Glen Foerd is an historic riverfront estate and museum. For hours of operation please visit our website www.glenfoerd.org.
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The Glen Foerd estate was established by Charles Macalester, Jr. Born in Philadelphia in 1798, he was a respected businessman and broker in the Philadelphia firm of Gaw, Macalester and Company. In addition, Macalester was appointed government director of the Second Bank of the United States. He was also friend, and advisor to numerous United States presidents. Officer and cabinet posts were offere
d to him, but he preferred to remain independent. In 1850, Macalester purchased 1,000 acres in northeastern Philadelphia and divided, plotted and sold off large lots of his land. Holding onto one section of the land for a summer residence, he built a three story Italianate riverfront house and called it Glengarry, after his family’s Scottish ancestral home. In addition to the mansion, the estate consisted of a stone gas house, ice house, Gothic-style gatehouse, a sixty foot high stone water tower, five large greenhouses and riverfront cupola. Glengarry was the scene of many gala affairs. During the summer, heads of state and other dignitaries traveled from Washington, D.C., where Macalester maintained a residence, as guests of Macalester and his daughter, Lily Macalester Laughton, a famous Washington hostess. After her father’s death, in 1873, Lily continued residence at Glengarry until her death in 1891. In 1895, the mansion was purchased by Robert and Caroline Foerderer. Robert made his fortune in the manufacture of kidskin leather. Leather gloves, shoes and other clothing accessories made from the soft, supple leather was the height of fashion. His Philadelphia manufacturing enterprise employed 5,000 workers and processed nine million goat skins a year. After purchasing the estate, Foerderer hired architect, William McAuley of Philadelphia, to handle extensive renovations to the mansion. The house was enlarged and enhanced with Classical Revival additions. Additions included a porte cochere, formal dining room, and impressive art gallery. Other enhancements included a Haskell pipe organ, parquet floors, grand staircase, elaborate leaded glass skylights, and rathskellar. A carriage house and garden house was added at this time, and the gas house was converted for use as a boat house. Everything was planned to enhance the uniqueness and beauty of the home and to accommodate entertainment on a grand scale. As a final touch, they changed the name of the estate to Glen Foerd, a merger of Glengarry and the Foerderer name. Due to the elaborate renovation design and labor delays, the Foerderers had not yet moved back into the mansion when Robert died in 1902. The Foerderers had two grown children at the time of his death, Percival and Florence. Around 1915, Florence and her husband, William Tonner, moved to Glen Foerd to assist her widowed mother. The boathouse (former gashouse) was converted into a residence for Florence and her husband. They lived there just a short time before moving into the mansion with their two daughters, Marjorie and Carol. A new boathouse was built to accommodate William Tonner's new yacht. After her mother’s death in 1934, Florence continued to add to the art collection started by her parents. Florence assembled one of the most extensive private collections of prints in the country. Florence was a strong supporter of the arts. She was herself a talented poet and painter, as well as a musician. She went to great lengths to encourage young artists, frequently purchasing and displaying their work. She remained very active in the cultural and social affairs of Philadelphia, until her death in 1971 at the age of 89.
A throwback to all the fun we had at last year's Wedding Crashers' Ball! Don't miss your chance to wear your wildest attire, immerse yourself in the performance, and enjoy dinner, an open bar, and an afterparty in our enchanting vintage Rathskeller. Sponsorships are now available: https://www.glenfoerd.org/weddingcrashersball
The Riverways Ambassador program of 2024 kicked off with an eventful first week! Campers quickly became acquainted with the grounds by competing in a scavenger hunt and then getting a historical and ecological tour of the property. They learned how to identify and differentiate between native, non-native, and invasive species. These skills will be used throughout the program and will be documented in their personal field journals.
Students got their first glimpse into what it means to study watershed science. We took this knowledge out to the field and learned how to assess riparian corridors, analyze water samples from the creek, and identify bioindicators in the water and on land.
The Discovery Center of Philadelphia took students out on the Delaware River to collect bugs, sticks, leaves, and water to analyze these samples under the microscope to look for microbial signs of life. We also had a lot of fun engaging in icebreakers and crafts with natural dyes throughout the week!
As campers warm up to each other the weather will also be warming up for the second week. We hope to stay cool as we get out on the water and kayak next week.
What a great first week of camp! We will keep you updated on the adventures of our ambassadors! Stay tuned!
A big thank you to the Philadelphia Cultural Fund and Councilmember Mike Driscoll. This grant allows us to continue to host arts and culture programs for the Northeast Philadelphia community!
Stop by this Saturday, July 13th for an Artist Talk on our new exhibit, Home Waters at Glen Foerd by Barb Baur! From 1-3 pm, get an up-close look at some amazing works centered around Barb's love of sailing and jewelry making.
"I have considered the Delaware River my own home waters since the mid-1980s when I first began sailing."
Forms of sailing ships, broken into parts, have been reassembled to become wearable art. Barb will share information about their unique design process, which often incorporates 3D printing, hand dyeing, and traditional jewelry-making techniques.
This exhibit will be on view in the first-floor library of the Main House until July 31st. Register for the Artist Talk here: https://www.glenfoerd.org/events/2024/7/13/home-waters-exhibition-artist-talk
Don't miss our next 3rd Thursday, July 18th at 6 pm! There’s something for the whole family including games, live music, snacks, drinks, and crafts with our Lily P.A.D.S. instructors. Your furry friends are always welcome too.
Register here: https://www.glenfoerd.org/events/2024/7/18/3rd-thursday-at-glen-foerd
There's always something blooming at Glen Foerd. If you look closely, you may spot some fruit like grapes and wineberries.
Don’t miss our Textured Wall Art Workshop next Thursday, July 11th at 7 pm! Create unique textures and designs on 12” x 16” canvases. Indulge in some much-needed self-care during this stress-free art workshop. Tickets are available here: https://www.glenfoerd.org/events/2024/7/11/textured-wall-art-workshop
This , we want to give a shoutout to our small but mighty Environmental Team. If you haven't been out on the water yet this summer, please visit our website for a list of free and low-cost events led by our amazing staff, interns, and volunteers. https://www.glenfoerd.org/boating
Event cancelled for 6/30! New date TBD.
RiverFest is this Sunday from 9 am-2 pm! Open boating will be available until 1 pm. You don't want to miss all the crafts and activities led by our staff and our awesome partners, The Block Gives Back, Pennypack Environmental Center, The Tacony LAB Community Arts Center, and Riverfront North Partnership.
Shop wares from local artists, such as Hinch Worm Art, Meg Lemieur Art, and Taiku. Then grab a bite to eat from The Walking Taco food truck or a sweet treat from Mister Softee. Register here: https://www.glenfoerd.org/events/2024/6/30/riverfest
Did you know our Lily P.A.D.S. Program is named in honor of Lily Macalester, daughter of the original owner of Glen Foerd, then called Glengarry? Lily P.A.D.S. is our Play and Discovery Program designed to give children access to fun art and science workshops all year round.
We've had some amazing Lily P.A.D.S. programs so far this year, but we have so many more coming up this summer. On June 26th, we'll celebrate summer with some ocean-themed activities, including fish prints, dolphins, and art necklaces. Don't miss Lily P.A.D.S. 1st Birthday party on July 10th! Check out our June and July events here: https://www.glenfoerd.org/events
That's a wrap on this year's Waterborne program! Thank you to all the students, teachers, and parents from St. Peter's School, Northeast High School, Toby Farms Intermediate School, and Walter B. Saul High School who made this program possible. It was so great to see the students with their beautifully crafted and decorated boats out on the water.
It's . Get out and explore the beauty of Philadelphia's great outdoors! Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just enjoy capturing stunning moments, tag us in your favorite Glen Foerd nature photos.
Photos 1&4 by Steve Tint
Discover our hidden gem along the Delaware River! The Hydrangeas and Day Lilies are in bloom, and there are plenty of shady spots to picnic. Our grounds are open from 8 am to dusk unless a private event is listed. Plan your visit today! https://www.glenfoerd.org/plan-your-visit
This join us for a special Kayak Excursion on Tuesday, June 25th at 5:30 pm. Members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies are welcome to spend the evening exploring the Delaware River. No experience is needed but please arrive 15 minutes before the event for a saftey talk. There will be a $5 registration fee, which will be refunded after attending the event. Register Here: https://www.glenfoerd.org/events/2024/6/25/public-kayak-excursion
Save the Date for this year's annual gala, the Wedding Crashers' Ball, on Friday, October 25th! Enjoy an interactive wedding performance
full of comedy, love, and fiasco. The evening will include dinner, an open bar, dancing, and an exciting live auction.
Be the first to crash a wedding by becoming an early sponsor now: https://www.glenfoerd.org/weddingcrashersball
Time is running out! If you or someone you know is a rising 11th or 12th-grade student who loves the outdoors and is passionate about environmental education, apply now for our Riverways Ambassador program. Join us in exciting activities like water quality testing, camping, kayaking, dissections, and more.
This six-week program will start the week of July 8th, and students will receive a stipend for their participation. Applications are due by June 14th. Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRVa0x3XTePtmdaA9FPWW0wJMzgqfdtzP2tkJuy4e2uPYsXQ/viewform
Explore countless selfie-worthy spots in the Main House. Join us for a guided tour on Sunday, June 9th, to discover local history and immerse yourself in the beauty of our hidden gem on the Delaware. This event is free for supporters! Register here: https://www.glenfoerd.org/events/2024/6/9/second-sunday-guided-tour
Celebrate summer with us at RiverFest on Sunday, June 30th! We will have open boating from 9 am to 1 pm. Enjoy shopping at local vendors and indulge in delicious food from The Walking Taco food truck, or treat yourself to something sweet from Mister Softie. Additionally, there will be plenty of on-land activities, including arts and crafts in the Lily P.A.D.S. Play Area and various activities organized by our partners Riverfront North Partnership, The Block Gives Back, The Tacony LAB Community Arts Center, and Pennypack Environmental Center.
Register for free here: https://www.glenfoerd.org/events/2024/6/30/riverfest
Join us on Sunday, June 9th, for an evening of organ music with the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. The free concert, focused on organ music popular at the dawn of the 20th Century, will begin at 4 pm. After the concert, there will be a ticketed reception, including food and drinks by Chef’s Table Catering. Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at our Haskell pipe organ’s historic paper roll player and modern digital player functions. Don’t miss out! Register Here: https://www.glenfoerd.org/events/2024/6/9/american-guild-of-organists-concert-at-glen-foerd
Thanks to the amazing work of our staff and volunteers, The Rose Garden is blooming! 🌹
Become a boating volunteer at Glen Foerd! We’re looking for individuals interested in supporting our boating programs, including Open Boating Days and Public Kayak Excursions. Volunteers get special access to our fleet of various boats for personal use in exchange for 20 hours of volunteering. No previous boating experience is required.
Reach out to become a part of our summer Environmental Team ASAP! Email our Environmental Program Coordinator, Colleen, at [email protected]
You may have spotted us as the final stop in Season 36 of The Amazing Race,which aired last week! What an awesome season, and congrats to Ricky and Cesar!
Our first free Open Boating Day is this Sunday from 10:30 am-2:30 pm! Explore the Poquessing Creek and Delaware River in a canoe, rowboat, or kayak. Registration is not required; however, please remember that participation will be based on a first-come, first-served basis.
Don't forget to check out our website for other exciting boating days and kayak excursions!
https://www.glenfoerd.org/boating
Brighten this rainy day with some plants from BloomBox. Get herbs, flowers, and more delivered to your door in just 3 days. Use the code GFCG15 and BloomBox will donate 15% of your order directly to us! https://getblooming.com/
We're so excited to offer a number of free boating programs this summer! We'll have Open Boating, which will allow guests to take out canoes, rowboats, and kayaks on the Poquessing Creek and Delaware River. There is no registration for this event, but it is first-come-first-served.
We'll also have Kayak Excursions along the Delaware River. Registration for the excursions will open two weeks before the event and will require a $5 reservation fee that will be refunded upon attending.
Learn more about our on-water programs here: https://www.glenfoerd.org/boating
We've extended our Riverways Ambassadors Application to June 14th! This hands-on learning experience is designed to give students a fun way to learn about the Delaware River Watershed. Through on-water and land activities, students will understand the effect of climate change and help us continue our mission of community outreach and stewardship. Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRVa0x3XTePtmdaA9FPWW0wJMzgqfdtzP2tkJuy4e2uPYsXQ/viewform
This Mother’s Day, stop by for a guided tour of the Main House at 10 AM and a special organ concert, Pastels: Pipe Organ Music for Mother’s Day at 2 PM. There will be a Lily P.A.D.S. children’s play area in the Main House for young music enthusiasts. Don’t miss a day filled with history, art, and music! Register here: https://www.glenfoerd.org/events
Photos by Wide Eyed Studios
Don't miss our first 3rd Thursday of the season on May 16th from 6-8:30! There will be food from The Clean Plate Club Food Truck, live music by Matt Davis’ Aerial Photograph, lawn games, and an arts and crafts table perfect for all ages! Bring a blanket or chair and sip drinks on the lawn or explore the Main House. Register Here: https://www.glenfoerd.org/events/2024/5/16/3rd-thursday-at-glen-foerd
There’s still time to submit applications for Glen Foerd's Riverways Program!
This six-week program is designed for rising 11th & 12th graders. Students will be given a stipend for their work.
The Environmental team will provide opportunities for on-water and land activities such as kayaking and camping. With hands-on learning, students will increase their knowledge of the Delaware River Watershed and participate in community engagement programming.
The program runs from the week of July 8th through the week of August 16th. Applications are due May 10th! Apply online: https://www.glenfoerd.org/youth-programs
We’re so excited to partner with BloomBox, a local online garden center that sells perennials, planted containers, shrubs, trees, bagged soil and mulch, herbs and veggies, hanging baskets, and more. When you order any of these items from May 1st to May 15th, enter the code GFCG15, and they will donate 15% of your purchase amount directly to us. BloomBox will deliver them right to your home in 3-5 days! Shop here: https://getblooming.com/
5001 Grant Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
19114
| Monday | 8am - 7pm |
| Tuesday | 8am - 7pm |
| Wednesday | 8am - 7pm |
| Thursday | 8am - 7pm |
| Friday | 8am - 7pm |
| Saturday | 8am - 7pm |
| Sunday | 8am - 7pm |
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What a great Summer Solstice despite the heat! Don’t miss our next 3rd Thursday on July 18th.
Springtime at Glen Foerd is the perfect time for a visit! Our grounds are open from 8am to dusk. The Main House is open from 10am to 1pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Now that the weather is warming up we’ll have monthly 3rd Thursdays on the lawn. Stop by for some live music, food, drinks, and a craft table for all ages! Register here: https://www.glenfoerd.org/events/2024/5/16/3rd-thursday-at-glen-foerd
Check out this behind-the-scenes look at our Organ installation. There are 457 speaking pipes or those that make sounds. 18 facade pipes make sound, while the rest are for show, including all the facade pipes on the left side of the staircase. While taking a tour, the Kegg Pipe Organ Builders found several pipes in the carriage house, which have now been installed. Don't miss the first chance to hear this amazing instrument at our Grand Opening on January 6th! Register here: https://www.glenfoerd.org/events/2024/1/6/pipe-organ-grand-opening-amp-recital
Our 121-year-old Haskell pipe organ has been restored! After a year-long restoration project, Glen Foerd’s pipe organ, built in 1902 for Gilded Age industrialist Robert Foerderer, has come home. We’re so excited to announce a series of monthly performances, with the first on January 6th. This recital will feature Mark Loria, Principal Organist for the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul. Thanks to the hard work of Kegg Pipe Organ Builders and a generous grant from the Wyncote Foundation. This series will be pay-what-you-wish; you can register for the Grand Opening here: https://www.glenfoerd.org/events/2024/1/6/pipe-organ-grand-opening-amp-recital
We've extended the Artist in Residence Application Deadline to Dec 18th and lowered the application fee to $5! The visual artist chosen will have unprecedented access to our facilities including historic collections, a woodshop, and the Delaware River. Outcomes are open-ended and can include topics such as environmental conservation, wealth inequality, and industrialization. A public engagement aspect must be included which could include an exhibition or workshop. Check out past projects and apply here: https://www.glenfoerd.org/artists-in-residence
Wedding Crashers’ Ball ticket sales have been extended! Reserve your spot now and spend your Halloween weekend partying with us on the Delaware. On October 27th support our historic estate while enjoying dinner, drinks, and an amazing performance. https://www.glenfoerd.org/weddingcrashersball
We are now accepting applications for our 2023-2024 Artist in Residence program! This year we are accepting individuals in the visual arts category. Submissions are open to Philadelphia-based artists from now through October 23rd. The selected artist will receive a stipend of $3,000 for their work and materials. Click here to apply: https://www.glenfoerd.org/artists-in-residence
Check out this great clip of our Waterborne program launch facilities by Philadelphia Outward Bound School. The students from Northeast High School and W.B. Saul did an amazing job building and decorating these rowboats. Toby Farms School also launched their boats this month. We’re so excited to bring this program to even more schools in the future.
This week our Haskell pipe-organ was removed.Thanks to the Wyncote Foundation it will be restored to its former glory. Stay tuned to see it reinstalled next spring.
We're so excited to release this amazing piece done by Elliot deBruyn, Nathaniel Brown, and Jacob Kelberman.
Stop by next Thursday for a night of games, food, drinks, and live music by Folk singer, Birdie Busch. Then craft some block prints with our teaching artist, Richie Lopez of Duende Textiles. Click here to register for this free event: https://www.glenfoerd.org/events/2022/8/25/summer-series
This Steinway and Sons Patent Grand piano with a beautiful vintage Victorian-style art case is located in the Drawing Room. With a history of over a century old, its keys have been played by several known pianists. -Xin
Our monthly Summer Series is back this Thursday night! This month we’ll have live music by Brazilian band, Minas, food from Wokworks, and even more amazing drinks by Made with Mutual Respect and Mad Wild Wine. The lawn games will be out and our teaching artist, Stephen Coleman will be crafting wearable butterfly wings with visitors. Registered for this free event here: https://www.glenfoerd.org/events/2022/7/28/summer-series-1
Our monthly Summer Series is back this Thursday night! This month we’ll have live music by Minas Brazilian Music, food from Wokworks, and even more amazing drinks by Made with Mutual Respect and Mad Wild Wine. The lawn games will be out and our teaching artist, Stephen Coleman will be crafting wearable butterfly wings with visitors. Register for this free event here: https://www.glenfoerd.org/events/2022/7/28/summer-series-1
Thank you so much for all your support this Giving Tuesday! We are looking forward to welcoming all our members and donors to a reception on December 17!
Inspired by Glen Foerd’s extensive collection of self-help books, multi-media artist Lea Devon Sorrentino’s alter-ego @baroness_leadevon has designed a series of videos that will allow you to achieve a state of perfection! The dialogue in Sorrentino’s satirical work is derived from actual advice found in some of the most-watched YouTube influencer videos. Named among the “Artists to Watch” by the Walker Art Center, Lea’s installation can be seen in the Upstairs Library.
The Academy of Natural Sciences
Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Wagner Free Institute of Science
W Montgomery Avenue
Wyck Historic House, Garden, and Farm
Germantown Avenue
