Saturday History Programs Return to Douglassville
DOUGLASSVILLE PA – Two programs on topics of local historical interest – 18th Century use of garden plants, and colonial American gun-making – are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. on the third Saturdays of June and July by the Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County, outside the White Horse Inn at 31 Old Philadelphia Pike.
“A Morning in Mistress Douglass’ Garden” is planned for June 19 (Saturday) at 11 a.m. It explores the garden behind the White Horse Tavern of Mistress Mary Piersol Douglass, and a look at what is growing there at this time of year. As mistress of the Douglass House, her gardens supplied medicines, food, and flavorings for her husband’s properties. The program looks at colonial plants still used for a variety of purposes today.
For “Gun-building in the Eighteenth Century,” scheduled for July 17 (Saturday) at 11 a.m., trust volunteer Barrie Miller will present a demonstration and program on colonial American gun-making, including Berks, Lancaster, York counties and Shenandoah Valley style rifles. It will include sample guns and accoutrements, and address the progression of the rifle in America. His presentation will also include Pennsylvania militia activities, musters, marching to drums, and Revolutionary War highlights presented with period flags. Miller is a colonial America living historian, re-enactor, and skilled gun builder.
The presentations depend on acceptable weather. Visitors are asked to wear a mask and maintain proper social distancing. No restrooms are available on-site. Donations are suggested at $2 per person, with all proceeds benefiting the trust.
The trust is a non-profit organization that acquires, preserves, and maintains historically and architecturally significant properties in Berks County PA, and educates county residents and visitors about the role its sites played in Pennsylvania and American history.
Photo of Morlatton Village in Douglassville supplied by the trust
