6401 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA
19144
(215) 848-1777, groups ext. 221 • 438-2892 Fax
http://www.cliveden.org
Built by Benjamin and Elizabeth Chew as a summer retreat, this beautiful mansion has housed seven generations of Chews over 200 years. Once as large as 66 acres, the now 6-acre site is landscaped with plane trees, catalpa, and rare 'Franklinia'. Classical statuary, including several pieces damaged during the Battle of Germantown, can be seen around the property.
In October of 1777, the Continental Army marched on Germantown, forcing the British infantry down Germantown Avenue. About 100 British soldiers took shelter within Cliveden's thick walls, firing upon Washington's troops as they passed by. Washington ordered a full scale assault on the house, bearing down with muskets, fire carts, battering rams, grapeshot, and cannon fire. Cliveden would not fall.
After several hours of fierce battle, Washington withdrew his forces, leaving bodies piled up on Cliveden's doorstep. Though Washington's immediate objective was not fulfilled, the battle moved the French to help America in the war. Without French aid the the Revolution may have taken a different turn.
Today visitors can tour the house, which includes original furnishings and decorative arts. The works of Colonial Philadelphia craftsman such as James Reynolds, Jonathan Gostelowe and Thomas Affleck are well represented here. Changing exhibits of historical and artistic significance are displayed in the restored Carriage House reception area. Visitors can enjoy special events throughout the year, including a Re-enactment of the Battle of Germantown. Call for a calendar.
Cliveden offers great history education programs for School Groups. History Explorers (grades K - 9) is a 90-minute program with the goal of teaching children how to "read" an object, as if it were a book. Students play a matching or object identification game in the Carriage House, view features of man-made and natural environments outside, and on a treasure hunt for specific items in the Museum. Chews for a Day (5 - 8), 2 hours long, develops deductive and interpretive skills and introduces the use of primary source materials such as documents, architecture, etc. as a way to learn about historic characters. Students use these source materials to prepare a biography on an assigned character. Fight for Freedom (3 - 8) is a 2½-hour program that explores the activities of Germantown's Mennonite and Quaker settlers to help students understand the concepts of violence vs. nonviolence and political vs. personal freedom. Both the Revolution and the Underground Railroad are studied. Maximum of 30 students. Living in Old Germantown (all grades) is an interesting view of family life in the past and how technology changed over time. This 2½-hour program splits the group to see Cliveden or Wyck, a nearby historic house.
Hours: April - December, Thursday - Sunday 12 - 4 pm. Last tour begins no later than 3:30pm. Off season tours available for groups and individuals by appointment.
Admission: Adults $8.00, (discount offered for groups of 10 or more), Students $6.00, Children under 6 FREE. Call for info on School Programs.
Group Reservations: 4 weeks.
Lunch: Picnic area available. Groups can have catered lunch.
Handicapped: Only first floor is accessible.
Directions: Located on Germantown Ave. just west of Johnson St.
Nearby: Grumblethorpe , Historic Rittenhouse , LaSalle University Art Museum , Shofuso Pine Breeze Villa , Morris Arboretum , Grand Army of the Republic .