POTTSTOWN, PA—Join in the historic traditions of the holiday season at Pottsgrove Manor with holiday-themed guided tours and at the Frost Fair special event.
Twelfth Night Tours
Friday, November 24 to Friday, January 7 during regular museum hours
Witness the transformation of Pottsgrove Manor for the yuletide season and reveal the traditions of an 18th-century Twelfth Night party. Twelfth Night marked the end of the Christmastide season, celebrated on Epiphany. Guided tours of the manor explore all aspects of the festivities, from the intense preparations to the differences between the way elite families like the Potts and their household staff experienced the season.
Find the parlor arranged with elegant desserts and decorated with greenery. See the Twelfth Night Cake, both a party game and dessert, being prepared in the kitchen. Catch a glimpse into the servant’s perspective of the holiday preparations and learn about the role of Boxing Day in the 18th century. See if your ears can recognize holiday tunes that are still sung by modern carolers or test your luck and play a colonial parlor game. Uncover the links to winter traditions both old and new at Pottsgrove Manor.
Tours run during normal museum hours, which are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
18th Century Holiday Frost Fair
Sunday, December 10 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Celebrate the season with Pottsgrove Manor’s holiday event, Frost Fair! Immerse yourself by going through the grounds and talking with the historic vendors and demonstrators about their wares. Discover if you have a talent for colonial games such as nine pin bowling or quoits, a ring toss game. Stroll into the tavern where you can learn about what drinks were served, gambles made, and what the atmosphere was like over 200 years ago. Laugh with the whole family at historic puppet shows and musical entertainments happening throughout the day from Tuckers Tales Puppet Theater!
18th century cider historian Mark Turdo will also present on the role and history of Pennsylvania cider in the Entertainment Tent at 1 p.m.
Wander through the museum as living history interpreters share the history of the holiday season with revelry. Uncover the ways our modern traditions have developed over 200 years or find an old tradition you can bring back in your own yuletide celebrations. Learn about the special food items on display and see treats being made in the historic hearth. Plus, find the perfect something for every person on your holiday list with local vendors and creators at the Holiday Market. With local makes ranging from soaps, textiles, books, home décor, and much more, there is something perfect waiting to be found. Make sure Frost Fair is part of your holiday traditions!
Frost Fair is weather dependent. All ages are welcome, and the event is a suggested $2 donation per person. Visitors are encouraged to follow signs for parking at Pottstown Memorial Park and then to board the free Visitor Shuttle to the grounds.
More information can be found on Pottsgrove Manor’s website or by calling the museum at 610-326-4014.
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 retains 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 times and lifestyle of the Potts family, including those who labored for them. Pottsgrove Manor is open year-round for guided tours, as well as public programs, school tours, lectures, and workshops. The Shoppe at Pottsgrove Manor offers a wide selection of 18th-century reproduction items, books, toys, candy, and more.
Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King Street, Pottstown, PA 19464. (Near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422 near the Carousel at Pottstown 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.montgomerycountypa.gov/PottsgroveManor. For the most current information, members of the public can also like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook or follow us on Instagram for updates.
Media Contact: Megan Alt, megan.alt@montgomerycountypa.gov
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