Photo courtesy of Montgomery County
New exhibit tracks the century-long history of the railroad and is on display until Jan. 12, 2025
The latest exhibit at Pennypacker Mills, “All Aboard the Perkiomen Railroad,” explores the history of how the Perkiomen Railroad served the communities along its route. Between now and Jan. 12, 2025, the immersive Colonial Revival mansion offers visitors a unique glimpse into how this transportation route shaped and changed the surrounding towns in Montgomery County.
At its height, the railroad was 38.5 miles long and contained 28 stops from Oaks to Emmaus Junction. A new and popular route for summer excursions into the southeastern Pennsylvania countryside, Philadelphians around the turn of the 20th century left the busy city on the railroad for swimming, boating, fishing, and more. This resulted in the growth of Montgomery County as a commuter suburb for Philadelphia.
Samuel Pennypacker himself used the train line—he commuted into Philadelphia as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He also used it when he became the Governor of Pennsylvania, taking this rail line into Philadelphia and transferring to rail service to Harrisburg.
Along with passenger cars, the railroad also carried freight like milk and food goods, ice, cigars, and brooms from factories and farms, growing regional commerce and thus building towns around its stations.
The exhibit is located on the second floor of the mansion and is included on all guided tours. All ages are welcome. All tours and the exhibit are free, with a suggested donation of $2 per person.
Pennypacker Mills is open for tours Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. The last tour of each day starts at 3 p.m. Pennypacker Mills is closed Mondays and Holidays.
This exhibition is created in collaboration with the Perkiomen Railroad Historical Society.
Located at 5 Haldeman Road in Schwenksville, Pa., Pennypacker Mills is an immersive colonial revival mansion and Revolutionary War encampment site that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past. Pennypacker Mills is operated by Montgomery County’s Division of Parks, Trails and Historic Sites. The site is open year-round for free guided tours, seasonal events, craft workshops, special presentations, education programs, the StoryWalk® and changing exhibits.
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