Historical Society Starts its 50th Season

Starting on Sunday, April 13th, throughout the Summer months and into mid-October, two historic buildings on Main Street in Trappe will be open for guided tours on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month.  These two 18th century sites, the Dewees Museum and the Henry Muhlenberg House, have been restored and are maintained by The Historical Society of Trappe, Collegeville, Perkiomen Valley.
     This non-profit organization was established in 1964, thus entering its 50th year of preserving the history of the area and offering programs and activities to the communities it serves.  Many out-of-state visitors, and even organizations from Germany, have traveled to research the individuals who were a part of history in establishing the communities in which we live.
     Ruth Daller, President, is enthusiastic about inviting everyone to visit these sites:  “We are fifty years old this year and the Museum Committee is busy preparing an exhibit of photos and documents in the Miller Room of the Dewees Museum that might have your name or face on them.  There is so much to tell about the early days of the Society, and there were so many who took part in this large undertaking.”  She went on to describe additional exhibits:  “The rest of the building will also be freshened and you will see early Gilbert coverlets woven in the 1700s, a newly acquired painting of Henry Clay which has a connection to Trappe, and our military room, just to name a few.”
     The Society also maintains a Research Library for those who need help locating family history, as well as family files and subject files that might answer their questions.  In the early Society notes and minutes, there was a goal to identify and document the homes in our area that are greater than one hundred years of age and to offer a plaque for each of these, which are available through the Society.
     Members and non-members are invited to visit the Henry Muhlenberg House at 201 W. Main Street (across from the United Church of Christ) and the Dewees Museum at 301 W. Main Street (intersection of Main Street and Route 113).  Guided tours are provided by volunteers on the designated Sundays from 1:30 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
     The Henry Muhlenberg House (circa 1750) was the retirement home of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg and his wife Anna Maria Weiser Muhlenberg during the Revolutionary War.  This home reflects day-to-day life during that period.
     The Dewees Museum (circa 1735) served as a tavern as well as a stagecoach stop, a polling place, and a local court, and was also the scene of rallies for presidential campaigns.  This museum has a variety of displays that reflect life in the Perkiomen Valley from the 18th century to the present.
     There is no admission fee, but donations are appreciated to help maintain these sites.  Gifts, books, and mementos of your visit are offered for sale at the Henry Muhlenberg House Gift Shop located in the Visitor’s Center.  The Dewees office is open on Thursdays from 9:00 A.M. to noon.  To arrange a group tour (minimum of four persons) or for further information, call 610-489-7560.  Please also visit our website for updates on scheduled events and recent happenings:  trappehistoricalsociety.org.