Landmarks Society
Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks
321 South 4th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106-4218
(215) 925-2251
www.philalandmarks.org

For more than sixty years the Landmarks Society has played an important part in preserving our heritage by restoring, furnishing, and presenting to the public its distinguished house museums. The Society was founded in 1931 by Frances Anne Wister to save the historic Samuel Powel House from demolition.

Today the Society offers four beautiful properties to be enjoyed by families and groups. Throughout the year the Landmarks Society presents a number of great special events at each site. Call (215) 925-2251 for a calendar. Group Tours are offered, including educational tours for School Groups. Groups can schedule a tour by calling the number at the specific site.

Note that the houses are not handicapped accessible.

The Physick House
321 South 4th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106-4218
(215) 925-7866

Wine importer Henry Hill built this imposing four story brick house in 1786. In 1815 Dr. Philip Syng Physick took up residence in the house, living there until his death in 1837.

Physick, one of the world's foremost physicians at the time, became known as the "Father of American Surgery." He was among the courageous doctors who remained in the city to care for the ill during Philadelphia's yellow fever epidemic. The beautiful house, elegantly appointed with period furnishings, is enhanced by a large 19th century garden.

A special School Group Tour for 4th through 6th grades includes hands-on activities, Colonial games, and decorative arts.

Hours:
March through December: Tours are given Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12-4 p.m., Sunday from 1-4 p.m.
January & February: Tours by appointment only.
Groups of 10 or more may tour the house by appointment.

Admission:
Adults $8.00
Seniors $6.00
Students $6.00
Family $20.00

Groups:
Groups of ten or more $5.00 per person.

Group Reservations: 3 weeks in advance recommended.

Lunch: Public park within walking distance. Nearby restaurants.

Directions: Located at 4th St. just south of Spruce.

Nearby: Independence National Historic Park , Norman Rockwell Museum , Independence Seaport Museum , Mario Lanza Museum , Historical Society of Pennsylvania , United States Mint .

The Powel House
244 South 3rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-0364

This beautiful Georgian house, built in 1765, was purchased by Samuel Powel in 1769.

Known as the "Patriot Mayor," Powel was the last mayor of Philadelphia under the crown, and the first under the new Republic. Pretty cool!

Third Street was Philadelphia's fashionable district, with Governor John Penn living next door. The Powel property was much larger then, extending to Fourth Street. Today, visitors can enjoy a smaller formal garden typical of the 18th century.

The house interior is exquisite, with an original staircase of Santo Domingo mahogany rising gracefully from a panelled and columned entrance hall. The period rooms are finely appointed and will be enjoyed by all.

Hours:
March through December: Tours are given Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12-4 p.m., Sunday from 1-4 p.m.
January & February: Tours by appointment only.
Groups of 10 or more may tour the house by appointment.

Admission:
Adults $8.00
Seniors $6.00
Students $6.00
Family $20.00

Groups:
Groups of ten or more $5.00 per person.

Group Reservations: 3 weeks in advance recommended.

Lunch: Same as above.

Directions: 3rd St. just south of Spruce.

Grumblethorpe
5267 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 843-4820

Grumblethorpe, the summer residence built in 1744 by John Wister, is a prime example of the domestic Germantown architecture of the period. Features include the stone coursing of the facade, pent eaves, front and rear balconies, and the double front entrances. The Wister family took refuge here from the yellow fever epidemic of 1793. In the early 19th century, Charles Jones Wister gave the house its name.

For more than 160 years Grumblethorpe was the home of the Wister family. Today visitors can see it restored and furnished as it might have appeared in 1744. A historic garden here is also being re-created to honor the long tradition of the Wisters in horticulture.

Hours: Second Saturday of every month. May have seasonal closings. Call (215) 843-4820.

Admission:
Adults $10.00
Seniors $7.00
Students $7.00
Family $20.00

Groups:
Groups of ten or more $5.00 per person.

Group Reservations: 3 weeks in advance recommended.

Lunch: Nearby restaurants.

Directions: Located at Germantown Ave. and Queen Lane.

Nearby: Historic Rittenhouse , LaSalle University Art Museum , Cliveden .

Waynesborough
2049 Waynesborough Rd.
Paoli, PA 19301
(610) 647-1779

This stately mansion was the birthplace of Revolutionary War hero, General Anthony Wayne. He also lived here for nearly ten years following his retirement from a brilliant military career during the American Revolution. In 1792 he left the estate to serve as major general and commander-in-chief of the Legions of America. Through campaigns and negotiations with Northwest Indians, Wayne opened the West to settlement.

General Wayne died at Presque Isle in 1796 enroute home.

The estate remained in the Wayne family until the late 1960's. At its peak, Waynesborough was a 1,000-acre plantation, including a large tannery located about one-half mile behind the house. Today the property includes several wooded acres.

The building features a spacious Georgian center block with both an earlier dwelling and later service wing attached. Furnished to reflect Wayne's lifestyle, the house provides a wonderful tour opportunity, beginning with a slide presentation on the history of the family and the house.

Hours: Open mid-March through December. Tours are given Thursday through Sunday from 1 - 3 pm. Note that Saturday tours may be limited due to special events. Call to confirm.

Admission:
Adults $10.00
Seniors $7.00
Students $7.00
Family $20.00

Groups:
Groups of ten or more $5.00 per person.

Group Reservations: 3 weeks in advance recommended.

Lunch: Groups may eat bagged lunch in Carriage House.

Directions: Rt. 30 West to Paoli. South on Rt. 252 about ½ mile. Turn right onto Waynesborough Rd.

Nearby: Wharton Esherick Studio , Newcomen Library and Museum , Colonial Penn Plantation , Tyler Arboretum , Great Valley Nature Center , Valley Forge Park , Chanticleer , Harriton House , American College Arboretum .