Heritage Headlines INSIDE Page 2 and 3 Upcoming Exhibits Page 4 Educational Programs Page 5 Dialect Programs Wish List Page 6 Recent Publications Winterthur Bus Trip Needlework Program Egg Scratch Class Page 7 Library Additions Friends Programs Page 8 Reflections by Dr. Viehmeyer Crossword Puzzle Page 9 Staff Activity Page 10 Lecture Series Exhibit Schedule Page 11 Programs/Events Page 12 Annual Fund Support
105 Seminary Street Pennsburg, PA 18073-1898 Phone: 215.679.3103 Fax: 215.679.8175 info@schwenkfelder.com www.schwenkfelder.com
February 2011 Volume 14, Issue 1
Honoring Heritage. Continuing the Journey.
ANNUAL FUND BOOSTED BY $5,000 MATCHING GRANT The final quarter of the Annual Fund Campaign 2010—2011 is upon us! Through the generosity of a friend of the Heritage Center we are able, once again, to offer you the opportunity to match your gift, dollar-for-dollar, up to $5,000! This means that each dollar you give actually equals $2 for the Heritage Center. With this great assist we hope to reach our $160,000 Annual Fund goal. The Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center is an independent, non-profit organization. Annual Fund donations pay for a substantial portion of our operating costs, supporting our staff, keeping the lights and heat on, and maintaining our precious heritage facilities. Furthermore, the Annual Fund helps to ensure our admission-free status. In addition, we work very hard to access foundation grants and other sources to keep our galleries and work spaces alive with entertaining, inspiring, and informative exhibitions and educational programs. Please don't wait another minute—donate today to the SLHC Annual Fund Campaign! Thank you for your support. Campaign concludes on March 31, 2011.
HERITAGE CENTER VOLUNTEERS—HOLD THIS DATE! Saturday, June 4 at noon will be our first ever Volunteer Appreciation Barbeque Picnic. Following the picnic lunch, our volunteers will be invited to the Meeting Room for a special program by pianist and showman Wayne Zimmerman. Our Volunteers are involved in many aspects of our work at the Heritage Center. We have a great cadre of workers who have the very important job of greeting visitors who come in the front door and help to welcome them and find what they came to see. Other vitally important volunteers work in the Library assisting in the ongoing cataloging of our archive and book collections. Our curator counts on a number of special people to help set up exhibits and take care of the
artifacts. And we mustn’t forget the faithful corps who come out three or four times a year to get the newsletters ready for mailing. ALL our many volunteers are extra special to us—and we want to offer our thanks for all they do! Wayne Zimmerman enjoys presenting his audiences with “good” music, including ballads, standards, Broadway show tunes, movie scores, operettas, marches, and holiday/seasonal music. He also enjoys accompanying audience “sing-alongs,” and full length silent films. So, volunteers, watch your mailboxes for your invitation and RSVP as soon as you can so we know how much good food to set aside for the 1 grill!
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Heritage Headlines SCHWENCKFELD’S WORLD Through February 13 Exhibition in the Fraktur Gallery
Our Schwenckfeld’s World exhibit has a two-fold purpose: to showcase manuscripts and books normally hidden away in our vault that date to the 15th and 16th centuries, and to put Schwenckfeld into the broader context of what was happening elsewhere in the world during his lifetime. Dr. Allen Viehmeyer, the SLHC’s Associate Director of Research, curated the special exhibition of period materials that are featured in the exhibit.
PAINTINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY BOB KOENIG Through February 27 Visit us during the holidays and experience the delightful work of Montgomery County artist Bob Koenig. Bob enjoys experimenting with different media, and his work is a diverse visual treat! Bob currently offers painting workshops for residents at Brittany Pointe Estates and has had work entered in juried art shows for groups throughout the county and the Delaware Valley.
PASSING ON: AUTUMN REQUIEM BY LAUREN CURTIS WITH MOURNING OBJECTS FROM THE HERITAGE CENTER COLLECTION
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UPPER PERKIOMEN VALLEY BASEBALL MEMORABILIA March 15—August 14 Once again through August 14, we feature the fantastic collection of local baseball memorabilia: photos, uniforms, and equipment for a special spring and summer exhibition in the hallway between the Local History Gallery and the Library. Be sure to stop by and check out the roster of local leagues in the early and mid twentieth century. PUZZLES, LABYRINTHS, AND RIDDLES IN FRAKTUR AND BROADSIDES March 13—October 16 Fraktur Gallery One of the most intriguing aspects of Schwenkfelder fraktur is the multitude of various types of puzzles that were incorporated into their fraktur drawings. Ranging from sophisticated pieces by accomplished makers of fraktur to those drawn by young people, there is a dazzling range of intricacy in these works. These fraktur are not merely light entertainment, however. They carry messages of faith, devotion, and morality for the individuals who are reading them. Some of the forms – specifically the Geistliches Irrgarten or labyrinth – originated in broadside form and were copied and re-copied by generations of Pennsylvania Germans who were seemingly intrigued with the format. This exhibition will explore the heritage of the labyrinth and other puzzles and how it impacted makers of fraktur. Make sure to visit our student art show, on exhibit in the First Floor Meeting Room, and see local students’ interpretations of these puzzles and mazes.
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS NEEDED! The Heritage Center is seeking pictures of descendants of Schwenkfelder immigrant and 18th century Schwenkfelder Pastor, the Rev. Christopher Schultz.
An exhibit is being planned for fall 2011 on Schultz and we are devoting space for images of his descendants. Additionally, we are seeking personal reflections on how the Lauren Curtis’ captivating story of Christopher Schultz has impacted your own life or multimedia work captures the essence spiritual journey.
Through March 13
of the darkening days of autumn. A specially selected group of objects focusing on mourning, drawn from the Heritage Center collection, will also be on exhibit as a complement to Lauren’s fascinating art.
Photos should be copies or digital because we will not be returning them—contact Curator Candace Perry regarding scanning requirements, identification, etc. Send any copied photos and written comments to: SLHC, 105 Seminary Street, Pennsburg, PA 18073. Please call and speak with Curator Candace Perry with any questions. Or email any digital images or comments to info@schwenkfelder.com . Many thanks!
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K-12 UPPER PERKIOMEN SCHOOL DISTRICT STUDENT ART EXHIBIT
CHRIS, ADRIA, AND JENNIFER OVDIYENKO: ART IN THE FAMILY
March 13—May 8 Opening reception: Sunday, March 13 2:00 pm—4:00 pm
April 10—July 31 Opening reception Sunday, May 1 at 2:00 pm
Join members of the public and celebrate the artwork made by K—12 students in the Upper Perkiomen School District. The reception will be held on Sunday, March 13, 2:00—4:00 pm, and is open to the public. Students from Hereford Elementary School, Marlborough Elementary School, Upper Perkiomen Middle School, and Upper Perkiomen High School will feature art inspired by works in the exhibit Puzzles, Labyrinths, and Riddles in Fraktur and Broadsides in our Fraktur Gallery.
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMPLETION OF THE
CORPUS SCHWENCKFELDIANORUM AND THE
450TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
DEATH OF CASPAR SCHWENCKFELD March 30, 2011—April 1, 2012 A special exhibit featured this year is in honor of the 50th anniversary of the completion of the Corpus Schwenkfeldianorum and in recognition of the 450th anniversary of the death of Caspar Schwenckfeld von Ossig on December 10, 1561. The exhibit, presented in the wall cases in the Heritage Center Local History Gallery, will tell the story of the Corpus project in five display cases. These will include glass plate negatives of the reproduced images throughout the text and recognition of the three editors who worked throughout the 77-year history of the project from beginning to end. Additional themes will be explored including the backers of the Corpus endeavor, how the venture was marketed and promoted, and the role of the Hartford Theological Seminary and the Board of Publication of The Schwenkfelder Church. Prints by Schwenckfeld from the collection and reprinted works from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries undertaken by Schwenkfelders in Pennsylvania will be on exhibit in the display cases between the Library and the Galleries beginning at the end of August.
Join us for an exhibition of three local artists’ work, all from the same family of very talented individuals. Husband and wife team Chris and Adria Ovdiyenko will bring their own extraordinary point of view to the local landscape – Chris with an intriguing pixilation in his landscape painting, and Adria, with landscapes captured in glass. Chris’s sister Jennifer will add her perspective with works in fiber— specifically, baskets and bowls that may recall traditional forms but are contemporary in every way. All three artists are exploring their respective media in new and exciting ways. Take the opportunity to meet these gifted artists at the opening reception on May 1 at 2:00 pm. We guarantee a feast for the eyes and some delicious refreshments!
History of Religion in America Class at Perkiomen School During the fall term at Perkiomen School in 2010, students from Jon Moser’s History of Religion in America course regularly visited the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center throughout the month of November. Students toured our galleries and interviewed staff members and board members about the impact Schwenkfelders Flora Heebner, Christopher Schultz, and George Weiss left on the local religious community. Students compiled short digital videos based upon their research. Librarian Kate Hammond at the Carnegie Library provided a display of Schwenkfelder resources for students and created a wiki page listing a variety of student resources available for all Perkiomen School students.
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WINTER/SPRING FAMILY & HOMESCHOOL WORKSHOPS Family Workshop cost is $5.00 per participant/workshop unless otherwise noted. Registration information is available at www.schwenkfelder.com or call 215-679-3103 or email rebecca@schwenkfelder.com Scherenschnitte (Paper Cut) Valentines Tuesday February 1, 1:30—3:00 pm
Pennsylvania German Garden
Tuesday April 19, 1:30—3:00 pm Take inspiration from our fraktur and scherenschnitte collection What is a four square garden? We’ll talk about common plants, and make valentines. begin a seed project, and create a small craft.
Labyrinths and Word Puzzles in Fraktur Tuesday March 8, 1:30—3:00 pm
The Artwork of Adria, Chris, and Jennifer Ovdiyenko
Paper Weaving
Caspar Schwenckfeld and the Corpus Project
Tuesday March 22, 1:30—3:00 pm
Tuesday May 24, 1:30—3:00 pm
Tuesday May 10, 1:30—3:00 pm Make word labyrinths and word puzzles inspired by the Engage in painting and drawing activities inspired by the work Puzzles, Labyrinths, and Riddles in Fraktur and Broadsides of local artists Adria, Chris, and Jennifer Ovdiyenko. exhibit in our Fraktur Gallery.
Students will create small paper weaving projects inspired by This year celebrates the 50th anniversary of the printing of the colors, shapes, and motifs from Schwenkfelder coverlets and Corpus Schwenkfeldianorum, a collection of Schwenkfeld’s woven tape. work. We’ll explore who the Protestant reformer, Caspar Schwenckfeld, was in the 16th century and engage in a project PA German Egg Decorating reflecting events and ideas from his lifetime. Tuesday April 5, 1:30—3:00 pm In time for Easter, make onion skin dyed eggs and Binsa Gras eggs to hang on your egg tree or place inside your Easter basket.
Art I Session I Winter/Spring 2011 for Homeschoolers
German for Homeschoolers
Open interpretation and personal expression is emphasized around a curriculum combining visual culture, material culture, and studio art practice using the Heritage Center's collection as a foundation. Courses will be taught by Heritage Center Museum Educator Rebecca Lawrence.
To accommodate busy schedules, options provided are: classes 10:00 am—11:30 am OR 1:30 pm—3:00 pm Wednesdays and classes 10:00 am—11:30 am OR 1:30 pm—3:00 pm Fridays, completing a total of three hours of instruction per week.
Art I is designed for 6—13 year olds. Each class size is restricted to a maximum of 13 to allow for individualized attention.
There are eight classes per monthly session. Visit our website www.schwenkfelder.com or call 215-679-3103.
Winter 2011—Art I Session I Tuesdays, 9:00—10:30 am $80.00 per student, Ages 6—13 January 4, 11, 18, 25 February 1, 8, 15, 22 Spring 2011—Art I Session II Tuesdays, 9:00—10:30 am $80.00 per student, Ages 6—13 March 8, 15, 22, 29 April 2, 5, 19, 26
Beginner—Advanced German 10:00—11:30 am or 1:30—3:00 pm Ages 7—18 $50.00 per participant, per month Instructor: Dr. Allen Viehmeyer Dates for monthly sessions: February 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 March 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 April: March 30; April 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 27, 29 (no classes the week of Good Friday) May: 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
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1st Annual Children’s Grundsau Lodsch “Grundsau Lodsch fer Yunge“ Sunday, February 6 (Snow Date: February 13) Meeting at 4:00 pm, meal to follow Join us February 6th for the Heritage Center’s first annual Groundhog Lodge or “Grundsau Lodsch” meeting for kids or “Yunge”! Families can now be a part of the tradition of celebrating PA German culture and honoring on of our culture’s important symbols, the Groundhog, or “die Grundsau”. Enjoy a simple late afternoon meal, learn and sing songs in “Deitsch”, learn PA German dialect phrases, and more! All “Yunge” initiated will be given special insignia. All family members are welcome. $5.00 donation for each participant, children will be given special recognition. RSVP to Rebecca 215-679-3103.
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PA German Dialect Conversation Group (for adults) “Mer wolle weider Deitsch Schwetze“ Upcoming meetings on Thursdays: February 17, March 17, April 14, May 19 2:00—4:00 pm January 20 meeting summary: An zwee uhr, uff de zwansichscht Yenner, en Dunnerschdaag, blaane mer zu widder zammekumme. Mer wolle deel music Schticker abharriche, wennich mitsinge, un no verleicht vun Music odder eenichebbes schunscht schwetz. Join members of the PA German community to listen and talk about various subjects in “Deitsch”. Themes vary from month to month. January we’ll sing songs in the dialect and listen to music. In February, reminisce about the old days and together we’ll read William Rupp’s column in the T&C. Free and open to the public. The SLHC will provide coffee and tea for all participants. No RSVP required.
Wish List Over the years that we have been publishing a newsletter, our readers have been very generous when we have presented items on a wish list. It’s been a couple of years since the last wish list was published, and there are a few things which could help to make the Heritage Center an even better place to visit! Thank you very much for your support in the past and take a look at the list below and, if you are willing or able, your help would be greatly appreciated! ♦
Professional Photography of our Collections. We are seeking gifts toward a goal of $300.00. If you are donating toward this project, please mark your check “Collections Photography” or write a separate note.
♦
Adhesive backed foam core for exhibit label mounting. We need a case which costs $140.00. Please feel free to donate any amount toward this or the full cost. A good quality laser printer for our Administrative Assistant Michelle. We are asking for $250.00 for a Brother, MFC-7840W printer. A compact and affordable laser printer ideal for any desktop or small office. It combines crisp monochrome laser printing, copying, color scanning and faxing into a single, space saving device while delivering impressive print and copy speeds of up to 23 pages per minute. ♦
♦
A 36" × 48" black Cutting Mat for our Education Room for $60.00
♦
Our Education Room also needs a six gallon oily materials waste can for properly disposing of oily and hot materials as a precaution against fire. We are seeking $70.00 to cover the cost of this item.
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Heritage Headlines TWO RECENT PUBLICATIONS
The Heritage Center has recently published two books: one new publication and one reprinted. The Ship St. Andrew Galley, by Alfred T. Meschter, was first published in 1992. This popular small booklet provides a concise summary of what research tells us about the ship, a galley, St. Andrew. Also reprinted in the appendix are contemporary Schwenkfelder accounts of the voyage in 1734 which brought the largest group of Schwenkfelder immigrants to Pennsylvania. The second publication is a new book entitled, Exiles of Harpersdorf: The Ties That Bind. This book contains passages from an autobiography by Bernhard Hauptmann, translated by Dr. Allen Viehmeyer. The compelling story recounts Hauptmann’s experiences as a young boy during the Second World War when fighting between the Russian and German troops occurred in Harperdorf as well as account of his family’s experiences before resettlement in West Germany. Both publications are available from the Heritage Center gift shop for $6.99 each (plus $3.95 for shipping and handling.) Call the Heritage Center today to order your copy.
SCRATCH EGG CLASS with Artist Francine Schmitt Saturday, April 9, 10:00 am—noon Join artist Francine Schmitt for a class in scratch eggs just in time for Easter! Francine will lead participants through step by step instruction in this PA Dutch craft. This class is intended for adults who have some proficiency with an x-acto knife; we ask that you bring your own. SLHC will provide the eggs and Francine will provide patterns and a fun and enlightening class. Francine will be showing examples of her own work, and we will have scratch eggs from the SLHC collection on view. The class fee is $25 per person. Participants should bring an x-acto knife and their creativity. Please register by calling Michelle at 215-679-3103.
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BUS TRIP TO WINTERTHUR EXHIBIT PAINT, PATTERN & PEOPLE: FURNITURE OF SOUTHEAST PA, 1725—1850 Tuesday, May 10, 8:30 am—6:00 pm Cost: $65.00 Join us Tuesday, May 10, for a coach trip to the new special exhibit at Winterthur, which includes several pieces from the Heritage Center collection. In addition to the motor coach transportation, the trip cost covers general admission with an introductory one-hour tour in period rooms focusing on decorative arts, a garden tram tour and access to the gardens. We will have a one-hour presentation in the Rotunda Room by Lisa Minardi, Assistant Curator of Furniture at Winterthur and a good friend of the Heritage Center, as well as self-guided time to see the exhibit. Lunch will be on your on in the delightful Winterthur restaurant (not included in the price of the tour). Paint, Pattern & People sheds new light on distinctive local variations of furniture, presenting rare examples for which the maker or family history is known. This landmark exhibition explores the stunning and diverse furniture of southeastern Pennsylvania and the people who made, owned, inherited, and collected it. What a wonderfully special Mother’s Day gift this would be!
MAKE RESERVATIONS NOW FOR NEEDLEWORK TEA Sunday, April 3, 2:00 pm Join Curator Candace Perry and sampler expert Kathy Lesieur for the Tiny Needlework Treasures Tea at the Heritage Center on Sunday, April 3, at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $25 per person and seating is very limited, so make your reservations soon! Our guests will be treated to a special show and tell of small embroidered and stitched objects as well as needlework tools in the Heritage Center collection. Guests will have the chance to view these “tiny treasures” up close—a very special opportunity indeed! Candace and Kathy will provide insight into the history and construction of these wonderful works. Afterwards, Kathy will provide a brief class in queen’s stitch—a beautiful embroidery technique seen in many needlework examples in the collection. Guests will learn to stitch a traditional strawberry motif. All supplies will be provided. And don’t forget the delicious tea and time to socialize and meet some new friends! As mentioned, seating is very limited. Call Michelle at 215-679-3103 for your reservations.
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NEW ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVE New Archives: ♦
Items from Pennsburg High School class of 1948 Donated by Anna Bolton
♦
Collection of German postcards written to Samuel Gerhard from Selina Gerhard Schultz, and Elmer, Agnes, and Rolland Johnson Donated by Connie Brown
♦
Gilbert and Hevener (Pennsburg general store) account book Donated by Harold “Pete” Reigner
♦
WFIL TV promotional film on the Upper Perkiomen Valley, ca. 1969 Donated by the Upper Perkiomen Chamber of Commerce
New Books: ♦
Tracks: Memoirs of a Vietnam Veteran by Clyde Hoch Donated by Clyde Hoch
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Bible Primer: Old Testament Donated by Emily Root Schenkel
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Collection of German language books Donated by Peter Erb
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Collection of American Sunday-School Union publications Donated by Huffs Union Church
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Collection of genealogy and local history books Donated by George Meschter
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Collection of genealogy books Donated by Richard Bieler
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Die Pennsylvaanisch Deitsch: The Pennsylvania Germans by Earl C. Haag The Pennsylvania German Society
There are lots of ways of supporting us. A bequest is one. Consider including the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center in your will.
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THE PENNSYLVANIA BARN Mr. Robert F. Ensminger Sunday, March 20, 2:30 pm 2:00 pm—Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center Following the annual business meeting of the Friends of the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center, Robert F. Ensminger will present an illustrated lecture on the Pennsylvania Barn. Ensminger, the acknowledged authority on the subject, will share the results of his very long and esteemed interest in the Pennsylvania Barn. Robert F. Ensminger grew up in the Upper Perkiomen Valley. He graduated from East Greenville High School. He served in the U.S. Army and graduated with honors from West Chester State College in 1950. He taught geography, history, and general science in Upper Perkiomen and Southern Lehigh schools while earning an M.A. in Education from Lehigh University and an M.A. in Geography from Rutgers University. In 1968, he joined the faculty of the Geography Department at Kutztown University and continued his graduate studies at Pennsylvania State University, the University of Indiana, and Brigham Young University. His extensive travel throughout North America and Europe spurred his interest in vernacular architecture, especially the Pennsylvania barn. After years of fieldwork, he published two major articles on Pennsylvania barns in Pennsylvania Folklife and The Pennsylvania Barn: Its Origin, Evolution, and Distribution in North America. His continued research since the original publication of The Pennsylvania Barn warranted a revised edition.
FIELD TRIP TO KULP’S GENERAL STORE MUSEUM Sunday, May 1, 2:00 pm—4:00 pm Join the Friends on Sunday, May 1, 2011, for a visit to Kulp’s General Store Museum, a completely restored country grocery store stocked with period items. Mike Hart has been working on the building and museum for many years and just opened it to the public last summer. The store is located on Sumneytown Pike in Vernfield and will be open for Friends and visitors between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
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Heritage Headlines Thoughts while Cataloging
by Allen Viehmeyer, Associate Director of Research Converting our hundred year old traditional library catalog of 3x5 paper cards to an electronic form is a formidable and seemingly never ending task. For the past eight years or more much of the work has been faithfully carried on by volunteers for whose staunch efforts we are ever grateful. Cataloging the library is an adventure – hard telling what that next book or manuscript is going to be. These days I am cataloging bound manuscripts. Taking these manuscripts in hand is always an awe inspiring experience. I think about the hand that created the book by writing out each word letter by letter. I think about all the people who have taken the book into their hand and spent hours perusing its messages. Re-cataloging the books and papers means that all of these materials will be examined thoroughly for condition and content. Notations will be made about who copied the manuscript and when that happened. Ownership signatures record the people who passed the book or manuscript down to the next generation. The manuscript books in our collection preserve the religious and social heritage of the Schwenkfelders
Schwenkfeldiana Crossword Puzzle (Answers can be found on page 11)
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who migrated here from Silesia in the 1730s. The number of manuscript books in our collection that were copied prior to the 1730 is amazing. I have never counted them; however cataloging them gives me a very good idea of just how many there are. Even more astonishing is the realization of how many manuscript books the immigrant Schwenkfelders had packed in their baggage. These manuscripts include writings by Caspar Schwenckfeld, and especially the writings and letters by Silesian Schwenkfelders: George Heydrich, Balthazar Jäckel, Gerhardt Hauptman, Martin John, George Weiss, Balthasar Hoffmann, and several others. Their writings include devotional tracts, confessions of faith, sermons, and hymns. Schwenkfelder immigrants Abraham Wagner and Christopher Schultz even brought some of their own hand copied schoolwork with them! These manuscripts had to have been their most precious possessions – not to be abandoned for lack of room in their luggage. I am unaware of any other Pennsylvania German group that has preserved such an extensive amount of written material about their personal and group history. It seems that Silesian Schwenkfelders and their descendants have always been aware of their history and found ways of preserving it for the coming generations. Across 1. 3. 4. 7. 9. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19.
Boy who penned diary of 1734 trek Missionary in China 1734 boat Schwenkfelder family that built organs Editor Genealogical Record Meeting house location Schwenkfelders traveled on this river between Pirna and Altona Village where Schwenkfelders lived in Saxony Author of Schwenckfeld biography in 1946 Newsletter Heritage _____ Schwenkfelder church SLHC street
Down 2. 3. 5 6. 8. 10. 11. 12.
Schwenkfelder Fraktur artist 18th century Schwenkfelder midwife in lower Salford Nailed 95 theses on church door SLHC town Schwenkfelder church magazine Major Schwenkfelder village in Silesia 18th century Schwenkfelder physician in Pennsylvania First Schwenkfelder minister in Pennsylvania
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PROFESSIONAL STAFF ACTIVITIES Heritage Center staff members have been busy providing programs and tours for organizations, presenting at statewide events, as well as taking the Heritage Center programs offsite. Here is a sampling of their activities: Jun 1—PA German Textile Overview, Reading Public Museum—Candace Perry Jun 13—Presentation to Ephrata Volunteer Group— Candace Perry
Oct 2—Apple Butter Frolic—Candace Perry Oct 6—PHC Talk, West Lawn Public Library—Candace Perry
June 17—PHC talk, Morgan Log House—Candace Perry
Oct 9—Schwenkfelders and Pietists, Historical Society of Berks County—Allen Viehmeyer
Jun 25—Gallery Opening, Reading Public Museum— Candace Perry
Oct 12—PA German Textiles Overview and Tour, Historical Society of Berks County Ladies Group—Candace Perry
Jun 26—Jul 23—Bach Institute Lecturer, Germany—Allen Viehmeyer
Oct 12—PHC Talk, Myerstown Public Library—Candace Perry
Jul 8—Lansdale Kiwanis dinner and tour—David Luz Jul 28—PHC talk, New Hanover Township Historical Society—Candace Perry
Oct 15—Schwenkfelders and the Bohemian Brethren Hymnal, Moravian College Music and History Conference— Allen Viehmeyer
Jul 30—Montgomery County Arts Summit—Rebecca Lawrence
Oct 22—St. Phillip Neri First and Second Grade Classes Tour—Rebecca Lawrence
Aug 12, 13, 14—Montgomery County 4H Fair—Rebecca Lawrence, Allen Viehmeyer, Michelle Pritt
Oct 28—PHC Talk, Wilkes Barre Public Library—Candace Perry
Aug 12—Donorperfect Social Media Webinar—Michelle Pritt
Nov 3—Scherenschnitte Presentation, Northampton High School German Club—Rebecca Lawrence
Aug 13, 14—Goschenhoppen Folk Festival—David Luz, Candace Perry
Nov 6—Folk Art Badge, Girl Scouts—Rebecca Lawrence
Aug 17—Lighthouse Church Tour—David Luz Sept 9—Homeshoolers Lawrence
Ice
Cream
Social—Rebecca
Sept 11—Pennsburg/East Greenville Community Day— Michelle Pritt, David Luz Sept 15—International Society of Appraisers Fraktur Webinar—Candace Perry Sept 28—Upper Lawrence
Perkiomen
Family
Fest—Rebecca
Nov 8—Participatory Museum Programming Presentation, PA Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations— Rebecca Lawrence Nov 9—Seeking New Audiences, PA Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations—Candace Perry Nov 16—Quilt Presentation, Community—Candace Perry
Meadowood
Retirement
Nov 30—PHC Talk, Lower Macungie Public Library— Candace Perry Dec 9—Round Meadow Run Questers Tour—Candace Perry
A Successful Collaboration: the Schwenkfelder, Meadowood, and Quilts by Candace Perry On November 16 I had the opportunity to present selections from our quilt collection to a wonderful audience of approximately 130 happy ladies (and a few gentlemen) in the auditorium at the Meadowood Community in Worcester Township, Montgomery County. The program was arranged by a charming group of energetic Meadowood residents and the Community’s Director of Development, Marcie Mancuso. The committee invited not only residents but guests from the community as a fundraiser, and the program included a delicious luncheon in Meadowood’s lovely dining room. It is always an enormous treat for me, not only to enjoy a lovely lunch with friendly and interesting people, but to have a wonderful receptive audience. The audience was enthusiastic and intrigued by my stories about the selected quilts; some of them had provenance in the Worcester Township vicinity. I was delighted to find that Gladys Anders Rittenhouse was in the audience, and that I was showing a quilt that had been made for or by her mother, Clarella Dresher Anders, which had been a gift to us by family member Nancy Palmer a few years ago. These kinds of connections are priceless for our Schwenkfelder community and for me as Curator of the Heritage Center. Thank you, Meadowood and the terrific committee, for such an excellent experience, and we hope to have more in the future!
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WINTER/SPRING LECTURE SERIES As is our custom, we are offering a variety of lectures in various formats. The popular Brown Bag lunches are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at noon. Bring your lunch—beverages provided—and enjoy a lecture while you eat. These lectures are normally repeated the following Sunday at 2:00 pm. Wednesday, February 9, noon Sunday, February 13, 2:00 pm Schwenkfelder Petitions for Religious Tolerance in Vienna In 1721 Balthasar Hoffmann led a small delegation of Schwenkfelders to the Imperial court in Vienna, Austria, to petition for religious tolerance. This illustrated lecture will outline the reasons behind the petitions, the attempts to present the petitions, the risky and lengthy stay in Vienna, letter writing and other activities, and the empty-handed return to Harpersdorf.
Wednesday, June 8, noon Sunday, June 12, 2:00 pm Nineteenth Century Schwenkfelder Scholars Oswald Kadelbach and Friedrich Schneider were active writers in Germany during the mid-nineteenth century, who researched and published on Schwenkfelder topics. This slide presentation focuses on these men and their interest in and publications about Caspar Schwenckfeld and Schwenkfelder history as well as their collaboration with the Schwenkfelders in Pennsylvania Presented by Allen Viehmeyer
Presented by Allen Viehmeyer Wednesday, March 9, noon Sunday, March 13, 2:00 pm Occupations of Eighteenth Century Schwenkfelders Generally speaking, Eighteenth century Schwenkfelders were farmers, but they pursued a variety of other occupations. This lecture will focus on how the Schwenkfelders earned a livelihood in Silesia and how that changed in colonial Pennsylvania. Presented by Allen Viehmeyer Wednesday, April 13, noon Sunday, April 17, 2:00 pm Celebrating the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Completion of the Corpus Schwenkfeldianorum Many persons in both Pennsylvania and Germany supported and promoted the publication of the Corpus Schwenkfeldianorum, the nineteen volume critical edition of the writings of Caspar Schwenkfeld. This lecture will highlight the manifold scholarly, editorial, and personal activities in Germany and America of Chester Hartranft, Elmer Johnson, and Selina Schultz, the notable leaders of this project.
Presented by Allen Viehmeyer Wednesday, May 11, noon Sunday, May 15, 2:00 pm Schwenkfelders and the Public Universal Friend What do the Schwenkfelders and a charismatic visionary leader of a utopian community in New York State have in common? This lecture will investigate the relationship between the David Wagener Schwenkfelder family and Jememia Wilkinson, the “Universal Friend.” Presented by Candace Perry
Spring 2011 Exhibits Through March 13 Passing On: Autumn Requiem by Lauren Curtis with Mourning Objects from the Heritage Center Collection Art Gallery Through February 13 Schwenckfeld’s World Fraktur Gallery Through February 27 Paintings and Photographs by Bob Koenig Meeting Room Through February 27 Christmas Putz Local History Gallery March 15—August 14 Upper Perkiomen Valley Baseball Exhibit Library Hallway March 13—October 16 Puzzles, Labyrinths, and Riddles Fraktur Gallery March 13—May 8 Upper Perkiomen School District Student Art Meeting Room March 30, 2011—April 1, 2012 Corpus 50th Anniversary Wall Exhibit Cases April 10—July 31 Ovdiyenko: Art in the Family Art Gallery
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Volume 14, Issue 1
Heritage Headlines
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Spring 2011 Programs and Events February 1—1:30 pm Family Workshop—Scherenschnitte Valentines
April 3—2:00 pm Tiny Needlework Treasures Tea with Kathy Lesieur
February 1, 8, 15, 22—9:00 am Art Classes for Homeschoolers
April 5—1:30 pm Family Workshop—PA German Egg Decorating
February 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 German for Homeschoolers
April 9—10:00 am Scratch Egg Class with Francine Schmitt
February 6—4:00 pm Children’s Grundsow Lodsch
April 13—noon and April 17—2:00 pm 50th Anniversary of the Completion of the Corpus
February 9—noon and February 13—2:00 pm Schwenkfelder Petitions for Religious Tolerance
April 14—2:00 pm PA Dutch Dialect Conversation Group
February 17—2:00 pm PA Dutch Dialect Conversation Group
April 19—1:30 pm Family Workshop—Pa German Garden
March 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 German for Homeschoolers
May 1—2:00 pm Ovdiyenko Art Exhibit Opening Reception
March 8, 15, 22, 29—9:00 am Art Classes for Homeschoolers
May 1—2:00 pm Friends Field Trip to Kulp’s Store, Vernfield
March 8—1:30 pm Family Workshop—Labyrinths and Word Puzzles
May: 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27 German for Homeschoolers
March 9—noon and March 13—2:00 pm Occupations of Eighteenth Century Schwenkfelders
May 10—8:30 am Bus Trip to Winterthur Special Exhibit
March 13—2:00 pm Student Art Exhibit Opening Reception
May 10—1:30 pm Family Workshop—Ovdiyenko Family Artwork
March 17—2:00 pm PA Dutch Dialect Conversation Group
May 11—noon and May 15—2:00 pm Schwenkfelders and the Public Universal Friend
March 20—2:00 pm Friends Annual Meeting and Barns Program
May 19—2:00 pm PA Dutch Dialect Conversation Group
March 22—1:30 pm Family Workshop—Paper Weaving
May 24—1:30 pm Family Workshop—Caspar Schwenckfeld and the Corpus Project
March 30; April 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 27, 29 German for Homeschoolers
June 4—noon Volunteer Appreciation Picnic
April 2, 5, 19, 26—9:00 am Art Classes for Homeschoolers
June 8—noon and June 12—2:00 pm Nineteenth Century Schwenkfelder Scholars
Answers to Crossword Puzzle on Page 8 Across 1. 3. 4. 7. 9. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.
Schultz Heebner Andrew Krauss Brecht Hosensack Elbe Berthelsdorf Schultz Headlines
18. 19. Down 2. 3. 5 6. 8. 10. 11. 12.
Central Seminary Heebner Heydrich Luther Pennsburg Schwenkfeldian Harpersdorf Wagner Weiss
JUST A MOUSE-CLICK AWAY… Drop in to our website and check what’s going on—www.schwenkfelder.com—and while you’re there, click on the YouTube icon from the home page. You’ll find some cool videos, including our orientation video which over 300 people from around the world have already watched.
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Volume 14, Issue 1
YES, YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE….SUPPORT ANNUAL FUND 2010/2011 The 2010/2011 Annual Fund Campaign is under way and provides funding that is absolutely essential for day to day operations of the Heritage Center. The donations are provided by generous friends like you who have a commitment to Perkiomen region and/or Schwenkfelder heritage and who recognize the refreshing and important role of independently funded nonprofit libraries and museums. Honor someone by designating your gift in their name, or make a gift in memory of someone whom you desire to remember in a special way. If you prefer, an anonymous donation is possible. Just fill out the form below or contact us at 215-679-3103 or www.schwenkfelder.com. The Annual Fund Campaign concludes on March 31, 2011! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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