Historic Trappe

Historic Trappe We preserve and share the historic places, landscapes, and heritage of southeastern Pennsylvania.

We offer a research library, archives, and exhibitions at our Center for Pennsylvania German Studies, two historic houses, and gardens open to the public.

Join us on Tuesday, June 30, at 7 pm for the final installment of our spring lecture series, co-sponsored by the The His...
06/18/2026

Join us on Tuesday, June 30, at 7 pm for the final installment of our spring lecture series, co-sponsored by the The Historical Society of Montgomery County, PA. Our speaker will be Dr. Emily Sneff, consulting curator and historian at Historic Trappe and a leading expert on the Declaration of Independence. Learn about the content and context of the Declaration of Independence ahead of the 250th anniversary. This program is ideal for anyone interested in exploring the history of this important document before the Houses of Declaration public readings during Fourth of July weekend in Montgomery County and the Dare to Declare events throughout the summer in Chester County. Copies of Dr. Sneff's new book, When the Declaration of Independence Was News, will be available for purchase and signing.

Location: St. Luke's Church, 200 W. Main St. Trappe, PA

Cost: Free

On Wednesday, June 24, celebrate 250 years of history with a special guided tour of Historic Trappe, exploring how Luthe...
06/17/2026

On Wednesday, June 24, celebrate 250 years of history with a special guided tour of Historic Trappe, exploring how Lutheran families such as the Muhlenbergs were integrally involved in the Revolutionary War. Learn how the war directly impacted Lutherans in southeastern Pennsylvania and enjoy rarely-seen artifacts from historic congregations including Augustus Lutheran, New Hanover, St. Michael's Germantown, and St. Michael's and Zion in Philadelphia.

Co-hosted by Historic Trappe and the Lutheran Archives Center at Philadelphia, this anniversary program highlights the faith, community, and cultural traditions that shaped life during the Revolutionary era. Tours are led by a combination of staff including Lisa Minardi, executive director; Christopher Malone, curator; Sheila Joy, archivist; and Haley Wrye, assistant archivist.

Tours are offered for two time slots: 10 am to 12 pm and 2 to 4 pm. Augustus Lutheran Church will also be open for tours from 12 to 2 pm both days and is included with your purchase of a ticket.

Location: Meet at the Dewees Tavern, 301 W. Main St. Trappe, PA

Cost: $25 per person (includes tours of Dewees Tavern, Muhlenberg House, and Speaker’s House)

Party like it’s 1776 at a special 250th anniversary community dinner held at the Speaker’s House! Enjoy a variety of del...
06/16/2026

Party like it’s 1776 at a special 250th anniversary community dinner held at the Speaker’s House! Enjoy a variety of delicious foods provided by local restaurants and craft beer from Troubles End Brewing while dining al fresco on the grounds of our beautiful historic site.

The evening begins with drinks and appetizers at 5 pm. Stroll the paths of an authentic Pennsylvania German garden filled with heirloom vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Tour the newly-restored Speaker's House to experience the home of Frederick Muhlenberg, a Founding Father who lived right here in Trappe.

At 6 pm, join your friends and neighbors at long communal tables set up on the lawn for a buffet dinner.

Parking is available at the Trappe Shopping Center, accessible via Main Street or Route 113.

Location: The Speaker's House lawn at 151 W. Main Street, Trappe, PA 19426.

Buy tickets at historictrappe.org/founders-feast

Living History Saturdays continue this weekend, funded by a grant from Americana Corner!This weekend will feature a demo...
06/16/2026

Living History Saturdays continue this weekend, funded by a grant from Americana Corner!

This weekend will feature a demonstration by Plunkett Fleeson, a Philadelphia upholsterer who served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War.

From June 13 through September 5, the grounds of the Speaker’s House will come alive every Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm with engaging, hands-on demonstrations that bring 18th-century life into vivid focus.

Visitors can explore the daily experiences of Revolutionary War soldiers, witness traditional hearth cooking, and learn skilled crafts like tape weaving and wood turning. Additional demonstrations include historic laundry practices, trades of the period, and other immersive activities that reveal the rhythms of early American life.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for a fun weekend outing, Living History Saturdays offer a dynamic and educational experience for all ages. Join us each week to discover the stories, skills, and traditions that shaped our nation.

Location: The Speaker’s House, 151 W. Main St. Trappe, PA. Parking is on-site.
Cost: included with general museum admission

Visit HistoricTrappe.org to plan your trip today!

06/16/2026

We recently hosted the Montgomery Bar Association at the Speaker's House for their annual Bar Leaders and Bench dinner. We are delighted to have this new space available to rent for special events, meetings, and custom guided tours.

Are you hosting an event or want a private group tour of Historic Trappe? Visit Historictrappe.org/group-tours to learn more.

Our Revolutionary Kids Day Camp is open for registration!Revolutionary Kids is a new summer day camp for rising 3rd thro...
06/15/2026

Our Revolutionary Kids Day Camp is open for registration!

Revolutionary Kids is a new summer day camp for rising 3rd through 6th graders, offered over two weeks this summer on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

The first week (July 28-30) is designed for rising 3rd and 4th graders, and the second week (August 4-6) for rising 5th and 6th graders, allowing activities and instruction to be tailored to each age group. The program introduces children to life in the 1700s through active, inquiry-based learning at Historic Trappe’s sites, including the Speaker’s House, home of Frederick Muhlenberg, first Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Camp sessions include hearth cooking, gardening, archaeology, colonial games, paper marbling, and a variety of other colonial crafts. Lessons will be led by Historic Trappe’s museum educators and enriched by outside experts each day.

Register today at historictrappe.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/historictrappe/eventRegistration.jsp?event=553& or by clicking the link in our bio!

06/14/2026

Come conduct a research request with me!

Historic Trappe is home to more than just museums. The Dewees Tavern is also the Center for Pennsylvania German Studies, and our library and archives are open by appointment to researchers and curious minds.

Are you studying local history? Submit your own research request by emailing [email protected].

More details on research can be found at HistoricTrappe.org/research-services-guidelines/

Happy Flag Day from Historic Trappe!Today from 12 to 4 pm, discover the rich and evolving story behind one of the most r...
06/14/2026

Happy Flag Day from Historic Trappe!

Today from 12 to 4 pm, discover the rich and evolving story behind one of the most recognizable symbols in U.S. history—the American flag. This engaging presentation explores the origins and transformation of the flag’s design, tracing its journey from the early days of the nation to the familiar 50-star banner we know today. Learn how pivotal laws and congressional acts shaped each change, reflecting the growth of the country itself. The program also highlights the influence of colonial-era flags that inspired the iconic stars and stripes, offering a deeper understanding of the flag’s meaning, symbolism, and enduring legacy.

Perfect for families, the event will also feature a fun and creative children’s flag craft, giving younger attendees a hands-on way to connect with history and take home their own patriotic creation.

Location: The Speaker’s House, 151 W. Main St. Trappe, PA. Parking will be available at St. Luke’s Church, 200 W. Main St. Trappe, PA.

Cost: included with general museum admission

The Semiquincenntennial is only a few weeks away! Celebrate America's 250th birthday in Historic Trappe with a special I...
06/13/2026

The Semiquincenntennial is only a few weeks away! Celebrate America's 250th birthday in Historic Trappe with a special Independence Day weekend, fun and free for the whole family.

On Saturday, July 4, gather at the Speaker's House at 10 am for a special edition of Kids Dig History. At 10:15, there will be a lively fife and drum procession up the street from the Speaker's House to the Muhlenberg House. Children participating in the Kids Dig History program will be given thirteen-star flags to wave in the procession. At 10:30, there will be a stirring reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Muhlenberg House. Both houses will be open for tours afterwards, together with the Dewees Tavern. Kids' activities will continue at the Speaker's House all afternoon.

Augustus Lutheran Church is holding a special morning prayer service at the Old Trappe Church at 8:30 am. Feel free to join the service before coming to visit Historic Trappe.

On Sunday, July 5, at noon there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence in German from the balcony of the Muhlenberg House. Both houses will be open for tours afterwards, together with the Dewees Tavern. Kids' activities will also be offered at the Visitor Center behind the Muhlenberg House from 12 to 4 pm.

Bring the whole family and be part of this unforgettable patriotic experience to celebrate America's 250th birthday! Parking is available at St. Luke's Fellowship Church, 200 W. Main Street.

For more information, visit HistoricTrappe.org/events

Historic Trappe’s Independence Day Weekend is generously sponsored by Mark R. Ashton, Esquire and Amy P. DeShong, Esquire.

This program is part of the Montgomery County Houses of Declaration initiative.

06/13/2026

🇺🇸 Celebrate Flag Day with Historic Trappe! On Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, and Sunday from 12 to 4 pm, enjoy a Flag Day presentation at the Speaker's House, and tour our museums and houses!

Visit HistoricTrappe.org to learn more

Address

301 W. Main Street
Trappe, PA
19426

Opening Hours

Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

Telephone

+16104897560

Website

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