Pastors & Patriots

This landmark publication explores the history and material world of the Muhlenberg family one of the most influential German-American families of all time. Beginning with the immigration of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg to Pennsylvania in 1742 the Muhlenbergs figure prominently in American history. A native of Germany Henry Muhlenberg served as a Lutheran minister in Pennsylvania from 1742 until his death in 1787 earning him the title patriarch of the Lutheran Church in America. He married Anna Maria Weiser daughter of Conrad Weiser and they had eleven children. Three of their sons went on to achieve significant renown: Peter as a Revolutionary War general; Frederick as first Speaker of the United States House; and Henry Jr. as a renowned botanist. This publication brings together for the first time many rare and unique artifacts to help contextualize the Muhlenbergs and bring their legacy to life.