Embracing Country's 'Heritage' in Trappe

The townships and boroughs of Perkiomen Valley are awash in history, and on Heritage Day, the Historical Society Trappe, Collegeville, Perkiomen Valley brought the area's rich past to the present.

For suggested donations of $5 for adults and $2 for children, visitors could stroll the grounds of the Henry Melchior Muhlenberg House and see re-enactors, encampments and craftspeople working at their respective stations. Heritage Day, which was held in honor of Muhlenberg's 300th birthday (Sept. 6, 1711) and the 234rd anniversary of the Continental Army's encampment in Trappe, was a look at life during the Revolutionary War.

Mother and daughter Patti and Bridget Ringenwald checked out the craft demonstrations and displays, and but their visit was spur of the moment.
We were just driving by, Patti said, adding that she and Bridget were enjoying the day. Bridget learned to stitch and was given a small square of material to keep.

Attendees could also watch puppet shows and a firing demo and bayonet charge by the Continental Army. (This reporter can say pulling the trigger is a nerve-wracking, but ultimately cool experience -- even with being enveloped by a cloud of residual black powder afterward.)

Soldier re-enactors included  the 1st Continental Regiment and 3rd Pennsylvania Regiment and Ned Hector portrayer Noah Lewis.

Visitors could look at pieces of pottery uncovered in on the house's property. Some of the pottery still bear the fingerprints from  previous users.