SLHC Masthead

Adult Programs

The Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center offers a wide variety of Adult programs from group tours, symposia, lectures and special events related to the history and culture of the Schwenkfelders, PA Germans and the local area.

Brown Bag Lunch Lectures

Bring your lunch and join Dr. Allen Viehmeyer and guest lecturers the second Wednesday of each month for a closer look into the SLHC collections, local and Schwenkfelder history. Lectures are repeated the following Sunday at 2pm.

Upcoming Programs

The Exile Society and the Friends of the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center host special guest lecturers, groups and events at the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center.

Workshops

Guest artisans and crafters teach adult workshops on fraktur and other PA German folk arts.

This fall, we have announced joint classes in reading Old German print and handwriting with the Mennonite Heritage Center, taught by our Associate Director of Research, Dr. Allen Viehmeyer. The same course will be taught at both locations. Please contact the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center at (215) 679-3103 to register for Saturday sessions at the Schwenkfelder Library. Contact the Mennonite Heritage Center (215) 256-3020, if you wish to enroll for the Thursday evening sessions at that location.

Download German print and handwriting course registration form here

Wool Feather Tree Class

Saturday, September 13, 2008
10am-1pm
$50.00 per participant
Take our workshop with rug hooker Joanne McIllmurray to complete a wool feather tree! Originally goose feather trees were found in Germany in the mid 1800s and were brought to the United States with the German Immigrants. These feather trees were the first "artificial" trees. Complete an original wool feather tree (white or green). The first feather trees were made white to resemble the white pines of the German forest. Materials, instruction and refreshments are included! Bring a small needle and sharp scissors. Additional kits are available to make your own forest! Contact Debbie Dunkelberger for registration (215) 679-3103.

Introduction to Old German Print

Saturday September 13, 2008
10am-3pm, 1 hour for lunch break
$40.00 per participant
Develop a working knowledge of old German type faces to read tombstones, printed baptism certificates and other genealogical materials. Learn how German spelling rules have changed over the last 200 years to look up words in a modern dictionary or on-line. Genealogists and local historians will find this to be an invaluable skill. A basic knowledge of German is not necessary but helpful. Materials will NOT be translated. All materials will be provided.
Dates & Times at the Mennonite Heritage Center: Thursday, September 11, 7-9pm, Thursday, September 18, 7-9pm. If you are interested in attending the course at the Mennonite Heritage Center please contact the Mennonite Heritage Center at (215) 256-3020.

Practice in Reading Old German Print

Saturday, September 20, 2008
10am-12pm
$30.00 per participant
Continue perfecting your skills at reading old German print or refresh the skills you already have. Materials will be provided. A basic knowledge of German is not necessary, but helpful; materials will NOT be translated. Prerequisite: Introduction to Old German Print or equivalent.
Dates & Times at the Mennonite Heritage Center: Thursday, September 25, 7-9pm. If you are interested in attending the course at the Mennonite Heritage Center please contact the Mennonite Heritage Center at (215) 256-3020.

Reading Your Old German Print Documents

Saturday September 20, 2008
1am-3pm, 1 hour for lunch break
$30.00 per participant
Bring your own old German Print books, newspapers, etc to read (NOT translate) with assistance from Dr. Viehmeyer. A basic knowledge of German is not necessary, but helpful; materials will NOT be translated. Prerequisite: Practice in Reading Old German Print or equivalent.
Dates & Times at the Mennonite Heritage Center: Thursday, October 2, 7-9pm. If you are interested in attending the course at the Mennonite Heritage Center please contact the Mennonite Heritage Center at (215) 256-3020.

Introduction to Old German Handwriting

Saturday October 11, 2008
10am-3pm, 1 hour for lunch break
$40.00 per participant
Date & Time at the Mennonite Heritage Center: Thursday, October 9 and 16, 7-9pm

Practice in Reading Old German Handwriting

Saturday October 18, 2008
10am-12pm
$30.00 per participant
Date & Time at the Mennonite Heritage Center: Thursday, October 23, 7-9pm

Reading Your Old German Handwritten Documents

Saturday October 18, 2008
1pm-3pm
$30.00 per participant
Date & Time at the Mennonite Heritage Center: Thursday, October 30, 7-9pm

Call for Submissions

"For the Beauty of the Earth" Photo Contest 2008

Submissions accepted from May-September 2, 2008.
All are invited to submit their photography of natural beauty or historic landscape of southeastern Pennsylvania for the show. The Lorax Foundation is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of natural and historic landscape in Hereford Township and the surrounding area. They are collaborating with the Heritage Center to raise awareness of need to preserve open space in our communities and our many significant historic resources. Lorax is the sponsor of the first prize, $100 for the contest of the adult category. Click here for deadline and submission requirements.