Elfreth's Alley Museum
126 Elfreth's Alley
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 574-0560
www.elfrethsalley.org

Long before the American Revolution, cities and villages were established in various areas on the eastern seaboard. Philadelphia represented the population center, and it was here that beautiful Elfreth's Alley was created between 1702 and 1704. Today America's oldest continuously occupied residential street is lined with 32 colonial and federal period homes, each no more than sixteen feet wide.

The residents of these homes and the Elfreth's Alley Association have combined efforts to preserve the Alley, providing a unique showcase of 18th century and very early 19th century urban, middle class architecture.

The Association makes its home at the Mantua Maker's Museum House. Here visitors can enjoy exhibits and period rooms depicting the lifestyles of early residents, many of whom were artisans and tradespeople.

The Museum is also the focal point of a variety of family programs and neighborhood walking tours. One of the Association's premier special events is Fete Days, which takes place in mid-spring. ("Fete" is an elaborate outdoor party or other entertainment, such as a fair). This festival, the 62nd in 1996, celebrates colonial life in Philadelphia and includes a tour of 20 private homes, a Colonial Children's Garden with activities and storytelling, Crafts, a Revolutionary Re-enactment, and much more. Call for a calendar.

Group Tours are welcome, and School Groups of all ages can enjoy an enlightening guided tour that can complement many a history curriculum.