Editing Powel House

{{Infobox Museum
| name = Powel House
| image =
| image_caption = Powel House in Society Hill
| type = Historic house museum
| address = 244 South Third Street
| neighborhood = Society Hill
| coordinates = 39.9441,-75.1469
| phone = (215) 627-0364
| website = https://www.philalandmarks.org
| established = 1765 (house); 1938 (museum)
| founder = Samuel Powel
| director = Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks
| collections = Georgian furnishings, Revolutionary War history
| visitors = 5,000+ annually
| hours = Thu-Sat 12-5 PM; Sun 1-5 PM
}}

'''The Powel House''' is a Georgian townhouse in [[Society Hill, Philadelphia|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, with its stunning interiors and remarkable survival, offers a window into the world of Philadelphia's colonial elite.<ref name="powel">{{cite web |url=https://www.philalandmarks.org/powel-house |title=Powel House |publisher=Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

The Powel House narrowly escaped demolition in the 1930s when the '''Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks''' purchased and restored it, helping to catalyze the preservation movement that would later save all of Society Hill. Today, visitors can see interiors that once entertained the founders and experience the elegance of pre-Revolutionary Philadelphia.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/powel-house/ |title=Powel House |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Samuel Powel ===

'''Samuel Powel''' (1738-1793) was one of colonial Philadelphia's wealthiest and most prominent citizens:
* 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:
* 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 were close friends:
* 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 was threatened with demolition:
* '''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 ===

The Powel House is one of Philadelphia's finest Georgian townhouses:
* Built in '''1765'''
* Three stories plus attic
* Brick construction
* Elegant proportions

=== Interiors ===

The house features exceptional 18th-century interiors:
* '''Ballroom:''' Where Washington danced
* '''Parlors:''' Site of famous salons
* '''Dining room:''' Hosted founders at dinner
* '''Original woodwork:''' Remarkable survival

=== Rescued Elements ===

Before preservation, some elements were sold to museums:
* 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 ===

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

=== Collections ===

The house contains:
* Period-appropriate Georgian furnishings
* Decorative arts from the era
* Portraits and documents
* Chinese export porcelain

== Visiting the Powel House ==

=== Hours ===

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

=== Admission ===

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

Combination tickets available with [[Physick House]].

=== Tours ===

Guided tours explore:
* Samuel and Elizabeth Powel's world
* The Washington connection
* Georgian architecture and furnishings
* The preservation story

=== Tips ===

* 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 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]] (2 blocks)
* [[Society Hill, Philadelphia]]
* [[Old City, Philadelphia]]
* [[Independence Hall]] (5-minute walk)
* [[City Tavern]] (1 block)

== Programs ==

=== Regular Tours ===

Guided tours of the house

=== Special Events ===

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

=== Educational Programs ===

* School groups
* Group tours

== See Also ==

* [[Society Hill, Philadelphia]]
* [[Physick House]]
* [[George Washington in Philadelphia]]
* [[Colonial Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.philalandmarks.org/powel-house Powel House Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/powel-house/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]

{{#seo:
|title=Powel House Philadelphia - Where Washington Danced
|description=Visit the Powel House in Society Hill, home of the Patriot Mayor Samuel Powel and his wife Elizabeth. Georgian elegance, Washington's friends, and colonial Philadelphia's finest salon.
|keywords=Powel House, Samuel Powel, Society Hill historic house, Georgian architecture, George Washington Philadelphia, colonial mansion, Philadelphia founders
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Society Hill]]
[[Category:Colonial Philadelphia]]
[[Category:American Revolution]]