“Forging Freedom” – Iron and the Revolutionary War program at Pottsgrove Manor April 20, 2013

“Forging Freedom” – Iron and the Revolutionary War program at Pottsgrove Manor

Visit Pottsgrove Manor on Saturday, April 20, 2013 from 11:00am to 3:00pm to learn about the importance of iron in the Revolutionary War.

Many members of the Potts family were involved in the American Revolution. Samuel Potts, who grew up at Pottsgrove Manor, and his brother-in-law, Thomas Rutter III, cast cannon for the American cause at Warwick Furnace.

In this program, re-enactors portraying artillery men and blacksmiths of the Continental Army will show how important the local ironworking industry was to the war effort. Noah Lewis will portray Ned Hector, a free black man who was a teamster and artillery man in Colonel Proctor’s Artillery. Captain Seth Oaks’ Independent Company of Artificers will give demonstrations of 18th century blacksmithing.

This program is being held in conjunction with Pottsgrove Manor’s new exhibit “Forging a Lifestyle: Ironworking with the Potts Family.” Guided tours of the exhibit will be offered on the hour during the program.

The exhibit can also be viewed during a guided tour of Pottsgrove Manor during regular museum hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00am to 4:00pm and Sunday, 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Tours are given on the hour. The last tour of the day begins at 3:00pm. The site is closed Mondays and major holidays. Groups of ten or more should preregister by calling 610-326-4014.

Pottsgrove Manor, home of John Potts, colonial ironmaster and founder of Pottstown, is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks and Heritage Services Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department.

For more information and a full calendar of events, please visit http://www.montcopa.org/index.aspx?nid=930 or like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PottsgroveManor