What are the opening hours?

Thursday 11am - 4pm Friday 11am - 4pm Saturday 11am - 4pm Sunday 12pm - 4pm

Powel House

Name: Powel House
Address: 244 S 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19106, US
Telephone: (215) 627-0364
Price range: $
Rating: 5

Elegant 18th - century house museum of Mayor Samuel Powel and his wife Elizabeth Willing Powel.

Powel House is an historic mansion in the Society Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. This elegant Georgian brick mansion was built in 1765 by merchant and shipmaster Charles Stedman. When Stedman fell on financial difficulties (eventually winding up in debtors' prison), the house was purchased for £3,150 on August 2, 1769 by Samuel Powel, who served as the last mayor of Philadel

phia under British rule and became the city's first mayor after the Revolution. He and his wife Elizabeth Willing were well known for their hospitality and frequently entertained such notable guests as George and Martha Washington, John Adams, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, and the Marquis de Lafayette. During the early 20th century, the house served as a warehouse and office for a business that imported and exported Russian and Siberian horse hair and bristles. The owners had sold much of the interior architectural detail to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Little more than a shell, the building was slated for demolition, with the site planned to be used for a parking lot. After learning of the imminent demolition, Frances Wister formed The Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks and raised sufficient funds to purchase the property in 1931. Over the next decade, Wister and the Society restored the house to its appearance during Powel's residency, interpreting the daily lives of wealthy Philadelphians at the time of the American Revolution. Today, the rich history of the Powel House may be seen in its decorative arts collection, its portraits of Powels and Willings, and its formal, walled garden so typical of Colonial Philadelphia. Its beautiful entryway, ballroom with bas-relief plasterwork, and mahogany wainscoting give the house its reputation as perhaps America's finest existing Georgian Colonial townhouse.

Operating as usual

09/01/2022

Gorgeous night for an evening early music concert 🎶

Come see us this Friday and enjoy a free concert by the The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia in our garden!

06/28/2022

Free Museum Day At The Powel House

Come see us this Friday and enjoy a free concert by the The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia in our garden!

Annual series of celebrations leading up to Independence Day, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

06/11/2022

Thanks to all who attended our Powel Garden Party last night!

We had gorgeous weather and it was so lovely to be able to gather with you all in the garden for the first time since 2019.

06/02/2022

Whoo hoo 🎉

The Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks Executive Director, Kayla Anthony (right),and site manager for the Hill-Physick House, Megan Thibodeaux (left), receive two SHCA grants checks: $5,000 for the Hill-Physick House historic window repair project and $5,000 for the Powel House underground stormwater system pipe replacement project. (photo credit: Martha Levine)

04/24/2022

Spring flower montage from the garden on a warm April day. We love the bleeding hearts! 🌸 🌺 🌹

Want to beautify your own garden? Check out the annual Plant Sale next Friday and Saturday (April 29th & 30th)! All proceeds benefit the operations of the house. More info available

02/23/2022

Signs of spring on this gorgeous Philadelphia February day!

03/04/2021

The winter is coming to a close, which means we are opening back up! Starting this weekend, we will be open for tours on Saturdays (11-3p) and Sundays (12-3p) throughout March!

In April, we will be back to our full Thursday through Sunday schedule!

Our COVID restrictions still apply: Tours are limited to 5 persons, masks are to be worn any time on the premises, and no food or drinks inside.

02/14/2021

Happy Valentine’s Day to our followers from the Powel House!

One of our favorite parts of our history is the incredibly close relationship shared by Samuel and Elizabeth. So apparent was their love that the Marquis De Lafayette gifted them a full set of china, which bears this motif!

11/17/2020

Due to new Philadelphia guidelines the Powel House will be closed to the public starting this Friday, Nov. 20th. We are thankful to those who were able to enjoy our house in this strange 2020 season. As always, we’re grateful for the ongoing support of our members, dedicated volunteers, and communities near and far.

Many thanks to all of you! We look forward to seeing you in 2021. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation at the link in our bio to help us to continue our work in the preservation of the Powel House

10/16/2020

Congratulations to .chaos and ! This lovely couple, who got their engagement photos done at the Powel House, is getting married today! 🎉

Their wonderful photographer:

09/13/2020

2020’s Powel Garden Party is a little different than we are used to, but it’s still been a great night! 🥂

05/26/2020

Before it was a square and a neighborhood, Rittenhouse meant excellent clocks. The gears of clocks are also pretty good at modeling the known universe, and David Rittenhouse’s trade of clockmaker also included scientific instruments like orreries!
This Rittenhouse clock sits on the second floor landing of the Powel House!

05/05/2020

Thank you to all our supporters!

Preservation doesn’t stop. Our work continues. And we need your help.

Today is , a global day of giving. In response to the health crisis our historic houses have been shuttered since March which effectively stopped revenue streams like ticket sales and events. Without these vital sources of income we’re poised to lose 70% of our annual revenue needed for preservation and operations.

PhilaLandmarks needs your help to preserve these important historic homes. Please consider making a generous donation to PhilaLandmarks.

Thank you to our outstanding supporters. We look forward to the day when we can all be together again!

Photo credit: https://joepulcinella.com

04/04/2020

Head to our Instagram () for a q&a session in our stories all day today!

We are LOVING this bridal bouquet from 💐❤️ Contact mregina@philalandmarks.org to have your big day at the Powel House!•...

03/26/2020

We are LOVING this bridal bouquet from 💐❤️ Contact [email protected] to have your big day at the Powel House!
•
Repost from
•
I’ve been under the weather all week. Before anyone panics, no, it’s not coronavirus. And, yes, I am getting tired of the many accusatory stares and having to anxiously stifle coughs while picking up throat drops at the pharmacy for fear of an angry mob storming at me to hoist me onto a passing plague wagon, a la Monty Python. 🙄 Between that and the headlines around here, I’m just feeling pretty damn grumpy. Normally I’m too busy with my work to dwell very long on the state of humanity. Frankly, I prefer to spend my time focused more on the Earth’s many other creatures. But I’m stuck with moving slow and too much time to think at the moment, so here I am ranting to you all. Who else is “having a week”? 🤦‍♀️ At least Spring isn’t being bashful in the slightest this year and as soon as I can get my butt back into healthy gear, there’s plenty of farm work to do and bountiful blooms on the very near horizon. The poignant words of Pablo Neruda come to mind: "You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep Spring from coming." Note to self: Remember that. 🌸🌸🌸

03/25/2020

Todays is PhilaLandmarks founder, Philadelphia's Patron Saint of Historic Preservation, Frances Anne Wister! In 1930, the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects undertook a Survey of "Old Philadelphia" to document details of all the important historic buildings. Within the first few months of the survey process architect H.L. Duhring alerted Frances Anne Wister of the fact that the historic Powel House might be headed for demolition to make way for a taxi cab parking lot. And so on February 27, 1931, Frances Anne Wister called the first meeting of The Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks at the house of the Colonial Dames on Latimer Street. Thus, PhilaLandmarks was born and the Powel House was saved! ⁣
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We urge you to follow in the footsteps of Frances Anne Wister and the founding members of the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks and consider making a contribution so we can continue to bring the stories of our houses to life.
⁣

03/21/2020

Join us as Damian Niescior, Powel House Site Manager, explains the uses for a sugar nipper.

Virtually come on down! Virtually take a look and learn about our stories!

03/19/2020

Powel House from Philadelphia, PA, USA

Virtually come on down! Virtually take a look and learn about our stories!

The Powel House

03/16/2020

Due to COVID-19 precautions, the Powel House will be closed to visitors for the remainder of March. We plan to reopen for tours in April, but we have decided to suspend the majority of our public programming for the remainder of March through the end of April. Stay tuned for updates about rescheduled events.⠀
⠀
We wish all of our visitors, volunteers, and staff a safe and healthy end of March.

https://heidirolandphotography.com/2020/01/ultimate-guide-for-small-philadelphia-wedding-venues/Thanks for the shout out...

01/23/2020

ultimate-guide-for-small-wedding-venues-in-philadelphia

https://heidirolandphotography.com/2020/01/ultimate-guide-for-small-philadelphia-wedding-venues/

Thanks for the shout out Heidi Roland Photography 😍
Interested in a small wedding venue? Come check out our stunning Society Hill Mansions & Gardens: Powel House and Hill-Keith-Physick House!

Looking for a small Philadelphia wedding venues? There are endless options from wedding chapels to swanky hotels! Click to be inspired!

Hey Powel Brides! Love a good discount? We've partnered with Minted to score you savings on stationary. Promo code WEDVE...

01/10/2020

Minted Weddings | Minted

Hey Powel Brides! Love a good discount? We've partnered with Minted to score you savings on stationary.
Promo code WEDVENPOWELHOUSE is active for the new year and will provide 35% save the dates and 25% off all party + wedding! https://www.minted.com/wedding

11/14/2019

Powel House will be closed to the public today, 11/14/19. The house will be open again for History Tours tomorrow from 11-3 with tours at the top of the hour. The house will also be open for tours on Saturday at 11am and Sunday at 12pm. We look forward to seeing you soon!

https://billypenn.com/2019/09/23/explore-the-home-of-phillys-first-independent-mayor-and-george-washingtons-abolitionist...

09/23/2019

Explore the home of Philly's first independent mayor and George Washington's abolitionist confidante

https://billypenn.com/2019/09/23/explore-the-home-of-phillys-first-independent-mayor-and-george-washingtons-abolitionist-confidante/

Elizabeth Willing Powel was an underappreciated architect of the United States.

Of course our girl made the cut! Take Mount Vernon’s quiz to see how much you know about G.W’s female friends and family...

01/30/2019

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Of course our girl made the cut! Take Mount Vernon’s quiz to see how much you know about G.W’s female friends and family!

George Washington and this woman were close friends, and he often asked her advice about his political career and personal life. Do you know her name? Find out now in our new Women of Washington's Life Quiz!

12/09/2018

PhilaLandmarks

Join us for our annual holiday Pop-Up shop with Papertini Event and Designs at the Hill-Physick House!

Come out and support your local businesses and nonprofits!

DATES:
Friday-Sunday DEC 7-9
Friday-Sunday DEC 14-16

HOURS:

Fridays 5-7pm
Saturdays 10am-3pm
Sunday, DEC 9 10am-3pm
Sunday, DEC 16 10am-1pm

Beat the crowds and get your holiday shopping done first at
the Happy Hour Pre-Sales on December 7th & 14th from 5-7PM!

WORKSHOPS
Offered on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 @ 10am-1pm

ADULT WORKSHOP:
Modern Wreath $ 50 per person, cost includes materials @ 11am

CHILDREN WORKSHOP:
Painted Wood Slabs Ornament - $ 5 per person includes materials @ 10am

CHILDREN WORKSHOP:
Faux Terrarium Ornament - $ 15 per person includes materials @ 10am

11/29/2018

Powel House Jessica Perez Photography

11/26/2018

Last minute winter party? No problem! Contact us about hosting your event at one of our historic houses and received 10% off your rental fee! Email: [email protected] PhilaLandmarks Powel House Hill-Keith-Physick House

11/02/2018

Photo credit: Love Me Do Photography

10/24/2018

Powel House

10/15/2018

Mondays are for Mansions, Macarons, and Memories of just how beautiful the Powel House garden really is!

Venue:
Event Design & Florals:
Clothing & Jewelry:
Photography:
Jewelry: & &
Hair:
Makeup:
Model:
Desserts:
Table runner and ribbon: @ Powel House

08/25/2018

A beautiful day for a lovely couple! From all of us at PhilaLandmarks, congrats on your Wedding Sam and Becca! 💕

04/21/2018

Powel House

04/21/2018

Powel House's cover photo

04/03/2018

As we welcome April to 2018, we also welcome expanded tour hours for the Samuel Powel House! Starting this week, the house will be open for tours Thursday through Sunday. Check out our page for specifics!

04/02/2018

A sinful Easter feast!

Address

244 S 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA
19106

Opening Hours

Thursday	11am - 4pm
Friday	11am - 4pm
Saturday	11am - 4pm
Sunday	12pm - 4pm

Telephone

(215) 627-0364

Website

http://Www.philalandmarks.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Powel House posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to Powel House:

Videos

Join us as Damian Niescior, Powel House Site Manager, explains the uses for a sugar nipper.

Slow motion of storytelling at the bench!!!#PowelHouse PhilaLandmarks, Historic Philadelphia, Philadelphia -- visitphilly.com

"The last one who get the ball room will not have the chance to take a selfie with miss Powel ! " #elizabethpowel

Comments

Behind the scenes! 📷 Here's a little moment that most brides and grooms never see - the moment their officiant quietly signs their marriage license, handling the legal side of their wedding day. It may seem like a small detail, but it's critical that the signature on your marriage license will be accepted at the courthouse. Online "ordinations" are often not recognized by various county courthouses. An invalid marriage license means no marriage certificate, and that could mean you end up without a legal marriage. Working with an endorsed Humanist Celebrant means you don't have to worry - your paperwork will be handled correctly, properly filed, and approved by the courthouse. 🤍✨

Venue: Powel House
📷: Yana Shellman Photography
👰🏻‍:
🤵🏻:

How lucky am I to be a wedding Celebrant? Emma Lisa and Andrew’s ceremony was full of emotion - laughter and love and happy tears. Five years into this work, I'm still moved by the moments I get to be a part of! ✨🤍

The lovely couple... and

Venue: Powel House
📷: Yana Shellman Photography
Wedding Planner: Andi Schilawksi Musa Weddings
Live 🎶:
🌸: Hoffman Design Florals and Beautiful Blooms, LLC
🚗: Delaware Express for Wedding Guest Transportation
Reception Venue: Cescaphe
🍰:
DJ: BVTLive - Excellence in Entertainment
Chairs/Tent/Equipment:
💈&💄: .and.company
Stationery: Cardinal Andstraw
Dress Boutique: Mari Mi Bridal
Dress Designer: Bella Belle Shoes
Accessories:
Bridesmaid Dresses:
Tux:

In the 18th century, The Powels hosted parties for the likes of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin at their Philadelphia mansion. Now, Powel House provides the perfect mix of history and elegance for champagne and “I do” 🥂

Curious to find out what it was like in 1793 when Philadelphia was overcome with the Yellow Fever plague?

Join PhilaLandmarks and Christ Church, Philadelphia for an educational walking tour highlighting the horrors of the devastating Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793. You will explore the impacts of the fever in Philadelphia by visiting the Hill-Physick House, Powel House, Dr. Rush's House, Washington Square Park, Christ Church Burial Ground, and more!

Tickets are still available for tomorrow night at the Powel House !

Join us as we screen "An Equal Chance," "World Stage," and "Awakening" in the beautiful garden. See PhilaLandmarks for tickets and info.

Join us at the Powel House garden as we travel through four centuries of Philadelphia's history!

The screening series is ticketed, catered, and socially distanced. Event info and link in bio - or follow PhilaLandmarks

Our screening series at the Powel House garden kicks off next week! PhilaLandmarks hosts four nights of PHILADELPHIA: THE GREAT EXPERIMENT, beginning on Wednesday, 9/16. Link and ticket info in bio.

📸: Dock Street in the 1930s. Temple University Libraries, Special Collections Research Center.

A little vintage, a little celestial, and a whole lot of fun—we’re feelin’ the FOMO on this one! Instead of eloping as originally planned, James + Jennifer’s special day turned into a colorful + classy lovefest ending with a karaoke party with loved ones 🖤✨ See more deets on the blog → https://junebugweddings.com/wedding-blog/colorful-vintage-philadelphia-wedding-powel-house

Photography – Jessica Perez Photography
Ceremony Venue – Conversation Hall in Philadelphia’s City Hall
Reception Venue – Powel House
After Party Venue – Fuji Mountain Japanese Steakhouse
Floral Design – Carl Alan
Catering – Di Bruno Bros.
Cake – Weckerly's Ice Cream
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist – Jessica Saint Bridal
Wedding Dress – Le Bella Donna
Bridal Accessories – Honey and Ember
Groom’s Apparel – Les Richards LR2
Rings – L. Priori Jewelry
Rentals – White Glove Rentals
Photo Booth – Majestic Photobooth Co

Second Saturday at this weekend! 🤩 Excited to announce that we are scheduling tours of the historic house museum again. Tours happen on Second Saturdays every hour on the hour, between 9am and 1pm, and by appointment only. 5 visitors at a time and masks required! Message us here on Facebook or reach out at [email protected] to schedule your visit. Come peak this historic Philly gem 👀 Looking forward to seeing you!✨

PhilaLandmarks
Hill-Physick House
Powel House
Historic Waynesborough

I had so many wonderful, laid-back couples in 2019, and Kate + Mike were no exception. These two are deeply connected to their Philadelphia neighborhood, so they planned a low key Old City wedding day. Their plans took us from the beautiful and historic Christ Church, Philadelphia for their ceremony, to the equally lovely and celebrated Powel House for cocktails and lawn games. Add in some mouthwatering food from the local Di Bruno Bros. and you’ve got a recipe for a perfect summer evening.

Head over to the blog to see:
http://blog.melissakellyphotography.com/2020/03/02/kate-mike-powel-house-philadelphia-wedding/

Powel Roof Restoration is underway and we’re up in the rafters! Check out this nail that was holding the steel strap stabilizer in place. Totally bent from the density of the original wood beam and made by a blacksmith.

Pennsylvania Trails of History John Milner Architects, Inc. Powel House Reynolds Carpentry & Roofing

A wonderful, enchanting, historic venue for everything from parties, to lectures, to concerts!