PENNSBURG PA – Three Hessian regiments, consisting of about 1,000 soldiers, expected to quietly spend the winter of 1776–1777 in Trenton NJ. They were supposed to be safe there from George Washington’s army.
However, fewer than 20 days after their arrival in December 1776, they were surprised and captured in the Battle of Trenton.
The Hessian soldiers’ life-changing experience is the topic of the free Oct. 14 (2026; Wednesday) “Brown Bag Lunch” lecture, which starts at noon, at the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center, 105 Seminary St.
Jay Domalewski of the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton will be its featured speaker. He will discuss what happened those who returned to their regiments and Germany, as well as those who stayed in America and melded with the Pennsylvania German culture.
The event is one of many within the Schwenkfelder’s semiquincentennial program, observing the nation’s 250th anniversary. It is made possible in part by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Advance registration, whether attending in person or via a Zoom conferencing link, is requested. To ensure a seat, call 215-679-3103 or send an e-mail to info@schwenkfelder.org.
The Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center is the largest museum in the region. It shares stories of the Pennsylvania German experience. The center is open free of charge Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1-4 p.m.
Illustration published by U.S. Government Printing Office; painting by Hugh Charles McBarron, Jr. (1902-1992) – U.S. Army Center of Military History (Original uploaded on en.wikipedia (transferred to commons by Matanya), Public Domain
Ahead: An Open House for Educators
Are you an educator in the greater Perkiomen area? The Schwenkfelder’s free Educator Open Houses are designed to showcase potential resources to support classroom instruction.
The latest is scheduled for Oct. 15 (Thursday) from 4-7 p.m. also at the heritage center, 105 Seminary St. Advance registration is required by Oct. 7 (Wednesday). To make a reservation, send an e-mail to info@schwenkfelder.org, or call 215-679-3103.
Teachers may feel free to come and go throughout the evening. They will benefit from self-guided access to its galleries and exhibits.
At 5 p.m., they also can join a brief program with complimentary refreshments. During it, teachers can ask staff about the center’s educational programs, and learn more about the Schwenkfelder’s resources, and research materials in its library.
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.
PA License, Photo Centers Closed for Oct. 12 Dual Holidays