Montgomery County Pennsylvania Library District

Over There: Songs and Letters of World War I
2026-04-16 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Huntingdon Valley Library, 625 Red Lion Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA, 19006, United States
Neill Hartley will visit HVL for this fully staged one–man show featuring iconic songs and letters from World War I.
Mr. Hartley will present the remarkable stories of the war, told in the words of the men and women who lived it. During WW1, Americans young and old threw their collective energy into the war effort. Patriotic loyalty and “Americanism” pervaded the country. Songs, letters and articles kept Americans abreast of the war efforts. During the war, letter writing was the main form of communication between soldiers and their loved ones, helping to ease the pain of separation.
At home, American songwriters were exempt from the national policy of paper rationing. Sheet music was as important as arms production. Songs such as “Over There” and “Pack up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag” embodied the American spirit, and have been passed from generation to generation.
Following the performance, there will be a short informational presentation about the time period, followed by a question and answer session with the audience.
Please R.S.V.P.
Sponsored by the Friends of Huntingdon Valley Library.
Part of Huntingdon Valley Library’s America 250 series.

Game Show: USA
2026-04-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Huntingdon Valley Library, 625 Red Lion Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA, 19006, United States
Recommended for families with children in grades 3-8. Children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Join Bright Star Touring Theatre for this delightfully wacky game show, where you’ll test your knowledge of all things USA, from the earliest origins, all the way to present day. This fun-filled trivia game celebrates America’s 250th birthday, complete with patriotic prizes! A study guide is available for you to check out prior to the show.
Please RSVP.
Sponsored by the Friends of Huntingdon Valley Library.
Part of Huntingdon Valley Library’s America 250 series.
Bright Star Touring Theatre is a national touring theatre company based in North Carolina. Their mission is simple: to challenge, engage, and delight audiences all over the world. They have performed for schools and communities large and small from Seattle, WA to Stuttgart, Germany.

Service in Bloom: High School Teen Volunteer Event
2026-04-22 18:30 - 19:30 | Upper Merion Township Library, 175 W Valley Forge Rd, King of Prussia, PA, 19406, United States
Intended for teens in grades 9-12 only in the Henderson Room at Upper Merion Township Library
In celebration of our nation’s birthday this year, teens will write heartfelt letters to veterans and paint flower pots to be donated ahead of Memorial Day to Heroic Gardens, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans through gardening, horticultural therapy, and community connection. This hands-on event honors a legacy of service while empowering teens to make a difference in their community. All materials will be provided, and volunteer service hours will be awarded to all attendees.
Limited spots are available!
This program is being run by Anja, a junior at Upper Merion High School and a Girl Scout working toward her Gold Award. Her project is focused on improving teen programming at the Upper Merion Library!
Registration required

Songs & Stories of the American Revolution
2026-04-23 18:30 - 19:30 | William Jeanes Memorial Library and Nicholas and Athena Karabots Center for Learning, 4051 Joshua Rd, Lafayette Hill, PA, 19444, United States
Dressed in Colonial garb, before a set of a Colonial tavern, Matthew takes audiences back in time to the days of the American Colonial settlement and the American Revolution. Using rousing period songs and stories that put the songs into the context of the time, Matthew brings to life the exciting Days of 1776 on guitar, banjo and mandolin.
Registration opens Thursday, April 2

Celebrate America Book Club
2026-04-27 18:00 - 19:00 | Royersford Free Library, 200 South Fourth Ave, Royersford, PA, 19468, United States
Intended for Adults
Woman’s Club of Royersford presents Celebrate America Book Club, a monthly book club exploring the women who build America (1776-Present)!
As we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary, we’re diving into the untold stories of the women who shaped the United States from 1776 to today. From revolutionary printers and abolitionists to modern-day scientists and supreme court justice. We’ll explore the “hidden heroes” of our history.
The selection for this meeting is My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie
No registration required.
See the upcoming selections

This Old Home
2026-04-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Indian Valley Public Library, 100 E. Church Avenue, Telford, PA, 18969, United States
Learn where Revolutionary Soldiers encamped in our area; what battles they fought in in this area and what routes they traveled on the way to the Battles. Discover what local homes, churches and buildings, that are still in use today, were used in the Revolutionary War and what function they served.
Presenter: Dr. Susanne Johnston was an educator for 47 years in public and private schools and universities in the area. She specializes in the American Revolution, Native American Issues, genealogy, genetics and forensics.
Registration for this event opens Wednesday, April 15 at 9:00 am

A Visit from Betsy Ross
2026-04-30 19:00 - 20:00 | Huntingdon Valley Library, 625 Red Lion Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA, 19006, United States
Betsy Ross, during her lifetime, was more often known as Elizabeth Claypoole. She was one of thousands of average colonists whose efforts helped the American cause prevail against the British. Flag maker, seamstress, upholsterer, wife, mother and Quaker, she helped the new nation define itself through flags and colors. Learn all about Betsy, her husbands (plural) and her contributions to American Independence as well as her connections to America’s preeminent Founding Fathers.
Historical reenactor Alisa Dupuy will be returning to HVL with this brand new performance.
Space is limited. Registration is required.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of Huntingdon Valley Library.
Part of Huntingdon Valley Library’s America 250 series.

Revolution 101: The History of American Independence
2026-05-04 18:00, 2026-06-01 18:00 - 19:30 | William Jeanes Memorial Library and Nicholas and Athena Karabots Center for Learning, 4051 Joshua Rd, Lafayette Hill, PA, 19444, United States
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, join local historian Jim Segrave-Daly for a 4-part series with lively discussion of the causes, events, and individuals whose actions led tot he American Revolution and the historic changes that resulted. The series begins in 1763, after Englan’s victory in the Seven Years’ War, and culminates in ratification of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776.
Series dates:
Monday, April 6, 6:30 PM – Registration opens Monday, March 16
Monday, May 4, 6:30 PM – Registration opens Monday, April 13
Monday, June 1, 6:30 PM – Registration opens Monday, May 11
Tuesday, July 7, 6:30 PM – Registration opens Tuesday, June 16

MontCo Roots: USA 250 Edition
2026-05-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Abington Free Library, 1030 Old York Road, Abington, PA, 19001, United States
Join us for a presentation by Jeanne Sorg, the Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds. She will review the types of documents that are recorded within the Recorder of Deeds office and look at some of the interesting historical details you can find in those documents.
Registration for this event opens Wednesday, April 1 at 9:00 AM.

Betsy Ross & Dr. Benjamin Franklin: Founding Mother, Founding Father
2026-05-07 18:30 - 19:30 | William Jeanes Memorial Library and Nicholas and Athena Karabots Center for Learning, 4051 Joshua Rd, Lafayette Hill, PA, 19444, United States
Come meet Betsy Ross and Dr. Benjamin Franklin…in person! Think you know the legend? Come hear the REAL story.
Registration opens Thursday, April 16

Schwenksville History
2026-05-12 19:00 - 20:30 | PVL @ Schwenksville Borough Hall, 300 Main Street, Schwenksville, PA, 19473, United States
Event takes place at Schwenksville Borough Hall
300 Main St, Schwenksville, PA 19473
Join us for an overview of the history of the Schwenksville area for the past 250 years. This little crossroads served as a hub for settlers, community organizations and businesses in the surrounding area, long before it was incorporated as a town in 1903. Hear about t’s native Lenape roots, the two families instrumental in the town’s development, revolutionary war troops occupying the area, the influence of the predominantly German settlers, and the many business enterprises that made it a thriving, self-sufficient community. We’ll share some of the town’s stories too–what it was like to grow up and live in Schwenksville.
This talk will be given by three members of the Schwenksville Historical Committee, Lee Ann Manning, Darren Clossin and Paula Hogan. You may recognize Paula from her history blog, Keystone Wayfarer. Darren will be exhibiting some items from his extensive collection of Schwenksville memorabilia. And the wonderful collection of “birdhouses” built by Robert Albright will also be on display. If you like local history–don’t miss this!
Registration requested, not required.

The Secret Army: Secrets and Spies of the Revolutionary War
2026-05-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Huntingdon Valley Library, 625 Red Lion Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA, 19006, United States
A spy is a person who is sent into enemy territory to inspect their works, ascertain their strength, and secretly communicate intelligence. In accordance with the rules of war, a spy, if caught, is subject to capital punishment.
Espionage and spying are the least understood, yet one of the most interesting aspects of history. Intelligence gathering has traditionally been considered the domain of men. Until recently, the exploits of women who served as spies have often been overlooked or considered of little importance.
This presentation details the fascinating exploits and daring of many of the spies of the Revolutionary War. When many colonists decided to end their relationship with England to become an independent nation, citizens on both sides of the conflict became agents of espionage. They served as couriers and used various means to convey useful information as agents for both the British and the Patriots.
Presented by Herb Kaufman, M.Ed., Historian
Sponsored by the Friends of Huntingdon Valley Library.
Intended for adults.
Please R.S.V.P.
Part of Huntingdon Valley Library’s America 250 series.

The Declaration of Independence and American Dreams
2026-05-14 18:00 - 19:30 | Upper Perkiomen Valley Library, 350 Main St, Red Hill, PA, 18076, United States
In honor of America’s 250th birthday, we will be hosting Rogers Smith, Professor Emeritus of Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania. Professor Smith will be speaking about the Declaration of Independence and how it revealed the ideals and (often conflicting) values and interests of the American revolutionaries. The lecture will be highlighting the tensions surrounding the Declaration and also cover the many roles that it has played in American History.
Registration is requested.

Bryn Mawr & Beyond: Hidden Stories of the American Revolution
2026-05-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Ludington Library, 5 S Bryn Mawr Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA, 19010, United States
As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, join Jim Segrave-Daly for an entertaining discussion of the role that Bryn Mawr & the Main Line played in the Philadelphia campaign from September 1777 to June 1778. Discover the local sites and patriots that supported George Washington and the Continental Army during the British occupation of Philadelphia, after the battles of Brandywine, Paoli, Germantown & others.
Register Here

Friday Movie Matinee - HVL
2026-05-15 11:00 - 13:00 | Huntingdon Valley Library, 625 Red Lion Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA, 19006, United States
Join us for a Free Friday Movie.
Today we will be showing Top Gun (1986) R, 110 minutes.
When hotshot fighter pilot Maverick (Tom Cruise) is sent to the Top Gun Navel Fighter Weapons School, his reckless attitude and cocky demeanor put him at odds with the other pilots, especially the cool and collected Iceman (Val Kilmer).
Part of Huntingdon Valley Library’s America 250 series.
Movies are sponsored by Friends of Huntingdon Valley Library who generously pay for our movie licenses.

Kit's Interactive Theatre presents Colonial Faire - 1737
2026-05-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Huntingdon Valley Library, 625 Red Lion Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA, 19006, United States
Come enjoy a fun-filled interactive play by Kit’s Interactive Theatre that depicts the arduous life of early America as well as the revelry. Though days of rest are few, today is the day of the Colonial Faire. Help indentured servant Katie Cotswold finish her chores so all may skip off to the faire. Partake in games and frolics where merriment abounds just before the rollicking Maypole dance!
This performance combines history, dance, music, imagination, and improvisation with a great mixture of humor. Kids and adults will be cast right into the show. If you are interested in receiving a study guide before the show, please email Head of Youth Services Vanessa Nelson at hvlys@mclinc.org.
For families with children ages 5 and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Please RSVP.
Sponsored by the Friends of Huntingdon Valley Library.
Part of Huntingdon Valley Library’s America 250 series.
Developing her original style of interactive theatre since 1987, Kitty writes, choreographs, produces, and performs all of her material for Kit’s Interactive Theatre. Her passion for history and love of theatre have inspired her to create 16 different, high-energy programs ranging from Ancient Egypt to Women’s Rights. With so much creativity, spontaneity and wit packed into each show, adults have as much fun as the kids!
kitsinteractivetheatre.com

Celebrate America Book Club
2026-05-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Royersford Free Library, 200 South Fourth Ave, Royersford, PA, 19468, United States
Intended for Adults
Woman’s Club of Royersford presents Celebrate America Book Club, a monthly book club exploring the women who build America (1776-Present)!
As we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary, we’re diving into the untold stories of the women who shaped the United States from 1776 to today. From revolutionary printers and abolitionists to modern-day scientists and supreme court justice. We’ll explore the “hidden heroes” of our history.
The selection for this meeting is The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
No registration required.
See the upcoming selections

Paint a Mini Liberty Bell
2026-05-19 13:00 - 14:00 | PA
Intended for ages 8+ and limited to 15 attendees
Come celebrate America’s 250th birthday and paint a mini Liberty Bell and learn some Liberty Bell facts from Miss Lizzie.
Please plan to bring your own smock (an old oversized shirt works). All other materials will be provided.
The Perkiomen Library at Schwenksville is excited to collaborate with our neighbors at Engage Art Studio & Artisan Gallery to bring you this program.
The program will take place at 1005 Gravel Pike, Schwenksville, PA 19473. Please plan to park in the upper parking lot and enter directly to the studio level.
ALLERGY ALERT: Engage is home to a most adorable studio cat who wanders freely.
Registration is REQUIRED for this program. Please use the registration link.

Rest in Peace
2026-05-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Indian Valley Public Library, 100 E. Church Avenue, Telford, PA, 18969, United States
Thousands of men and women from Montgomery Country served in the Revolutionary War. Where are these Patriots buried, what did they do for the cause, where did they live, what were their occupations and what were their names? What methods can you use to find where your relative lived in Montgomery County and if they were a part of the Patriots’ cause?
Presenter: Dr. Susanne Johnston was an educator for 47 years in public and private schools and universities in the area. She specializes in the American Revolution, Native American Issues, genealogy, genetics and forensics.
Registration for this event opens Wednesday, May 6 at 9:00 am

New Old Entertainment: Songs, Tunes, and Crankies
2026-05-28 18:30 | William Jeanes Memorial Library and Nicholas and Athena Karabots Center for Learning, 4051 Joshua Rd, Lafayette Hill, PA, 19444, United States
Intended for adults
What’s a crankie?? Come enjoy a evening of music, song, and dance, and find out! Long-time old-time musicians and dancers, Box & String duo will show us all the ways we used to entertain ourselves before there were screens, including the first “moving pictures,” or crankie.
Their musical roots are traditions from the American Appalachians, England, Canada, Scandinavia, and France, and they play a collection of instruments including guitar, 4- and 5-string banjo, mandolin, concertina, melodeon, fiddle, harmonica, jaw harp, and foot percussion.
Registration open at 6:30 PM Thursday, May 7, 2026

Sewn in America
2026-06-04 18:30 - 19:30 | William Jeanes Memorial Library and Nicholas and Athena Karabots Center for Learning, 4051 Joshua Rd, Lafayette Hill, PA, 19444, United States
Discover how sewing shaped American life before ready-to-wear fashion. Based on the DAR Museum’s 2024 exhibition, this program examines the way in which American women (and men) from the 18th and 19th centuries learned and deployed their sewing skills to furnish their households, earn livings, and express themselves, with contemporary examples of the themes explored.
Presented by Liz Bauer, a volunteer docent of the DAR Museum in Washington, D.C.
Registration opens Thursday, May 14

Benjamin Franklin Visits HVL
2026-06-04 18:30 - 20:00 | Huntingdon Valley Library, 625 Red Lion Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA, 19006, United States
Actor and Historian Mitchell Kramer visits the library as Benjamin Franklin.
Sponsored by the Irene Reiter Endowment.
Please R.S.V.P.

Scrap Flag Sewing #1
2026-06-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library, 1700 Markley Street; Suite 116, Norristown, PA, 19401, United States
Intended for teens & adults
Come sew an American flag using scrap fabric!
Registration required

USA 250th Celebration
2026-06-06 11:00 - 14:00 | Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library, 1700 Markley Street; Suite 116, Norristown, PA, 19401, United States
The United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary (Semiquincentennial) on July 4, 2026, marking two and a half centuries since the Declaration of Independence.
Join us at the library, a few weeks early, as we observe and celebrate. There will be a range of activities for adults and families including speakers, activities, and cake!
Sheilah Vance, is the author of several bestselling and award-winning books will speak. They are the award-winning nonfiction book, Threshold to Valley Forge: The Six Days of the Gulph Mills Encampment (2025), the novel Becoming Valley Forge (2016), Creativity for Christians: How to Tell Your Story and Stories of Overcoming from the Members of One Special Church (Sept. 2010); the novels Chasing the 400 and Land Mines, and its companion journal, Journaling through Land Mines.
Threshold to Valley Forge: The Six Days of the Gulph Mills Encampment was named a Finalist, Regional NonFiction, Next Generation Indie Book Awards 2025. Becoming Valley Forge won the Regional Fiction Category in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards (2016).
Ms. Vance will speak and sign copies of her local history book.

Educator Christian Klemp will appear in Revolutionary Era clothing to talk about colonial history and the revolution.
Representatives from the Peter Wentz Farmstead will lead patrons in quill writing (register separately for this).
Our sewing teacher, Nancy M., will lead a sewing class making folk flags (register separately for this).
Teens from the library’s cooking & culture club will demonstrate colonial cooking.
We’ll also have colonial games, trivia, and even a few prizes.
Lastly, there will be cake!

Registration helps us plan, but is not absolutely necessary. Coming together as community to remember our history is what is most important.
Learn more

Writing with a Quill Pen #1
2026-06-06 11:30 - 12:15 | Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library, 1700 Markley Street; Suite 116, Norristown, PA, 19401, United States
Are you curious what writing with a quill pen is like? Come learn about 18th century writing and artwork and get a chance to try it out for yourself.
Presented in partnership with Peter Wentz Farmstead.
Registration required

Writing with a Quill Pen #2
2026-06-06 12:45 - 13:30 | Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library, 1700 Markley Street; Suite 116, Norristown, PA, 19401, United States

Scrap Flag Sewing #2
2026-06-06 13:00 - 14:00 | Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library, 1700 Markley Street; Suite 116, Norristown, PA, 19401, United States

The Unfinished Business of 1776
2026-06-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Conshohocken Free Library, 301 Fayette Street, Conshohocken, PA, 19428, United States
Join us for a timely discussion with local author Thomas Richards, Jr. on his just released book The Unfinished Business of 1776: Why the American Revolution Never Ended. As we remember 250 years of history since the American Revolution this year, what are our hopes for the future of the country? Please register in advance so we know how many plan to attend.
About the Author: Thomas Richards, Jr. teaches history at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy in Philadelphia and holds a PhD in History from Temple University. He is the author of Breakaway America: The Unmanifest Future of the Jacksonian United States, he lives in Gulph Mills, Pennsylvania, where George Washington once camped.
Registration is required

The Revolutionary War in Montgomery and Bucks Counties
2026-06-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Upper Perkiomen Valley Library, 350 Main St, Red Hill, PA, 18076, United States
Michael Jesberger, military historian and lecturer, will be here to help us celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Mr. Jesberger will be speaking on the Revolutionary War in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. Both counties played an important role in the fight for independence.
Register at https://mnl.libcal.com/event/16314967
