Collection Highlights
Textiles
The Schwenkfelder sample collection developed from donations of needlework from Schwenkfelder families, and some local families given our "other hat" as the local historical society. The collection is quite old with the majority of the donations occurring prior to 1950. This is very significant. It creates a sampler record of the Schwenkfelder girls in the 18th and 19th century.
Fraktur
The tradition of Pennsylvania German decorative arts and folk art is one that dates to the earliest arrival of Germans on American shores. Though many motifs can be found throughout areas of southeastern Pennsylvania - including birds, hearts and tulips - regional variations lend texture and diversity to Pennsylvania German arts. Schwenkfelder fraktur is among the most distinctive work produced by a Pennsylvania German group. The Schwenkfelders did not express themselves through exuberant painted furniture or interiors, as some Pennsylvania Germans did, but instead produced magnificent, colorful and often complex Fraktur writings and drawings.
Cotton and PA German Life
An online exhibit featuring quilts, dresses, caps and more. Cotton and PA German Life exhibit was sponsored by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and was on view at the Heritage Center from September 2005-June 2006.