Goschenhoppen Folklife Library

The Goschenhoppen Folklife Library is located on the third floor of Red Men’s Hall. Modest in scope and offering, its primary focus is on historical topics relating to the Pennsylvania Germans and southeastern Pennsylvania. More specific categories with numerous references include decorative arts, handcrafts, home and garden, textiles, fraktur, genealogy, and writings in the Pennsylvania German dialect. There are many township histories from Montgomery County as well as surrounding Counties, with a concentration on the Goschenhoppen Region. Also included are nearly complete runs of the publications of the Pennsylvania German Society and the Pennsylvania German Folklore Society. Additional periodicals include Pennsylvania Folklife and Harper’s Magazine from the 19th century. Consisting primarily of published books and related materials, the collection does include vertical files with various clippings and notes sorted by topic.

The Folklife Library is non-lending and all materials must be used on site. Date and time for usage is by mutual arrangement of the researcher and the librarian or a volunteer assistant; there are no standard hours of operation. Persons interested in specific materials are advised to inquire in advance about availability. Library usage is offered at no charge though donations are cheerfully accepted to help offset operating costs and acquire additional titles. Books are categorically sorted; however, no catalog is currently available. Limited photocopies may be made at a nominal charge. Please note that due to the library location the facility is not handicap accessible. Persons wishing to use the library should contact the ‘Historians at 215-234-8953 or email redmens_hall@goschenhoppen.org.