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Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg Frederick A. Muhlenberg, second son of renowned Lutheran pastor Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, was born in Trappe, Pennsylvania, on January 2, 1750. He was educated in Halle, Germany, for seven years, and upon his return was ordained a Lutheran minister. Muhlenberg served congregations in Pennsylvania and New York City before entering politics as a member of the Continental Congress. He became president of the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention and was a four-time member of the U.S. House, serving as the first and third Speaker of the House. Muhlenberg was the first signer of the Bill of Rights. He also served as first President Judge and Recorder of Deeds and Register of Wills in Montgomery County. Muhlenberg cast the tie-breaking vote in 1796 as chairman of a House committee to ratify the Jay Treaty, in an effort to improve post-war British-American tensions. The Muhlenberg vote ended his rising political career. He died in Lancaster while serving as Receiver General of the Pennsylvania Land Office. History of the House The stone house was purchased with 50 acres by Frederick Muhlenberg on October 17, 1781 from Johannes Ried. The house was probably built during the three previous years. He and his family moved in on April 18, 1782. Muhlenberg sold the house to his sister, Mary Swaine, in 1791 when the U.S. Congress moved to New York. As with the other two Muhlenberg houses, the house underwent substantial alterations in the nineteenth century, which removed most of the original interior treatments. The exterior was also modified by the construction of mansard roofs and a frame addition to the west side. Despite these major changes, a careful reading of the house and supporting evidence can illuminate the period of Frederick and the residency of his family. Archaeology Project During eight days in May, 2006, members of The Millbrook Society performed a Level I Survey of the Speaker's House property with the objectives of acquiring a Pennsylvania Archaeological Site Number; providing support data to the architect in possible dating of the house and its use; and to recording and preserving evidence of past usage and activity at the site. Twenty people participated in the project; thirteen from the Society and seven from The Speaker's House. A site number was obtained and a report of the project was presented to The Speaker's House. That report provides notes and observations as well as definition of the structure and 3664 artifacts found during the project. State Historical Marker On Saturday, April 12, 2008, a historical marker was dedicated at the Speaker's House to commemorate Frederick Muhlenberg. Members of The Millbrook Society attended the dedication ceremony. Joseph H. Melrose, President, Board of Trustees, the Speaker's House was the master of the ceremony. Other participants included: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 7155; Veterans Association of Military Musicians; Perkiomen Valley High School Chorus; Pastor Herbert H. Michel, of Augustus Lutheran Church; Joseph Hoeffel, Montgomery County Commissioner; Joan Hauger, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Historical Site Administrator; and Lisa Minardi, Vice President, The Speaker's House. Youngsters performed a recitation of the Bill of Rights. The Historical Marker was then unveiled. A memorial address for John Bubeck was given by Allison Weiss, Executive Director of The Speaker's House. Plenary comments were given by Jim Gerlach of the Pennsylvania 6th District. The ceremony was then closed and guided tours of the house were conducted. Much has been done to date the structure, since the time that the Society members worked there. |
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Weekly meetings are held Wednesday nights from 7:30 - 9:30 PM. Please come and join us.
For additional information, please contact: The Millbrook Society 32 North York Road P.O. Box 506, Hatboro, PA 19040 (215)957-1877
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