2018
April 30, 2018
Racing: A Need for Speed Examines the History & Culture of High-Velocity Sports
The Mercer Museum presents an original exhibition that looks at the history and culture spanning four sports-motor sports, horse racing, cycling and foot racing. Hundreds of artifacts are on view including period race cars, vintage cycling gear, trophies and more. The exhibit also weaves in the personal stories of locals who left an indelible mark on their sport.
Download PDF
March 9, 2018
Mercer Museum Hosts 2018 Regional National History Day Competition at Ursinus College
More than 175 middle and high-school students will participate in the Bucks and Montgomery Counties’ History Day Competition at Ursinus College on March 24. The Mercer Museum oversees the annual event, which lets students take history beyond the classroom. The competition is free and open to the public.
Download PDF
February 15, 2018
Tickets on Sale for the 23rd Annual Dolls’ Day Out
Children are invited to bring their favorite doll to the Mercer Museum for a day of fun activities including a seated tea with the Doll Fairy. Dolls’ Day Out takes place on Saturday, April 7.
Download PDF
January 10, 2018
African American Quilts: From Traditional to Contemporary at the Mercer Museum
The first exhibit of 2018 on view in the Mercer’s Martin & Warwick Foundation Galleries is a dual exhibition of the work of African American quilters which include: Unpacking Collections: The Legacy of Cuesta Benberry, an African American Quilt Scholar, featuring 15 works from the late Benberry’s collection and The Friendly Quilters: 21st Century Traditions, 25 quilts by the Bucks County based quilt guild.
Download PDF
2017
November 30, 2017
The Sounds, Scents & Scenes of the Holidays on Display in Mercer and Michener Museums’ Free Open House
The Mercer Museum and James A Michener Arts Museum will open their doors to the community for a free evening of holiday performances on Tuesday, December 12 from 7-9 p.m.
Download PDF
November 20, 2017
A Castle at Christmas: Fonthill Castle Hosts Holiday Decoration Tours in December
Fonthill Castle will be dressed up in elegant decor for the holiday season and will be hosting daytime Winter Wonderland tours and evening tours including a Holiday Lights Meander and the popular Candlelight Holiday Tours. In addition, Fonthill Castle will partner with the James Lorah Memorial Home for the first-ever dual tour of the homes of Henry Mercer.
Download PDF
November 8, 2017
The Mercer Museum kicks off the holiday season with holiday exhibition: Under the Tree
Under the Tree: A Century of Holiday Trees and Toys features trees decorated to the taste of earlier eras together with some of the toys that used to delight kids on Christmas morning’s past. Toys on display include pop culture games, 1970’s era Star Wars toys and 1960’s era Fisher-Price toys.
Download PDF
September 5, 2017
Kids Meet Kids from the Past in New Exhibit Centuries of Childhood
The Mercer Museum’s fall exhibition, Centuries of Childhood: An American Story teaches young children about American history through the eyes of five culturally diverse historical children. The immersive experience lets children explore a Native American long house and immigrant ship, paddle a canoe, set the table for Shabbat, climb aboard a train and more.
Download PDF
July, 21, 2017
Raise a Glass to the End of the Summer at Fonthill Castle Beer Fest
Fonthill Castle hosts its 4th annual Beer Fest featuring more than 25+ breweries pouring a variety of ales, lagers, mead and spirits.
Download PDF
June, 8, 2017
Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle Name New Executive Director
The Board of Trustees of the Bucks County Historical Society has named Kyle McKoy as the new President & Executive Director of the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle. Kyle comes to the organization with more than 20 years of museum experience.
Download PDF
June 7, 2017
Fonthill Castle’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration
Visit Fonthill on on Tuesday, July 4, for some old-fashioned, patriotic fun on the castle’s grounds. Festivities include a Children’s Decorated Bike Parade, old-time games, watermelon eating contests, live music, crafts, storytelling, food, self-guided tours of Fonthill and more.
Download PDF
April 27, 2017
The Mary Schafer Collection: A Legacy of Quilt History Offers Insight into an Important Quilting Pioneer
The exhibition will include 25 quilts which reflect the varying aspects of Schafer’s work and life. Also on view: The Sharon Holloway Dollhouse and Miniatures Collection.
Download PDF
April 7, 2017
Celebrate National Kite Month by Flying a Kite at Fonthill Castle
On April 23, Fonthill Castle will be hosting its 2nd Annual Kite Day. Visitors can build, decorate and fly kites and learn from master kite maker, Clifford “The Kiteman” Quinn.
Download PDF
March 28, 2017
Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle Announce Retirement of Executive Director
Doug Dolan, President and Executive Director of the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, will step down from his position in June after 34 years.
Download PDF
January 3, 2017
The Mercer Museum Presents Major Exhibition on Shaker Culture
The exhibition, Gather Up the Fragments: The Andrews Shaker Collection is the most comprehensive collection of Shaker materials every assembled. On display are more than 200 objects including boxes, textiles, kitchen implements and furniture. Organized by Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield, MA and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC. Funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Download PDF
2016
November 4, 2016
The Evolution of Christmas in America on display in Under the Tree: A Century of Holiday Trees and Toys
The Mercer Museum’s annual holiday exhibit features trees decorated to the taste of earlier eras together with some of the toys, games and other playthings that once delighted children on Christmas morning’s past.
Download PDF
October 1, 2016
Cuisine & Culture at the Mercer Museum’s Fall Gala
Guests will enjoy a magical evening of exploring the castle and dining on some of Bucks County’s finest cuisine. The gala’s Silent Auction features vacations, experiences, art, jewelry and more.
Download PDF
September 13, 2016
Mercer Museum Hosts Storytelling Series “Twilight Tales”
Spoken word artists will perform in the dramatic atmosphere of the museum’s Central Court.
Download PDF
July 7, 2016
Doylestown Museums’ Host Free Day in Honor of Mercer Museum’s Centennial
The Mercer Museum, James A. Michener Art Museum, Fonthill Castle and the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works will offer free admission on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Download PDF
June 17, 2016
Fonthill Castle’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration
The “good old-days” are recreated on the grounds of Fonthill for its Fourth of July Celebration. Festivities include a Children’s Decorated Bike Parade, watermelon eating contests, old-time games, live music and more. Visitors can picnic on the grounds or enjoy the food from on-site vendors.
Download PDF
June 07, 2016
Long May She Wave Offers a Fresh Take on the American Flag
Arguably one of the most recognizable icons in the world, the American flag has enjoyed a long history of graphic interpretations. Long May She Wave features hundreds of flag-related artifacts from Civil War Era flags to political campaign buttons to children’s toys. Viewed together, these objects comprise their own genre of folk art.
Download PDF
May 20, 2016
The Mercer Museum Announces Smithsonian Affiliation
The Mercer Museum announced that it has been named a Smithsonian Affiliate along with Fonthill Castle. This new status means the museums will now be able to share resources with the esteemed institution.
Download PDF
April 22, 2016
The Mercer Museum Turns 100: Quirky Concrete Castle Features “The Tools of the Nation Maker”
A century ago, Henry Mercer opened his unique concrete castle museum to display his encyclopedic collection of early American tools and everyday objects. Today, the National Historic Landmark is still delighting 21st audiences.
Download PDF
February 2, 2016
Brave the Maze! American Adventure Now Open at the Mercer Museum
This realistic role play adventure set within a 2500 square foot maze, puts visitors into the shoes of the original American Colonists and challenges them to survive for one year. Interactive exhibit activities include a zip slide, wall climb and wilderness survival challenge. American Adventure runs until June 12.
Download PDF
January 22, 2016
The Mercer Museum Celebrates African-American History Month with program, Benjamin Banneker
Actor and storyteller, Bob Smith of Baltimore portrays the remarkable man who was a noted surveyor, mathematician, astronomer and farmer. The program takes place on Saturday, February 6 at 1 p.m.
Download PDF
2015
October 30, 2015
Henry Mercer’s Work of Gothic Fiction, November Night Tales Republished
The long out-of-print book of stories by Henry C. Mercer has been republished by Valancourt Books.
Download PDF
October 3, 2015
LEGO® Castle Adventure Comes to the Mercer Museum
The Mercer Museum is the final venue to host the popular traveling exhibit, LEGO® Castle Adventure. Builders of all ages will learn about castles and then try their hand at designing and building their very own castles. Children can also explore a royal castle, climb a lookout tower, joust, and more.
Download PDF
July 17, 2015
Firefighting Day and Modern Equipment Show
The Mercer Museum celebrates its volunteer firefighting exhibit by inviting fire companies from around Bucks County and the Delaware Valley to display their equipment and showcase contemporary firefighting methods and technologies. Presented in collaboration with the Bucks County Fire Chiefs’ and Firefighters’ Association.
Download PDF
June 12, 2015
Fonthill Castle’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration
The community of Doylestown comes together to celebrate Fourth of July on the grounds of Fonthill Castle. Activities include old-fashioned games, a Decorated Bike Parade, patriotic music, crafts, food and fun.
Download PDF
April 14, 2015
Mercer Legacy Sweepstakes Celebrates 30th Anniversary
The Mercer Legacy Sweepstakes, now in its 30th year, gives participants the opportunity to win a brand new BMW or $20,000. Each entry is $100 and supports programs at the Mercer Museum & Library and Fonthill Castle. The winner is announced at the Drawing Party on May 3.
Download PDF
April 7, 2015
Philadelphia’s Volunteer Firefighting History on Display at the Mercer Museum
Spring/Summer exhibit at the Mercer Museum includes 175 artifacts from the museum’s collection including a hand-powered engine, hose carriage, fire helmuts, parade hats and more.
Download PDF
January 15, 2015
Nationally Touring Exhibition House & Home at the Mercer Museum
What makes a house a home? The exhibit explores the varied history and many cultural meanings of the American home.
Download PDF
