Powel House
| Type | Historic house museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 244 South Third Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Society Hill |
| Phone | (215) 627-0364 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1765 (house); 1938 (museum) |
| Founder | Samuel Powel |
| Director | Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks |
| Hours | Thu-Sat 12-5 PM; Sun 1-5 PM |
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, with its stunning interiors and remarkable survival, offers a window into the world of Philadelphia's colonial elite.[1]
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.[2]
History
[edit | edit source]Samuel Powel
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Architecture
[edit | edit source]The Powel House is one of Philadelphia's finest Georgian townhouses:
- Built in 1765
- Three stories plus attic
- Brick construction
- Elegant proportions
Interiors
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]- Period garden restored behind the house
- Urban oasis in Society Hill
- Accessible during tours
Collections
[edit | edit source]The house contains:
- Period-appropriate Georgian furnishings
- Decorative arts from the era
- Portraits and documents
- Chinese export porcelain
Visiting the Powel House
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Thursday-Saturday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Closed: Monday-Wednesday
- Tours on the hour
Admission
[edit | edit source]- Adults: Approximately $10 (check website for current pricing)
- Seniors/Students: Discounted rates
- Children: Discounted rates
Combination tickets available with Physick House.
Tours
[edit | edit source]Guided tours explore:
- Samuel and Elizabeth Powel's world
- The Washington connection
- Georgian architecture and furnishings
- The preservation story
Tips
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- Physick House (2 blocks)
- Society Hill, Philadelphia
- Old City, Philadelphia
- Independence Hall (5-minute walk)
- City Tavern (1 block)
Programs
[edit | edit source]Regular Tours
[edit | edit source]Guided tours of the house
Special Events
[edit | edit source]- Twelfth Night celebrations
- Holiday programs
- Candlelight tours
- Special exhibitions
Educational Programs
[edit | edit source]- School groups
- Group tours
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Powel House". Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Powel House". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025