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Philadelphia's Germantown is not only rich in history, it contains a wealth of 18th and 19th century architecture -- some of the nation's most beautiful. The Historical Society maintains or helps interpret a range of historic and cultural sites. Those listed elsewhere in this guide include Cliveden, Grumblethorpe (see Landmarks Society), Stenton, Historic Rittenhouse Town, and the LaSalle University Art Museum.
Other sites that can be toured individually or featured as part of one of the Historical Society's many tours include:
- Upsala, 6430 Germantown Avenue, (215) 842 1798: A beautiful Federal style home that was the site of the American encampment during the Battle of Germantown.
- Concord School House, 6309 Germantown Avenue, (215) 843 0943: A 1775 one-room schoolhouse with original bell, belfry, and schoolmaster's desk.
- Johnson House, 6306 Germantown Avenue, (215) 843 0943: A beautiful building that was part of the Underground Railroad during the Civil War.
- Mennonite Meetinghouse, 6121 Germantown Avenue, (215) 843 0943: Erected in 1770, it is one Germantown's oldest buildings. Displays illustrate Mennonite history and the first recorded protest against slavery.
- Wyck, 6026 Germantown Avenue, (215) 848 1690: Features three centuries of original furnishings and a beautiful 19th century garden.
- Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion, 200 W. Tulpehocken St., (215) 438 1861: A gorgeous 1859 Victorian suburban villa with Philadelphia-made furniture.
- Awbury Arboretum, 1 Awbury Place, (215) 849 2855: Built around the Francis Cope House, this 55-acre arboretum features a formal English landscape and a natural area.
- Deshler-Morris House, 5442 Germantown Avenue, (215) 596 1748: George Washington stayed here during the yellow fever epidemic of 1793-94.
Call the appropriate number for more information on individual places. The Germantown Historical Society, also known as Historic Germantown Preserved, offers thematic tours to selected sites for all ages. Tours focus on Architecture, Textiles and Interiors, The Ladies of Germantown, Germantown Families, or other topics.School Groups can enjoy and learn from the many tours and programs available for them. Architecture -- Shapes and Styles of the Past (grades 3 - 5) at Maxwell Mansion and Upsala explores sixty years of architectural evolution. Religious Diversity in Early Germantown (3 - 12) at Meetinghouse and Rittenhouse focuses on the contributions made by the first Germantown immigrants. Environmental Education Programs (K - 9) at the Awbury Arboretum address a variety of nature-related topics. How Children Lived and Learned From 1775-1850 (2 - 6) at Concord School is a hands-on interpretation of life in a one-room schoolhouse. Victorian Views (K - 12) at Maxwell Mansion examines architecture, technology and life style to illustrate the impact of the Industrial Revolution. Many other programs are available at many sites. Call for details. |
