Powel House

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Powel House



TypeHistoric house museum
Address244 South Third Street
MapView on Google Maps
NeighborhoodSociety Hill
Phone(215) 627-0364
WebsiteOfficial site
Established1765 (house); 1938 (museum)
FounderSamuel Powel
DirectorPhiladelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks
HoursThu-Sat 12-5 PM; Sun 1-5 PM
Powel House(215) 627-0364244 South Third StreetPhiladelphiaPAUS

The Powel House is a Georgian townhouse in Society Hill built in 1765 and home to Samuel Powel, the last colonial and first post-Revolutionary mayor of Philadelphia. Known as the "Patriot Mayor," Powel and his wife Elizabeth hosted George and Martha Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and other founders at elegant gatherings in their home. The house's stunning interiors and remarkable survival offer a rare window into the world of Philadelphia's colonial elite.[1]

The Powel House nearly didn't survive. In the 1930s, demolition loomed until the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks stepped in, purchased the property, and began restoration work. That decision didn't just save one building. It sparked the preservation movement that would eventually save all of Society Hill. Now visitors can walk the same rooms where founders dined and danced, experiencing the elegance of pre-Revolutionary Philadelphia firsthand.[2]

History

Samuel Powel

Samuel Powel (1738-1793) was one of colonial Philadelphia's wealthiest and most prominent citizens. He inherited great wealth from his grandfather and spent seven years traveling through Europe as a young man, absorbing the latest ideas and tastes before returning home. Back in Philadelphia, he built his mansion and moved into the upper reaches of civic life. His career spanned the Revolutionary divide: last colonial mayor (1775-1776) and first post-Revolutionary mayor (1789-1790). That's why they called him the "Patriot Mayor."

  • Inherited great wealth from his grandfather
  • Toured Europe for seven years as a young man
  • Returned to Philadelphia and built his mansion
  • Served as last colonial mayor (1775-1776)
  • Served as first post-Revolutionary mayor (1789-1790)
  • Known as the "Patriot Mayor" for his Revolutionary support

Elizabeth Willing Powel

Elizabeth Willing Powel (1743-1830) was equally remarkable. She came from a merchant family, the daughter of Charles Willing, and she wasn't content to sit quietly on the sidelines. Her wit and intellect made her a force in Philadelphia's social and political circles. She became a close confidante of George Washington, and the salons she hosted were the most brilliant in the city. Her correspondence with Washington still survives, revealing a relationship of real substance and mutual respect.

  • Daughter of wealthy merchant Charles Willing
  • Known for her intellect and wit
  • Close confidante of George Washington
  • Hosted the most brilliant salons in Philadelphia
  • Correspondence with Washington survives

The Washington Connection

The Powels and Washingtons weren't just acquaintances. They were genuine friends, which was unusual given Washington's reserved nature. Washington danced with Elizabeth at their first meeting, setting the tone for a relationship that would last decades. The Powels dined regularly with the Washingtons. Elizabeth offered Washington political counsel, her sharp mind valued enough that he actually listened. When Washington celebrated his last birthday in 1799, it happened at the Powel House. That says something about where he wanted to be.

  • Washington danced with Elizabeth at their first meeting
  • The Powels dined regularly with the Washingtons
  • Elizabeth advised Washington on political matters
  • Washington's last birthday celebration (1799) was at the Powel House

Preservation

By the 1930s, the house faced demolition. Frances Anne Wister led the fight to save it. The Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks purchased the property in 1931 and started restoring it immediately. The Powel House became a catalyst for a larger movement that transformed Society Hill's future.

  • Frances Anne Wister led the effort to save it
  • Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks purchased the house (1931)
  • Restoration began immediately
  • The Powel House became a catalyst for Society Hill preservation

The House

Architecture

This is one of Philadelphia's finest Georgian townhouses. Built in 1765, it's three stories plus an attic, all in brick with proportions that feel elegant without being ostentatious. The design reflects the wealth and sophistication of its original owner.

  • Built in 1765
  • Three stories plus attic
  • Brick construction
  • Elegant proportions

Interiors

Walk inside and you understand why the Washingtons and Franklins wanted to be here. The Ballroom is where Washington danced. The Parlors hosted the city's finest salons. The Dining room entertained the founders at dinner. The original woodwork has survived remarkably, a testament to both the quality of craftsmanship and the care taken during restoration.

  • Ballroom: Where Washington danced
  • Parlors: Site of famous salons
  • Dining room: Hosted founders at dinner
  • Original woodwork: Remarkable survival

Rescued Elements

Before preservation, some interior elements were removed and sold. Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum both hold woodwork from the Powel House. Still, the house retains or has replicated significant elements. Tours explain this complicated history, making clear what's original and what's been restored.

  • Some woodwork is at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Metropolitan Museum
  • The house retains or has replicated significant elements
  • Tours explain this complex history

Gardens

Behind the house sits a period garden that's been restored. It's an urban oasis tucked into Society Hill. You can see it during tours.

  • Period garden restored behind the house
  • Urban oasis in Society Hill
  • Accessible during tours

Collections

The furnishings are all period-appropriate Georgian pieces. There's decorative arts from the era, portraits, documents, and Chinese export porcelain. It's all curated to reflect how the Powels actually lived.

  • Period-appropriate Georgian furnishings
  • Decorative arts from the era
  • Portraits and documents
  • Chinese export porcelain

Visiting the Powel House

Hours

Thursday through Saturday, you can visit from noon to 5 PM. Sunday hours are 1 to 5 PM. The house is closed Monday through Wednesday. Tours run on the hour.

  • Thursday-Saturday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Closed: Monday-Wednesday
  • Tours on the hour

Admission

It'll cost you roughly $10 for adults, though you should check the website for the latest pricing. Seniors and students get discounted rates. Children do too. Combination tickets are available with Physick House.

  • Adults: Approximately $10 (check website for current pricing)
  • Seniors/Students: Discounted rates
  • Children: Discounted rates

Combination tickets available with Physick House.

Tours

The guided tours walk you through Samuel and Elizabeth Powel's world. You'll hear about the Washington connection, learn about Georgian architecture and furnishings, and discover the story of how this building was saved. It's the best way to understand what you're seeing.

Guided tours explore:

  • Samuel and Elizabeth Powel's world
  • The Washington connection
  • Georgian architecture and furnishings
  • The preservation story

Tips

Don't skip the guided tour. You'll get so much more out of the experience. The ballroom is stunning. If you're into founding-era history, this place matters. Consider combining it with Physick House and a Society Hill walking tour.

  • Guided tours essential for the full experience
  • The ballroom is a highlight
  • Good for those interested in founding-era history
  • Combine with Physick House and Society Hill walking

Getting There

SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line stops at 2nd Street Station. Bus routes 21 and 42 serve the area. The house is at 3rd and Walnut Streets, so walking's straightforward if you're in the neighborhood. Street parking is available but limited.

  • SEPTA Market-Frankford Line: 2nd Street Station
  • SEPTA Bus: Routes 21, 42
  • Walking: Located at 3rd and Walnut Streets
  • Parking: Street parking (limited)

Nearby Attractions

Physick House is two blocks away. You're right in Society Hill, Philadelphia and close to Old City, Philadelphia. Independence Hall is just a five-minute walk. City Tavern is one block over.

Programs

Regular Tours

Guided tours of the house run throughout the week.

Special Events

The house hosts Twelfth Night celebrations, holiday programs, candlelight tours, and special exhibitions. Check their calendar.

  • Twelfth Night celebrations
  • Holiday programs
  • Candlelight tours
  • Special exhibitions

Educational Programs

School groups and larger parties can arrange tours suited to their needs.

  • School groups
  • Group tours

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Powel House". Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks. Retrieved December 30, 2025
  2. ↑ "Powel House". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025

External Links

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