Historic Strawberry Mansion, Philadelphia
Historic Strawberry Mansion, originally named Summerville, serves as a summer residence with a rich history. It was constructed by Judge William Lewis, who acquired the land in what is now Fairmount Park. The mansion was built sometime between 1783 and 1789, and Judge Lewis resided there until his passing in 1819.
Following Judge Lewis's death, Joseph Hemphill became the owner of the mansion. The Hemphill family made significant alterations to the original Federal-style structure by adding Greek Revival wings around 1828.
In 1867, the city acquired the mansion and a substantial portion of the surrounding land to safeguard the Schuylkill River, which served as the city's drinking water source. This initiative led to the establishment of East Fairmount Park.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Fairmount Park Commission oversaw the renovation of Strawberry Mansion, which was transformed into a museum and a welcoming venue by the Committee of 1926. This committee was composed of various women's clubs that collaborated to create a Sesquicentennial Exposition in South Philadelphia, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Funding for the restoration project was generously provided by Joseph Horn, who had roots in the Philadelphia area and had fond childhood memories of playing in the park. Women's organizations from across the city contributed exceptional period furnishings to adorn the mansion's rooms.
The mansion officially reopened its doors in 1931. To this day, the Committee of 1926 continues to preserve the historic property and uphold the values of hospitality on which it was established. The most recent restoration of the building occurred in the early 21st century.
Following Judge Lewis's death, Joseph Hemphill became the owner of the mansion. The Hemphill family made significant alterations to the original Federal-style structure by adding Greek Revival wings around 1828.
In 1867, the city acquired the mansion and a substantial portion of the surrounding land to safeguard the Schuylkill River, which served as the city's drinking water source. This initiative led to the establishment of East Fairmount Park.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Fairmount Park Commission oversaw the renovation of Strawberry Mansion, which was transformed into a museum and a welcoming venue by the Committee of 1926. This committee was composed of various women's clubs that collaborated to create a Sesquicentennial Exposition in South Philadelphia, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Funding for the restoration project was generously provided by Joseph Horn, who had roots in the Philadelphia area and had fond childhood memories of playing in the park. Women's organizations from across the city contributed exceptional period furnishings to adorn the mansion's rooms.
The mansion officially reopened its doors in 1931. To this day, the Committee of 1926 continues to preserve the historic property and uphold the values of hospitality on which it was established. The most recent restoration of the building occurred in the early 21st century.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Philadelphia. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Historic Strawberry Mansion on Map
Sight Name: Historic Strawberry Mansion
Sight Location: Philadelphia, USA (See walking tours in Philadelphia)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Philadelphia, USA (See walking tours in Philadelphia)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Create Your Own Walk in Philadelphia
Creating your own self-guided walk in Philadelphia is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Fairmount Park Historical Houses Walking Tour
Fairmount Park, Philadelphia's oldest park, established since 1867, is also the city's largest municipal park, sprawling over 2,000 acres adjacent to the banks of the Schuylkill River. The park grew out of the Lemon Hill estate of Henry Pratt, whose land was originally owned by Robert Morris, signer of the Declaration of Independence.
In 1972, the park was placed on the National... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
In 1972, the park was placed on the National... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Philadelphia Old City Walking Tour
King Charles II of England, while seriously indebted to Admiral Sir William Penn, settled his debt in 1681 by granting lands in America to William Penn, the Admiral's Quaker son. A thorn in the King's side, young Penn sailed to America, where he envisioned a utopian society based on tolerance and founded Philadelphia, the "City of Brotherly Love."
The Old City Center, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The Old City Center, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Philadelphia Introduction Walking Tour
The sixth largest city in the United States and the largest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is a dynamic city heaped with old-world charm and contemporary infrastructure. Notable for its rich history, primarily as the birthplace of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Often called Philly, Philadelphia is also known as the City of Brotherly Love 鈥� a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Often called Philly, Philadelphia is also known as the City of Brotherly Love 鈥� a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Benjamin Franklin's Philadelphia
Benjamin Franklin's journey to becoming one of the most influential figures in Revolutionary America began when he, as a teenager, ventured from a Puritan family in Boston to Philadelphia. This city would not only become his home but also a stage for his remarkable life as a writer, printer, philosopher, postmaster, scientist, inventor, statesman, and diplomat. His life epitomizes the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Franklin Parkway Walking Tour
Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a scenic boulevard running through the cultural heart of Philadelphia. Named for America's Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, this mile-long tree-lined parkway is lined with several notable sights and world-class museums.
At its heart lies Logan Circle, a charming green space centered around a picturesque fountain. This spot can provide a refreshing break on... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
At its heart lies Logan Circle, a charming green space centered around a picturesque fountain. This spot can provide a refreshing break on... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
University of Pennsylvania Walking Tour
As America's first university, The University of Pennsylvania (aka Penn or Upenn, for short) has a history stretching back to the mid-18th century, closely bound with the city's colonial past and the birth of the United States. Initially, this Ivy League institution emerged as the College of Philadelphia, one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the US Declaration of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Philadelphia Souvenirs: 13 Unique Gift Ideas from the City of Brotherly Love
Looking for a great gift while visiting Philadelphia?聽Famous for its history, arts and culture, championship sports teams, and award-winning food and drink, Philadelphia is a top-rated shopping destination. Here, you'll find聽an聽amazing selection of items to choose from - something uniquely...