PENNSBURG PA – The views and faith of the Schwenkfelder religion’s founder, Caspar Schwenckfeld, will be reviewed during the January “Brown Bag Lecture” at the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center.
Dr. Drake Williams of the Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale will discuss Schwenckfeld’s Passional Book, and why it is a valuable aid for Christians today.
Beyond what many churches now do, Schwenckfeld specifically emphasized Jesus’ suffering, trial, crucifixion, and death. Williams will explore the text, and compare it to the 2004 film “The Passion of the Christ,” co-produced and directed by Mel Gibson.
The lecture is scheduled for Jan. 14 (2026; Wednesday) at noon in the center, 105 Seminary St. The event is free to attend, thanks to the sponsorship of KeyBank, and open to the public. Participants can see and hear the lecture live or online via Zoom. Advance registration is requested; register online, or by calling the center at 215-679-3103.
Although currently closed for the holidays through Jan. 13 (Tuesday), the center will re-open Jan. 14.
The Library & Heritage Center is the regional history museum for the Upper Perkiomen Valley. Admission is free and open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1-4 p.m., to visit exhibits or conduct research in its extensive library.
For more information on upcoming programs and exhibits, call 215-679-3103 or send an e-mail to info@schwenkfelder.org.
Grants for Programs, Semiquincentennial Events
PENNSBURG PA – A $30,000 cultural and historical support grant was presented during December (2025) to the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center in Pennsburg, by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The money will help the center continue its on-site and outreach programs.
The grant allows it to pursue “sharing the stories and artifacts it preserves with audiences of all ages,” the center reports. It is among a limited number of eligible museums and historical societies in the Commonwealth to receive commission funding. It added that state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick and Rep. Milou Mackenzie were instrumental in helping to secure the award.
The commission, Pennsylvania’s official history agency, is responsible for the collection, conservation, and interpretation of the state’s historic heritage. Its grant program this year is providing about $4 million to local organizations statewide, depending on their annual operative budgets.
During November, the center also received grant funding from the Institute for Museum and Library Services. That money will support its 2026 Semiquincentennial exhibits and programming.
The Schwenkfelder is a non-profit affiliate of America250PA, and is in the process of preparing presentations and exhibits to observe America’s 250th anniversary. Four exhibits will be open throughout the year, and several events are anticipated to interest children and adults.
Events will start Jan. 31 (Saturday) with a one-day symposium on textiles and their role in patriotism, fashion, and flags.
Photo by Travels With The Post
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