Editing Mummers Museum

{{Infobox Museum
| name = Mummers Museum
| image =
| image_caption = Mummers Museum in South Philadelphia
| type = Cultural history museum
| address = 1100 South 2nd Street
| neighborhood = South Philadelphia
| coordinates = 39.9355,-75.1489
| phone = (215) 336-3050
| website = https://mummersmuseum.com
| established = 1976
| founder = City of Philadelphia
| director =
| collections = Mummers costumes, memorabilia
| visitors = 20,000+ annually
| hours = Wed-Sat 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
}}

'''The Mummers Museum''' is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history and traditions of the '''Philadelphia Mummers'''—the elaborate costumed performers who parade down Broad Street every New Year's Day in one of America's oldest folk traditions. Located in South Philadelphia at Second Street and Washington Avenue, the museum showcases the spectacular costumes, musical instruments, and history of mummery from its origins to the present day.<ref name="mummers">{{cite web |url=https://mummersmuseum.com/about/ |title=About the Museum |publisher=Mummers Museum |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

The Mummers Parade has been a Philadelphia tradition since at least 1901 (when it was first officially organized), though its roots extend back to colonial times and European folk customs. Each New Year's Day, thousands of mummers march in elaborate feathered costumes, playing string bands, and performing comic and fancy brigades. The Mummers Museum preserves this unique Philadelphia cultural heritage and welcomes visitors year-round to experience the spectacle.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/mummers-museum/ |title=Mummers Museum |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Origins of Mummery ===

Philadelphia's Mummer tradition has multiple roots:
* '''Swedish and Finnish settlers:''' Brought folk customs to colonial Philadelphia
* '''English mummers:''' Medieval tradition of costumed performance
* '''Irish and German influences:''' Later immigrant contributions
* '''African American traditions:''' Cakewalk and musical influences

By the 1800s, New Year's "shooters" (named for firing guns to celebrate) paraded through Philadelphia streets in costume.

=== The Official Parade ===

The '''Mummers Parade''' was officially organized in '''1901''' when the city began sponsoring the event and awarding prizes. The parade has continued every New Year's Day since, except during wartime.

=== The Museum ===

The Mummers Museum opened in '''1976''' as part of America's Bicentennial celebration, providing a year-round home for mummer history and artifacts.

== Mummer Divisions ==

The Mummers Parade includes several divisions:

=== Comics ===

The '''Comic Division''' features:
* Satirical themes and political humor
* Less formal costumes than other divisions
* Street performance and audience interaction
* Wench brigades (men in women's clothing)

=== Fancies ===

The '''Fancy Division''' features:
* Elaborate individual costumes
* Intricate handmade suits
* Feathers, sequins, and detailed work
* Competition for best costume

=== String Bands ===

The '''String Band Division''' features:
* Full musical ensembles playing banjos, saxophones, accordions, and other instruments
* Coordinated costumes and themes
* Original musical arrangements
* The signature "Mummers Strut"

Major string bands include Fralinger, Quaker City, and Polish American.

=== Fancy Brigades ===

The '''Fancy Brigade Division''' features:
* Large groups with massive themed presentations
* Theatrical performances on the Convention Center stage
* Elaborate floats and scenery
* Indoor judging after the street parade

== Museum Exhibits ==

=== Costume Display ===

The museum's centerpiece is its collection of:
* Historic mummer costumes
* Award-winning suits from various decades
* Backpieces and frame suits
* Evolution of mummer costume design

=== String Band Instruments ===

Display of traditional mummer instruments:
* Banjos
* Saxophones
* Accordions
* Glockenspiels
* Bass fiddles

=== Historical Materials ===

* Photographs from over a century of parades
* Programs and posters
* News coverage and memorabilia
* Oral histories

=== Interactive Displays ===

* Learn the Mummers Strut
* Video of past parades
* Audio of string band music
* Costume try-on opportunities

== Visiting the Museum ==

=== Hours ===

* '''Wednesday-Saturday:''' 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
* '''Closed:''' Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
* Extended hours around New Year's

=== Admission ===

* '''Adults:''' Approximately $5 (check website for current pricing)
* '''Seniors/Children:''' Discounted rates
* Free outdoor String Band performances (summer, check schedule)

=== Tips ===

* Allow 1 hour for a visit
* The costumes are incredibly detailed—look closely
* Watch the parade videos
* Visit in summer for outdoor string band performances
* Best time to visit: around New Year's for parade context

=== Getting There ===

* '''SEPTA Broad Street Line:''' Snyder Station (10-minute walk)
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 47, 57
* '''Walking:''' Located at 2nd Street and Washington Avenue
* '''Parking:''' Street parking available

=== Nearby Attractions ===

* [[Italian Market]] (10-minute walk)
* [[Geno's and Pat's Steaks]] (10-minute walk)
* [[South Philadelphia]]
* [[Philadelphia Sports Complex]] (15-minute drive)

== The Mummers Parade ==

=== When ===

The Mummers Parade takes place every '''New Year's Day''' (January 1), rain, shine, or snow.

=== Where ===

* '''Starting point:''' City Hall area
* '''Route:''' South on Broad Street
* '''Viewing:''' Free street viewing along the route
* '''Fancy Brigades:''' Indoor finals at Pennsylvania Convention Center

=== How to Experience ===

* Watch the street parade (dress warmly!)
* Attend the Fancy Brigade finals
* Visit South Philadelphia after for "second line" performances
* Join the crowds celebrating Philadelphia's unique tradition

== See Also ==

* [[New Year's Day in Philadelphia]]
* [[South Philadelphia]]
* [[Philadelphia Traditions]]
* [[Broad Street]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://mummersmuseum.com Mummers Museum Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/mummers-museum/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]
* [https://www.phillymummers.com Philadelphia Mummers Parade Information]

{{#seo:
|title=Mummers Museum Philadelphia - History of the Mummers Parade
|description=Visit the Mummers Museum in South Philadelphia. Discover the history, costumes, and traditions of the New Year's Day Mummers Parade, one of America's oldest folk customs.
|keywords=Mummers Museum, Mummers Parade, Philadelphia New Year's Day, string bands, fancy brigade, Philadelphia traditions, mummer costumes, South Philadelphia museum
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:South Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Philadelphia Traditions]]
[[Category:Cultural History]]
[[Category:Family Attractions]]