Pennypacker Mills will host "Ghosts of Immigrants Past," a program to discuss the stories of immigrants who arrived in Philadelphia at Pier 53 between 1873 and 1915. Historian Susan McAninley will bring to life the story of immigration at what was then the third busiest immigration port in the United States where immigrants started their new lives in America.

After tracing the history of her own ancestors, McAninley realized there were many immigrants whose stories spoke of hardship, wartime experiences, and religious persecution that needed to be told.  With so much research uncovered, she began pairing names she found from passenger lists to marriage licenses, death certificates and census records.  She dug deeper into records and began tracking down their descendants.  “I collected stories,” she said.  She began writing them down and creating cards telling the passengers’ stories.  “The more stories that are found that are collected, the stronger the bonds become with the immigrant experience,” McAninley said.  “They tell of the richness of the American experience; of how complicated it was.”

Pre-registration is required for this program.  Please call (610) 287-9349 or email PennypackerMills@montcopa.org.  Masks must be worn indoors and social distancing is encouraged.  Guided tours are offered free from Tuesday through Sunday with a suggested donation of $2 per person.

To see a full list of upcoming events at Pennypacker Mills, click here.

*****************

Pennypacker Mills is operated by the Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites.  Pennypacker Mills is located off Route 73 (Skippack Pike) at 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, PA 19473.  Any questions, call (610) 287-9349.