StoryWalk — a series of consecutive, narrative signs that readers encounter along a pathway — may be the recent brainchild of a Vermont developer. But as any English Major knows, the notion of storytelling while traversing a geography is centuries old (The Canterbury Tales, anyone?).

The differences with StoryWalk include:

• The narratives are short and child friendly
• The text relates to the site itself
• The story has a defined ending, whereas The Canterbury Tales just … stops

Pennypacker Mills has just obtained a version. The story it presents is entitled George Washington and the General’s Dog. It’s a true tale about the general’s time onsite in 1777, when he used Pennypacker Mills as a headquarters to prepare for the Battle of Germantown.

Experiencing a StoryWalk is proposed to have numerous benefits, including a bolster of reading skills, a dose of exercise during the stroll, an engagement of the imagination, and, in this instance, a touch of education.

The current story will remain for some time but eventually be replaced by another. The thinking behind various editions is to encourage repeat visitations.

The Schwenksville installment is the county’s second; the initial StoryWalk is still accessible at Norristown Farm Park.

More on StoryWalk at Pennypacker Mills is at the county website.