Colonial Furniture, ‘What’s Hot and Not,’ an Aug. 12 Topic

PENNSBURG PA – It’s likely that a substantial number of area residents grew up in homes with furniture and accessories sold as “Colonial” or “Early American” replicas. Those who did can relive the era of 20th Century houses during an Aug. 12 (2026; Wednesday) discussion, in Pennsburg, of early American home decoration trends.

The event, free and open to the public, begins at noon in the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center, 105 Seminary St.

The center’s curator, Candace Perry, will explore what she suggests is “the good, the questionable, and the kitsch” in furniture and accessories since the U. S. Centennial.

The program is available in-person or via a Zoom link. Register online to ensure a seat, or call 215-679-3103.

The furniture talk is part of the center’s monthly Brown Bag lecture series, as well as one of its Semiquincentennial programs. It is made possible with assistance from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. As the series’ name implies, participants are welcome to bring a mid-day meal (brown-bagged or otherwise) to enjoy while the discussion proceeds.

The Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center is the largest museum in the region, and shares stories of the Pennsylvania German experience. It is open free of charge Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1 -4 p.m.

Photo by Travels With The Post

Also Ahead at The Schwenkfelder

• A Wm. Antes Workshop, Aug. 23 (Sunday) at 1:30 p.m. “This workshop with William Paton and Randy Steffy explores the process of building and documenting early Kentucky rifles. It will use the Wm. Antes Swivel breech rifle as an example. The workshop is free to attend,” but online advance registration is required.
• Southeastern Pennsylvania Longrifles: The Early Years, on display during heritage center operating hours through Oct. 18 (Sunday). “Longrifles were finely crafted works of art that developed from the European tradition. (Many) had beautiful relief and incised carving. On loan from collectors, the long-rifles will showcase the workmanship and origins of these firearms. The exhibit is produced in collaboration with the Kentucky Rifle Foundation.”
• Revolutionary Fraktur, on display during heritage center operating hours through April 25 (2027; Sunday). “Drawing upon (its) deep and colorful collection of fraktur, (it) will exhibit a selection of about 40 fraktur produced during the American Revolutionary period, 1763–1787.”

Our entertainment reporting covers the arts and culture, shows, exhibits, performances, festivals, and community-related activities within, or that affect residents of, Montgomery, Berks, and Chester PA counties. Find more entertainment articles here. Also, see and join the Pottstown Arts and Cultural Alliance group on Facebook.