River of Revolutions Interpretive Center

Even if you live near the Schuylkill River, even if you cross its bridges every day, you might not realize that the river itself, and the region surrounding it, has a pretty impressive history.

Barge on Schuylkill Canal

For example, did you know that George Washington and his army forded the river multiple times during the Revolutionary War in an effort to keep the British out of Philadelphia?
Or that the Schuylkill Canal served as a major transportation route during the Industrial Revolution, with barges carrying anthracite coal from Schuylkill County to Philadelphia, where it helped fuel factories across the nation?
 Or that the river was the site of the first major environmental cleanup of its kind in the 1950s?

At the Schuylkill River Heritage Area we think a lot of people probably don't fully realize how crucial the Schuylkill River has been to the history of our nation. That's one of the reasons we developed the brand new River of Revolutions Interpretive Center. The center features interactive exhibits, maps, video monitors, informative wall panels, and family-friendly displays that tell about the role the Schuylkill River region played in the American, Industrial and Environmental Revolutions. Since it is a visitor center, there is also information about the many recreational opportunities and visitor sites that are located in the five counties that make up the Schuylkill River Heritage Area (Schuylkill, Berks, Montgomery, Chester, and Philadelphia).

A Grand Opening ceremony will be held later this month, but the center is already open to the public. All are invited to visit and learn about the many ways in which this river was central to America's history. It is located in the Schuylkill River Heritage Area offices, at 140 College Dr., Pottstown, PA Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. It can also be conveniently accessed from the Schuylkill River Trail, since it is adjacent to the Pottstown Riverfront Park Trailhead.