Washington Slept Here. Maybe. But Wait, There’s Proof!

PENNSBURG PA – Plenty of places across several states lay claim to the notion that George Washington slept there … wherever “there” is. Could some of them be fibbing?

Marc Brier seems unlikely to suggest any such thing, although others have. Promotion of Washington sleep-overs ran rampant in earlier decades.

During 1942, Warner Brothers even produced a comedy movie based on the premise. Its film, titled “George Washington Slept Here,” starred Jack Benny and Ann Sheridan.

From 1984 to 2014, Brier was a park ranger and historian with the National Park Service. He also worked at Montgomery County’s Peter Wentz Farmstead, and taught early American history at the county’s community college.

He acts, however, like a forensic accountant. His research has uncovered real evidence – the leader’s expense accounts – of where Washington actually laid his head.

He’s ready to share it with the public Sunday (Nov. 1, 2026) at 2 p.m., as a guest speaker at the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center, 105 Seminary St. Museum admission and the event both are free and open to the public.

2024 photo by Wesley Rogers, from Google Maps

Institute Supports Washington Talk

Brier’s talk, “For the Trouble of the House,” is being financially supported by the federal Institute of Museum & Library Services. Advance registration is requested by Friday (Oct. 30). Register by sending an e-mail to info@schwenkfelder.org, or call 215-679-3103. Indicate whether you plan to attend in-person, or online using Zoom conferencing software.

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

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