Welcome!

The Schuylkill River Heritage Center is an historic gateway to northern Chester County that provides information about places of interest to visit throughout the county. It also highlights the Schuylkill River’s resources from Pottsville to Philadelphia.

Historic artifacts and large murals showcase the industrial legacy of the Schuylkill River and the former Phoenix Iron and Steel company. Constantly running videos give visitors a comprehensive overview of the region’s resources and its history.

The Phoenix Iron Company Foundry, built in 1882, is home to the Schuylkill River Heritage Center. We are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11am-3pm. On First Fridays, we are also open from 5:30pm-7:30pm.

Virtual Museum Tour – Part 1

Virtual Museum Tour – Part 2

 

News & Events

How Trees Transform Streams

Lamonte Garber, the Watershed Research Coordinator at the Stroud Research Center will present the story of How Trees Transform Streams. Thursday, May 11th at 7:30 PM This in-person event will be held at the Schuylkill River Heritage Center at the Foundry, 2 Main Street, in Phoenixville. Admission is free for SRHC & French & Pickering […]

The Schuylkill Navigation Canals in Chester County

Please join us for an in-person presentation and book signing event presented by SANDY SORLIEN, a well-known Philadelphia photographer and author who works with the Fairmount Water Works creating outdoor tours along the Schuylkill River. Tuesday, April 11th at 7:30 PM The Foundry, located at 2 Main St. in Phoenixville Admission is free for SRHC […]

William Penn’s Legacy

Barbara Cohen will share the story of WILLIAM PENN’s LEGACY She will tell how his Charter of Religious Toleration planted the seed of our nation through the prism of architecture in Philadelphia and Chester County. Tuesday, March 14th, 2023 – 7:30 PM This will be an in-person event at the Schuylkill River Heritage Centerlocated in […]

Discover the Foundry’s History

Learn the history of the Foundry building and its place in Phoenixville since 1882.

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Explore the Past Along the River

Travel the Schuylkill River and explore scenes from its industrial past, learn how the river plays an important role in the development of the area.

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Historical Significance

Samuel Reeves’ designs for the Phoenix Column Tower (the Centennial Tower) became the inspiration for the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Download the Free App

Schuylkill River Heritage Center

This history/geography app will give you the opportunity to learn about our area as you are driving, hiking, or biking. Included are points of interest from Valley Forge National Historical Park along the Schuylkill River to Spring City and Royersford. It includes all of the Phoenixville Borough, Schuylkill, East Pikeland, Charlestown, and West Pikeland Townships. It includes photography and descriptive information of more than 80 historic places in the region.