage Potts (Rutter’s granddaughter) impacted the trajectory of the iron business throughout the 18th century. Graham will highlight how the story of one person can still be connected to in our modern community.
Tour the Potts family 1752 manor house before or after the lecture to learn about the Potts family and life during the 18th century. The Museum Shop will also be open to purchase books, games, period reproduction items, and much more. This event is rain or shine and there is a suggested $2 donation per person for this lecture.
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 located at 100 West King Street, Pottsgrove, PA 19464. (Near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422 near the Carousel at Pottsgrove and Manatawny Green Miniature Golf Course) Pottsgrove Manor is operated by the Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites. For more information, please call (610) 326-4014 or visit www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor. Members of the public can also like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook or follow us on Instagram for updates.
Media Contact: Kelly Cofrancisco, kcofrancisco@montcopa.org.