Where the story of southeastern Pennsylvania comes alive
Across three remarkable historic sites - the Dewees Tavern, the Muhlenberg House, and the Speaker's House - visitors step into the lives of the individuals who shaped a region and a nation. From the Revolutionary War-era home of Lutheran patriarch Henry Muhlenberg and his son, General Peter Muhlenberg, to the residence of Frederick Muhlenberg, the first Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, these sites preserve the human stories behind America's founding.
At the Dewees Tavern, the Center for Pennsylvania German Studies celebrates one of America's most distinctive cultural traditions. Its nationally recognized collection features extraordinary furniture, fraktur, ceramics, ironwork, paintings, needlework, and other decorative arts - objects that reveal the creativity, faith, and everyday lives of the Pennsylvania German community.
Together, these sites offer more than a visit to the past. They offer a chance to connect - with the people, ideas, and craftsmanship that helped shape early America.
Historic Trappe is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving these historic sites and sharing their stories for generations to come.
Events at Historic Trappe
Window to Revolution: Pennsylvania Germans and the War for Independence
Focusing on the Revolution's impact on the Greater Philadelphia region, this landmark exhibition will feature artifacts such as flintlock pistols, Continental currency, Henry Muhlenberg’s journals, a German translation of the Declaration of Independence, fraktur made by former Hessian soldiers, and much more.
Window to Revolution opens April 18, 2026, and closes on February 27, 2028.
Make a lasting impact on Historic Trappe
Become a donor to Historic Trappe and join the momentum as we prepare for a new phase in our organization's history. Please consider making a generous donation to ensure our restoration progress.
Thank you for your support!
One of southeastern Pennsylvania's leading heritage tourism destinations
Rooted in history and alive with purpose, Historic Trappe offers an authentic and engaging window into Pennsylvania's past. As a national leader in the study of Pennsylvania German culture, we bring history to life through immersive exhibitions, education, and preservation efforts, all while honoring the legacy of the Muhlenberg family, fostering community partnerships, and helping shape a vibrant, sustainable destination that attracts and inspires visitors from near and far.
