Historic Trappe
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Historic Trappe
Trappe was settled in 1717 and formally incorporated as a borough in 1896. Our Main Street is lined with dozens of colonial and Victorian houses. Notable landmarks include Augustus Lutheran Church, built in 1743 and a National Historic Landmark; St. Luke’s Church, founded in 1742; and the Grange Hall, home to Keystone Grange No. 2 (est. 1873).
Historic Trappe is a non-profit organization that owns and maintains five historic sites within the borough. The Muhlenberg House interprets the Revolutionary War era via the families of Lutheran pastor Henry Muhlenberg and his son General Peter Muhlenberg. The Speaker’s House is the home of Frederick Muhlenberg, first Speaker of the U.S. House, and is undergoing restoration for its grand opening in spring 2026. The Dewees Tavern, home to the Center for Pennsylvania German Studies, has five exhibition galleries featuring a wide variety of furniture and folk art as well as a research library and archives. St. Luke’s Cemetery, founded in 1742, is the resting place of many notable local families including founders of Ursinus College and the grandparents of the Sundance Kid. Historic Trappe is also the owner of the Muhlenberg parsonage, built in 1745 and currently undergoing architectural investigations in preparation for restoration.
Today, Trappe Borough is home to more than 3,500 people, according to the most recent census. It encompasses 2.24 square miles and is located in central Montgomery County, about a one-hour drive from Philadelphia. While primarily a bedroom community, Trappe possesses modest agricultural, industrial, and commercial uses. Its Main Street is lined with dozens of colonial and Victorian houses, many of which house retail and specialty shops.
Borough government consists of an elected mayor and a seven-member council. A professional borough manager is responsible for day-to-day administration.
The Muhlenberg House and Dewees Tavern are open for tours every weekend or by appointment. Historic Trappe also hosts many special events, educational programs, and rotating exhibitions throughout the year. For more information, visit HistoricTrappe.org.
