University of Pennsylvania sociologist and historian, Thomas Sugrue, discusses the origins and significance of two mid-20th century suburban housing developments, both of which were attempts at creating “intentional communities” to meet different social needs and concerns.  Levittown sought to solve the problem of mass middle class housing for post-war families.  Concord Park, in Bensalem Township, arose from an effort to create a successful interracial community. Both became battlegrounds over civil rights and the future of the American suburban dream.  Thomas Sugrue, Ph.D. is…

Join builder, Brian Vaughan and architect, Ellen Happ for an insider’s tour of several local home renovation and building projects in and around Doylestown Borough.  Projects range from interior remodeling, to expansion, to new houses sympathetic to the historical character of the community and its traditional architecture. Program focuses on the “before and after,” as old housing forms are updated for contemporary living.   After the program, visit the Mercer’s new exhibit, House & Home.   Both the program and exhibit…

Fraktur researcher, author and family historian Corinne Earnest discusses the genealogical value of Fraktur, the vibrant, folk-decorated manuscripts of the Pennsylvania Germans.  Her illustrated presentation explores the various categories of fraktur – including birth and baptismal certificates, bible records, and school-related manuscripts – and their function and importance within Pennsylvania-German families and communities. Program includes a Q&A session, and handouts that define terms, aid in recognizing the fraktur alphabet, and identify places to look for family fraktur.    Presented in collaboration…