Stenton - a building with a clock on the front of it
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Stenton

4.6
·108 reviews·Philadelphia, United States

Explore 18th-century life at Stenton, a historic Georgian mansion in Philadelphia, once home to William Penn's secretary.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal tours

CrowdLow
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Stenton - a building with a clock on the front of it

Stenton

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal tours

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore 18th-century life at Stenton, a historic Georgian mansion in Philadelphia, once home to William Penn's secretary. TikTok

4.6
(108 reviews)

"Guides breathe life into this important historic landmark with thoughtful and thorough tours. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Ask About Servants' Passages

Inquire about the hidden servants' passages; they offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who worked in the house. :mag:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the grounds and inside the historic house. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Historic Stenton House

The Historic Stenton House

Main House

Step back in time in this beautifully preserved 18th-century Georgian mansion, once home to William Penn's secretary.

TikTok
Engaging Guided Tours

Engaging Guided Tours

Throughout the property

Knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories of the Logan family, enslaved people, and daily life in colonial times.

Reddit
Restored Gardens and Grounds

Restored Gardens and Grounds

Exterior grounds

Wander through serene gardens and learn about ongoing archaeological digs uncovering the site's rich past.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

While walk-ins are sometimes accommodated, booking a guided tour in advance is highly recommended to ensure you get the most out of your visit. Guides bring the history of Stenton to life with engaging stories and insights into 18th-century life. Reddit

Explore the Grounds

Beyond the historic house, Stenton boasts beautiful grounds that are actively being refreshed and explored through archaeological digs. Allow time to wander the gardens and learn about ongoing restoration efforts. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Crowd
Low
When
Spring and Fall
Why
Pleasant weather for gardens
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@historicamerican
1.3K likes • 16.9K views

🎯 Ask About Servants' Passages

Inquire about the hidden servants' passages; they offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who worked in the house. Reddit :mag:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the grounds and inside the historic house. :athletic_shoe:

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shop_staecovered
0 likes • 1.8K views
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shop_staecovered
18 likes • 1.1K views

📸 Capture the Architecture

The Georgian architecture and period details are stunning. Don't forget your camera! TikTok :camerawithflash:

📅 Check for Special Events

Stenton occasionally hosts events like harvest festivals. Check their schedule! Reddit :calendar:

Last Day to Book the Event Space for $200 Off! Venue & Decor options available for just $2000. For any date on the calendar 🗓️ Venue Seats up to 50 people‼️ Plan’dO Spa & Events 7417 Stenton Avenue Philadelphia,PA 19150 For Details text 215-648-2479☎️ #cybermonday #phillyeventplanner #phillyeventspace #booktoday #fyp #explorepage #venue #birthdayparty #babyshower #popupshop #familygathering...
designsbylashan
0 likes • 103 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Ask About Servants' Passages

Inquire about the hidden servants' passages; they offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who worked in the house. Reddit :mag:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the grounds and inside the historic house. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Architecture

The Georgian architecture and period details are stunning. Don't forget your camera! TikTok :camerawithflash:

📅 Check for Special Events

Stenton occasionally hosts events like harvest festivals. Check their schedule! Reddit :calendar:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(108 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Stenton as a gem with knowledgeable guides who bring history to life, particularly highlighting stories of the Logan family and enslaved individuals. The beautiful grounds and ongoing archaeological efforts are also appreciated, offering a rich and insightful historical experience. Some minor points of dislike include the grounds being 'relatively unattended' in areas and a wish for more historical demonstrations like distillation. Reddit

"What a gem! Met at Stenton for the Smith Club annual meeting and two Smith alumnae gave us a thoughtful and thorough tour of this important historic landmark. Thank you!"

Christine B. Whittemore

"Like many historic homes, the real interest in visiting this place is to learn from the guides, the people whose knowledge and stories breathe life into a collection of household objects.

My guide was a woman named Jess, and she was great. She shared stories of the family and the structure of the home. It was particularly interesting when she showed all of the inconvenient servants' passages that were built into the house. She was very knowledgeable about the time, and the world that the Logan family and their descendants inhabited.

The grounds of the home are still being refreshed, and the archaeological digs seem to keep finding new artifacts and items to add to the collection. Jesd really explained the process of restoration, and the ways by which the historians, archaeologists, and staff try to reconstruct and recreate life at the Logan family Plantation.

Part of this reconstruction is trying to understand the story of those who were enslaved and indentured, the people whose labor provided all of the wealth that sustains the Logan family. It is an ongoing mystery, and a fascinating one, especially since we do not often hear the stories of the enslaved, especially those enslaved in the North.

I recommend a stop and a tour, along with some time simply to relax in the gardens."

J So

"After passing Stenton for decades, I finally made it to a tour. Located near the up and coming Wayne Junction Train Stop, Stenton is walking distance away. I drove, but one can walk there.

We arrived and three staff (?) members met us immediately. You see, the 1 P.M. tour that had been reserved were not yet there. We were the 2 P.M. group. We suantered around the grounds, and after those 1 P.M.ers failed to show, we took their place.

We were guided to the outside grounds (a meadow of sorts and a garden along with the some relatively unattended areas) and reviwed a monument or two and the house itself.

Inside, you have many artifacts and relics from the colonial and post-colonial eras. Much of the furniture seems to be of the period or thereabouts. I was happily surprised by the state of the place: kind of remarkable. I learned that that one calls it en suite decoration when the curtains match the drapes as is the case on the second floor.

I believe our guide's name was Elise. She was welcoming and bubbly.

Worth touring if you are in the area. Too bad there is no colonial era distillation going on at this place. I saw a recipe for meade in the kitchen and cider would be appropiate and maybe even historically accurate."

Brock Bevan

What People Like

Knowledgeable and engaging guides
Fascinating historical stories
Beautiful grounds and gardens

What People Dislike

Grounds could be more tended
Wish for historical demonstrations

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Stenton is located at 4663 Stenton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144. It's accessible by car, and some reviews mention it's within walking distance of the Wayne Junction Train Stop. Reddit

Yes, there is typically parking available for visitors. Reddit

While specific public transport routes aren't detailed in the provided content, checking local Philadelphia transit options for routes near Stenton Avenue would be advisable. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Guided tours are the primary way to experience Stenton, and booking in advance is highly recommended. Check their official website for current ticket prices and tour availability. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, especially for tours. It's best to check the official Stenton website for the most up-to-date information on tour times and operating hours. Reddit

Information on discounts is not explicitly provided, but it's always a good idea to check the official website or inquire directly about potential group rates or special offers. Reddit

While you can explore the grounds, guided tours are essential for understanding the history and significance of the house itself. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can take a guided tour of the historic 18th-century house, explore the beautiful gardens, and learn about ongoing archaeological digs. TikTokReddit

A guided tour typically lasts about an hour, but allow extra time to wander the grounds and gardens, so plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours. Reddit

Information on accessibility is not detailed, but historic homes can present challenges. It's recommended to contact Stenton directly to inquire about accessibility for the house and grounds. Reddit

Restroom facilities are generally available at historic house museums for visitor convenience. Reddit

Photography policies can vary in historic houses. It's best to check with your guide or at the visitor center about whether interior photography is permitted. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior of the Georgian mansion, the manicured gardens, and any interesting architectural details both inside and out offer great photo opportunities. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted at historic sites to protect the property and ensure visitor safety. It's best to assume it's not allowed unless explicitly stated otherwise. TikTok

For professional photoshoots, you would likely need to contact Stenton directly to inquire about permits and fees, as these often require special arrangements. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Stenton can be a fascinating outing for families, especially if children have an interest in history. The guided tours can be engaging if the guides are adept at storytelling for younger audiences. Special events, like the Halloween harvest festival mentioned in reviews, are particularly fun for kids and offer a more interactive experience. Reddit

Encourage children to look for details like the servants' passages, which can spark their imagination about how people lived long ago. While the main house is a historical treasure, the grounds offer space for kids to move around. Consider checking for any specific family-friendly programming or tours that might be available. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For those passionate about American history, Stenton is a must-visit. The site offers a deep dive into the life of a prominent colonial family and the complexities of the era, including the crucial stories of enslaved individuals. The Georgian architecture and the preserved artifacts provide a tangible connection to the 18th century. TikTokReddit

The knowledgeable guides are a major asset, offering detailed insights and answering in-depth questions. The ongoing archaeological work also adds an exciting dimension, as new discoveries continually enrich our understanding of the past. This makes Stenton a place where history is not just presented, but actively uncovered. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Logan Family and Their Legacy

Stenton was the country seat of the Logan family, a prominent Philadelphia family deeply involved in colonial and early American history. James Logan, William Penn's secretary, chief justice, and acting governor, built the original house in the 1720s. His descendants continued to live at Stenton for generations, shaping its history and collections. The house itself is a testament to the Georgian architectural style of the period, reflecting the wealth and status of its inhabitants. TikTok

Visitors can learn about the family's significant contributions to politics, science, and culture through the artifacts and stories shared during tours. The guides at Stenton excel at bringing these historical figures to life, detailing their daily routines, intellectual pursuits, and the societal context in which they lived. This deep dive into the Logan family's life offers a rich understanding of the era. Reddit

It's important to note that the narrative at Stenton also encompasses the lives of those who were enslaved and indentured on the plantation. The ongoing archaeological work and historical research aim to reconstruct and share the stories of these individuals, whose labor was fundamental to the family's prosperity. This commitment to a more complete historical picture makes a visit to Stenton particularly insightful. Reddit

Archaeology and Restoration at Stenton

The grounds of Stenton are not just beautiful gardens; they are also active sites for archaeological exploration. These digs are crucial for uncovering artifacts that help historians and curators better understand the daily lives of everyone who lived and worked at Stenton, from the Logan family to the enslaved and indentured laborers. The process of restoration is a careful endeavor, aiming to preserve the historic integrity of the house while making it accessible and informative for visitors. Reddit

Through these archaeological efforts, new items are continually being discovered, adding layers of detail to the historical narrative. The staff and historians at Stenton meticulously work to reconstruct and recreate life at the plantation, using both the unearthed artifacts and historical documents. This dedication to historical accuracy and ongoing discovery makes Stenton a dynamic place to visit, where the past is continually being revealed. Reddit

Visitors can often learn about the restoration process and the findings from the archaeological digs during their tours. This provides a unique opportunity to see history not just as a static display, but as an ongoing investigation. The commitment to understanding the full story, including the often-overlooked narratives of enslaved people, is a hallmark of Stenton's approach to preservation. Reddit

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