Peter Wentz Farmstead

Welcome to the Peter Wentz Farmstead

Step back in time and experience the authentic spirit of colonial Pennsylvania at the Peter Wentz Farmstead, a meticulously preserved 18th-century Georgian farmhouse that stands as one of Montgomery County's most treasured historical landmarks. Located at 2030 Shearer Road in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, our farmstead offers visitors an immersive journey into the daily life, agricultural practices, and revolutionary history that shaped our nation's founding era.

Our Rich Heritage

The Peter Wentz Farmstead represents more than just a historic house; it embodies the story of Pennsylvania German settlers who helped build the foundation of American agriculture and community life. Built in 1758 by Peter Wentz, a prosperous farmer and community leader, this remarkable property served as both a working farm and a gathering place for the local community during some of the most pivotal moments in American history.

Our farmstead gained particular significance during the Revolutionary War when it served as the headquarters for General George Washington and his Continental Army officers for several days in October 1777. Following the Battle of Germantown, Washington strategically positioned his forces in the area, and the Wentz family graciously opened their home to accommodate the future first president and his staff. This connection to Washington and the Continental Army makes our site one of the few places where visitors can literally walk in the footsteps of America's founding fathers.

Authentic Colonial Experience

At the Peter Wentz Farmstead, we pride ourselves on maintaining historical accuracy and authenticity in every aspect of our operations. Our dedicated team of historians, interpreters, and craftspeople work tirelessly to ensure that every detail, from the hand-hewn wooden beams to the carefully tended heritage gardens, reflects the true character of 18th-century Pennsylvania German farm life.

The farmhouse itself is a stunning example of Georgian architecture adapted to Pennsylvania German traditions. Visitors marvel at the unique decorative painting that adorns the interior walls, featuring vibrant floral and geometric patterns that were typical of Pennsylvania German artistic expression. These remarkable wall paintings, carefully restored using traditional techniques and materials, provide insight into the aesthetic sensibilities and cultural values of the Wentz family and their contemporaries.

Educational Programs and Experiences

We believe that history comes alive through hands-on experiences and engaging storytelling. Our comprehensive educational programs serve students of all ages, from elementary school children discovering colonial crafts to university researchers conducting advanced historical studies. Our costumed interpreters bring the past to life through demonstrations of traditional skills such as open-hearth cooking, textile production, blacksmithing, and agricultural practices that sustained colonial families.

Our seasonal programming reflects the agricultural calendar that governed colonial life. In spring, visitors can participate in planting heritage vegetables and herbs in our carefully maintained period gardens. Summer brings opportunities to observe food preservation techniques, while autumn showcases harvest activities and traditional food preparation methods. Winter programs focus on indoor crafts and the ways colonial families sustained themselves through Pennsylvania's challenging cold season.

Gardens and Grounds

The Peter Wentz Farmstead encompasses not just the historic house but also extensive grounds that demonstrate 18th-century agricultural and horticultural practices. Our heritage gardens feature varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers that would have been familiar to the Wentz family and their neighbors. These living exhibits serve as outdoor classrooms where visitors learn about the intimate connection between colonial families and the land that sustained them.

Our kitchen garden produces the vegetables and herbs that colonial cooks relied upon for both nutrition and medicine. Visitors often express amazement at the variety and abundance that colonial gardens could provide, challenging modern assumptions about historical diet and lifestyle. The flower gardens showcase not only the beauty that colonial families appreciated but also the practical uses of ornamental plants for dyes, medicines, and household needs.

Community Engagement and Special Events

Throughout the year, the Peter Wentz Farmstead hosts a variety of special events that bring our colonial heritage to life for contemporary audiences. Our popular Colonial Market Days feature craftspeople demonstrating traditional skills and selling handmade goods produced using historical methods. These events create opportunities for visitors to interact directly with artisans and purchase authentic reproductions of colonial-era items.

Our Revolutionary War reenactments draw participants and spectators from across the region, offering immersive experiences that help visitors understand the challenges and sacrifices of the colonial period. These carefully researched events feature historically accurate military demonstrations, camp life presentations, and civilian activities that provide comprehensive perspectives on Revolutionary War experiences.

Research and Preservation

As stewards of this remarkable historical property, we maintain an ongoing commitment to research and preservation that ensures future generations will be able to experience and learn from the Peter Wentz Farmstead. Our collections include not only the farmhouse and its contents but also extensive archival materials that document the Wentz family history and the broader context of Pennsylvania German settlement in Montgomery County.

We collaborate with archaeologists, architectural historians, and museum professionals to continuously expand our understanding of colonial life and improve our interpretive offerings. Recent archaeological investigations have revealed fascinating details about daily life on the farmstead, including information about food consumption, craft production, and the material culture that surrounded the Wentz family.

Planning Your Visit

We welcome visitors year-round to explore the Peter Wentz Farmstead and discover the fascinating stories it contains. Our knowledgeable staff provides guided tours that can be tailored to specific interests and age groups, ensuring that every visitor has a meaningful and educational experience. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a student, a family looking for an engaging weekend activity, or a researcher seeking primary source materials, we offer resources and experiences that will enrich your understanding of American colonial history.

For more information about visiting hours, special programs, and group tour arrangements, please contact us at 610-584-5104. We look forward to sharing the remarkable story of the Peter Wentz Farmstead with you and helping you discover the enduring legacy of Pennsylvania's colonial heritage.

Come experience where history lives and breathe in the atmosphere of authentic colonial Pennsylvania. At the Peter Wentz Farmstead, the past is not just preserved – it is brought to life for all who seek to understand the foundations of our American story.