Goschenhoppen is one of the oldest continuously existing Pennsylvania German communities in America.
The Goschenhoppen Historians Inc., was founded in 1964 in order to preserve the folk culture of the
area's earliest immigrant settlers, known as the Pennsylvania Germans.
Incorporated as an educational organization on June 4, 1965, it has grown and prospered and has met, admirably, the many varied challenges of its social commitment to foster and maintain respect for the ingenuity, faith and determination of these settlers.
Among the many activities in which the historians are engaged are:
regular monthly meetings with planned
programs; educational seminars; a collection of folklore and folk tunes from the last generation possessing
knowledge of the 19th century culture; the development of youth organizations and youth appreciation of folk
culture; continuing restoration of the Henry Antes House and property surrounding it; the establishment of a
folklife museum; the creation of a country-store museum; the establishment of a library of prime source materials;
the documentation of quilts; the teaching of the Pennsylvania German dialect; the publishing of a monthly newsletter
and of the Intelligencer, a newspaper for its festival.
Each year since 1967, the Historians have presented the Goschenhoppen Folk Festival where 1000 volunteers participate. The Pennsylvania German folk culture is preserved in demonstrations of 18th and 19th century trades and homeskills. Join us on August 7 and 8 at the Antes Plantation in Frederick, Pennsylvania.
The Goschenhoppen Historians was established as an educational society dedicated to learning about preserving and teaching the Pennsylvania German folk culture. Red Men's Hall, the annual Folk Festival and the Antes House are the three primary ways the Historians accomplish this mission. For the past 40 years the authentic recreation of folk culture trades and home skills have been demonstrated at the annual Folk Festival. Red Men's Hall houses a local folk life museum, country-store museum, a research library and a blacksmith's shop. The Antes House was acquired in 1987 with one acre of land in Upper Frederick Township and in 2000 an additional 25 acres were purchased. The Antes House has been designated a National Historic Landmark as an outstanding example of Pennsylvania German architecture in the mid-18th century and in recognition of Henry Antes' contributions to Colonial America. The restoration of the house is nearly completed and the master plan for the property has been prepared.
For years the goal of the organization was to have a place of its own to keep alive the Pennsylvania German folk culture and to educate the public. The Antes Plantation is that place. We look forward to the continued support of the members and friends of the Historians as we make this exciting move.
Redmen's Hall Phone - (610) 367-8286
Redmen's Hall Address - PO Box 476, Green Lane PA 18054
President: Ed Johnson ~ (215) 234-9252
51 Knockel Road
Green Lane, PA 18054
Secretary: Susan Cook ~ (267) 932-8313
359 Lonely Goose Circle
Harleysville, PA 19438