The Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center is reimagining its annual Penn Dry Goods for 2026 with new features sure to appeal to those who live regionally. All are invited to the event on Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16, for shopping, learning, and eating.

This year, though, there are some features that require advance reservations, such as the Quilt Identification Sessions, pre-event Zoom lecture, quilt turning, and textile conservation workshop. For more details on the event and to pre-register, visit schwenkfelder.org/penn-dry-goods.

Quilt expert Barb Garrett will evaluate one quilt per person for $15 for a 15-minute session on May 15 and 16. Participants may register for more than one session. This is NOT a monetary appraisal. She will date the quilt, identify the pattern, and provide other details about fabric, construction, and more.

Purchase the pre-event Zoom lecture to be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, to learn about the patriotic & political symbols on Baltimore album quilts of 1846–1862 from quilt collector Debbie Cooney. The popular quilt turnings this year are with Beverley & Jeffrey Evans showing Shenandoah Valley quilts from their collection. The Friday quilt turning is already filled, so register now for Saturday’s.

Also a new workshop on how to care for historic textiles by independent textile scholar Kathy Staples is available on May 15. These three events are $25 each when tickets are purchased ahead, $35 at the door. Check out schwenkfelder.org/penn-dry-goods from more details on the event. Entrance tickets are only $5 each, though admission is includes with any of the workshop and lectures tickets.

All proceeds support the museum and library in its collection preservation, exhibitions, and programming.

The Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center at 105 Seminary Street, Pennsburg, is the largest museum in the region sharing stories of the Pennsylvania German experience. It is open free of charge Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.