History Museums in Philadelphia

The Betsy Ross House is a landmark in Philadelphia purported to be the site where the seamstress and flag-maker Betsy Ross (1752-1836) lived when she is said to have sewed the first American Flag . The origins of the Betsy Ross myth trace back to her relatives, particularly her grandsons, William an

The National Constitution Center is a non-profit institution devoted to the Constitution of the United States . On Independence Mall in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , the center is an interactive museum and a national town hall for constitutional dialogue, hosting government leaders, journalists, sch

The Museum of the American Revolution, located in Philadelphia, is dedicated to the American Revolution. This period of political changes after 1763 in the thirteen British colonies of North America led to the United States' war of independence against Great Britain. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of this significant period in American history.

The United States Mint is a bureau of the Department of the Treasury responsible for producing coinage for the United States to conduct its trade and commerce , as well as controlling the movement of bullion . It does not produce paper money; that responsibility belongs to the Bureau of Engraving an

Elfreth's Alley is a historic street in Philadelphia , dating back to 1703. There are 32 houses on the street which were built between 1703 and 1836. The Elfreth's Alley Museum is located at #124 and 126. The alley is a National Historic Landmark . Located in the Old City neighborhood, Elfreth's Al

The Independence National Historical Park (NHP) is a significant historical site located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is recognized as the most visited historical district in the United States, attracting a large number of tourists each year. The park preserves and showcases the rich history of the American Revolution and the founding of the nation.

The Eastern State Penitentiary , also known as ESP , is a former American prison in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania . It is located at 2027 Fairmount Avenue between Corinthian Avenue and North 22nd Street in the Fairmount section of the city, and was operational from 1829 until 1971. The penitentiary re

The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, also known as the Penn Museum, is a renowned institution located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The museum is dedicated to the study of archaeology and anthropology, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the rich history and diverse cultures of the world. The museum is housed in a Beaux-Arts style building and has been undergoing extensive renovations under the direction of British architect David Chipperfield since 2006.

The Mütter Museum in Philadelphia is a unique destination for those interested in medical history. Affiliated with the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the museum boasts a collection of over 20,000 items. These range from anatomical and pathological specimens to medical instruments and illustrations, providing a comprehensive look into the history of medicine.

Very interactive museum guaratees interesting and educational experience for all age groups. Much more fun than in a school!

Congress Hall is conveniently located on Chestnut Street, adjacent to Independence Hall. It is part of the Independence National Historical Park, a site that encompasses several historical landmarks. Its location makes it an accessible destination for tourists interested in exploring the rich history of Philadelphia and the United States.

This place exhibits first coining press and you can also watch coining operations from above. No reservations are necessary.

The Rosenbach Museum & Library, located in Philadelphia, is a unique institution that was established in 1954. It is dedicated to the preservation and display of manuscripts, rare items, and original book illustrations. The museum's collection includes a wide range of materials, from the Ulysses manuscript by James Joyce to the artistic legacy of Maurice Sendak.

The African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) is notable as the first museum funded and built by a municipality to help preserve, interpret and exhibit the heritage of African Americans. Opened during the 1976 Bicentennial celebrations, the AAMP is located in historic Philadelphia on Arch Stree

Parkway Central Library also known as Free Library or Central Library is the main public library building and administrative headquarters of the Free Library of Philadelphia system. It is the largest library, and only research library , of 54 library branches in the Free Library system. The library

Franklin Court is a complex of museums, structures, and historic sites located within the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This site is where Benjamin Franklin, an American printer, scientist, diplomat, and statesman, resided from 1763 until his death in 1790. The complex was designed by the firm of Venturi and Rauch and opened in 1976 as part of the United States Bicentennial celebration.

The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, also known as The Weitzman, is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum situated at 101 South Independence Mall East (S. 5th Street) at Market Street in Center City Philadelphia. The museum was established in 1976 and has since been a significant cultural and historical site. It offers a comprehensive insight into the American Jewish history, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in cultural and historical explorations.

The Faith and Liberty Discovery Center (FLDC) is a recently opened museum situated on Philadelphia's Independence Mall. It is owned and operated by the American Bible Society. The museum offers a unique perspective on the influence of the Bible on the individuals who shaped America's history.

The Science History Institute is an institution that preserves and promotes understanding of the history of science . Located in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , it includes a library , museum , archive , research center and conference center . It was founded in 1982 as a joint venture of the American

Lemon Hill is a Federal-style mansion in Fairmount Park , Philadelphia , built from 1799 to 1800 by Philadelphia merchant Henry Pratt . The house is named after the citrus fruits that Pratt cultivated on the property in the early 19th century.

Fort Mifflin , originally called Fort Island Battery and also known as Mud Island Fort , was commissioned in 1771 and sits on Mud Island (or Deep Water Island) on the Delaware River below Philadelphia, Pennsylvania near Philadelphia International Airport . During the American Revolutionary War , th

The National Liberty Museum is situated at 321 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. This location is easily accessible and is in the heart of the city, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring Philadelphia.

One of the best known firemuseums in the country displays many collections of history of firefighting in Philly.

Mount Pleasant is a historic mansion located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This grand structure was built around 1761-62 by John Macpherson and his wife Margaret. The mansion stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the time and offers a glimpse into the lives of its former inhabitants.

The American Swedish Historical Museum is the oldest Swedish-American museum in the United States . It is located in Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park in South Philadelphia , on part of a historic 17th-century land grant originally provided by Queen Christina of Sweden to settlers of New Sweden .

Lemon Hill is a Federal-style mansion in Fairmount Park , Philadelphia , built from 1799 to 1800 by Philadelphia merchant Henry Pratt . The house is named after the citrus fruits that Pratt cultivated on the property in the early 19th century.

The Marian Anderson House is a historic home located in the Southwest Center City neighborhood of Philadelphia , Pennsylvania . Built circa 1870 in the same neighborhood where opera singer and civil rights advocate Marian Anderson was born 27 years later, this two-story, brick rowhouse dwelling was

The John Johnson House, located in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, is a National Historic Landmark. It holds significant historical value due to its role in the antislavery movement and the Underground Railroad. This site offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the abolitionist movement in the United States.

The Historic Strawberry Mansion, located in East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a summer home built between 1783 and 1789. The mansion was originally constructed by Judge William Lewis and was initially named Summerville.

Woodford is a historic mansion at Ford Road and Greenland Drive in Fairmount Park , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania . Built about 1756, it is the first of Philadelphia's great colonial Georgian mansion houses to be built, and exemplifies the opulence of such houses. A National Historic Landmark , it no

Ormiston Mansion is a late Georgian period house located in east Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. The 2 and a half story building is made of red brick, giving it a distinctive and historic appearance. Its location in the park offers visitors a chance to explore both the mansion and the surrounding green spaces.

Randolph House, also known as Laurel Hill Mansion, is a historic mansion in east Fairmount Park , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania.

Among the most notable items in the museum's collection are the Mayflower Compact, a significant collection of pamphlets from the 17th century and the American War of Independence, various maps, and complete series of works from the 18th and 19th centuries. These artifacts provide a unique insight into the historical and cultural development of the United States.