Montgomery County's 250th History Symposium

Montgomery County’s Parks, Trails, & Historic Sites Division will host the County’s inaugural history symposium on Saturday, March 21, 2026 (9:00am to 3:30pm).  In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, this symposium is titled Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times: Montgomery County During the American Revolution.  Regional historians will present aspects of the Revolutionary era that impacted civilians throughout Montgomery County, answering the question, “how were ordinary people effected by independence and war?”  Topics will include Continental and British troops’ interactions with civilian families, celebrations of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, black freedom seekers during the Revolution, and more.  Whether you are merely a lover of history, or you are conducting your own historical research, or you are a local educator or student, this symposium is for you.

Event Details:

• Lunch, provided by Panera Bread, is included in ticket price, along with beverages and light morning and afternoon snacks.

• The last day to register for the symposium is Saturday, March 14.

• Attendees may cancel their registration up to 7 days before the event. The last day to cancel a registration is Saturday, March 14.

• In the event of inclement weather, Montgomery County will cancel the symposium at least 48 hours prior to March 21 and issue full refunds.

Event Schedule:

9:00am: Doors Open

9:15-9:25am: Opening Remarks

9:25-9:40am: Montgomery County in Context, Justin B. Clement. Historic Site Supervisor, Pottsgrove Manor

9:45-10:25am: Local Celebrations of the Declaration of Independence, Emily Sneff

10:25-10:40am: Morning Break

10:40-11:20am: Demographic Study of Perkiomen Valley Region During the Eighteenth Century, Emma Hartman

11:25am-12:05pm: Continental Army Movements in the Philadelphia Campaign of 1777, Marc Brier

12:05-12:50pm: LUNCH BREAK

12:50-1:30pm: Black Freedom Seekers in Montgomery County, Dionne Patterson

1:35-2:15pm: Experiences of Civilians During the Valley Forge Encampment of 1777-1778, Nancy Loane

2:15-2:30pm: Afternoon Break

2:30-3:10pm: Women in Wartime Montgomery County, Judith Van Buskirk

3:15-3:30pm: Closing Remarks

For any questions or concerns, please reach out to the Parks, Trails, & Historic Sites division at peterwentzfarmstead@montgomerycountypa.gov.