As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, it is a fitting time to reflect on the rich history found not only within the walls of Frederick Living, but also at the many historic sites nearby. If you’re a history buff or simply wish to learn more about the fascinating area within just a few miles of the Frederick Living community, plan to visit one or more of the sites described below.
318 Colonial Road, Perkiomenville
The Antes House living history museum is operated by the Goschenhoppen Historians and is open to the public during their annual Goschenhoppen Folk Festival the first full weekend of every August or by appointment. Living history presentations demonstrate German culture and farm life during the mid-eighteenth century. Several residents and team members volunteer at this popular annual event.
This historic home was built in 1736 by Henry Antes and stands as an excellent example of German colonial home design and construction. The home and surrounding grounds served as the meeting place for various religious groups who desired to cultivate understanding among groups of differing races, cultures, and religious factions. A Moravian school was also established here and is considered to be one of the first interracial nonsectarian schools in the state of Pennsylvania.
5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville
Named after its most well-known owner, Governor Samuel S. Pennypacker, this historic Colonial Revival mansion depicts life in the early 1900s. The home dates back however to the pre-revolutionary period when the original portion of the home was built in 1720 along with a grist mill by the Perkiomen Creek.
The mansion holds a collection of antiques reflecting Gov. Pennypacker’s interest in German and Dutch culture, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and the Native Americans who at one time occupied the area. The grounds were also host to General George Washington and his troops in the fall of 1777. The site is operated by the Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails, & Historic Sites.
Valley Forge National Historical Park
1400 N Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia
Valley Forge Park is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a national park in 2026, having been established on July 4, 1976. The park grounds encompass what was once several farms that were occupied by the Continental Army during the winter encampment from December 1777 through June 1778.
The park features a self-guided, audio assisted tour through the expansive grounds, a museum, living history demonstrations, a junior ranger program for the kids, picnic areas and a gift shop. The iconic symbols in the park are the soldiers’ huts, Washington’s Headquarters, which was the summer home of Isaac Potts, and the US National Memorial Arch.
John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove
1201 Pawlings Road, Audubon
Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to this historic home of John James Audubon, French American naturalist and artist famous for his paintings of native birds and wildlife. The center features a museum, bird sanctuary with hiking trails, pollinator garden, nature store and education events as well as tours of the historic home.
100 West King Street, Pottstown
Pottsgrove Manor tells the story of eighteenth-century ironmaster John Potts, his wife, Ruth, and their thirteen children. The home was built in 1762 and exhibits early Georgian architecture.
Mr. Potts was not only a successful businessman but also the founder of Pottstown, Pennsylvania and very active in the county judicial system and government. The family’s initial landholdings encompassed 995 acres along the Schuylkill River, including two gristmills and a forge.
The site is managed by the Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites. Visitors are welcome for guided tours and special events throughout the year.
Green Lane Borough to Oaks, PA
This 20-mile walking and cycling trail follows the Perkiomen Creek from its northernmost point in the Green Lane to Oaks, where it connects with the Schuylkill River Trail. For much of its length, it uses the former railbed of the Perkiomen Line of the former Reading Railroad.
The trail not only connects many Montgomery County parks and historic sites but also runs through several historic towns that formed the region. Many Philadelphians would come to the resort towns of Collegeville, Schwenksville and Spring Mount to enjoy the cooler weather during the hot summer months. Several large hotels in the area accommodated these guests and still stand today. The train stops in these towns have been remembered as well and restaurants such as Moccia’s Train Stop and Snoozy’s Cafe recall the hospitality that was offered to visitors.
The Frederick Institute (Frederick Living)
2849 Big Road, Zieglerville
Built in 1856 under the leadership of Daniel and Benjamen Bertolett and others, the Frederick Institute was the pride of the area, serving as a classical day school to prepare men and women for college and teaching careers. However, once the Civil War began, the school stood vacant and the property went to auction.
It is then that Mennonite Minister N.B. Grubb purchased the building with the intent of founding a home for aging ministers and missionaries of the denomination’s conference.
Today, 130 years later, Frederick Living stands in its place, having undergone several renovations and expanding the number of residences on the campus. With a rich legacy of faith and community, not only within its own walls, but also in the surrounding community, Frederick Living is sure to continue for years to come.
Betsy Natter is the Storyteller at Frederick Living and enjoys visiting cultural and historic sites throughout the Montgomery County area and beyond.