One Neighborhood In Philadelphia Is Offering An Immersive History Experience This Fall

This fall, residents and visitors of Philadelphia, one of the most underrated cities in the U.S., can explore nine historic homes, museums, and notable landmarks in Germantown until November 22nd with a special discounted pass. Thanks to a collaboration between Historic Germantown and Visit Philadelphia, this immersive history experience covering Black history, abolitionist heritage, and broader American culture is available at a 60% discount. Adults pay $43 ($28 for children under 13 and seniors over 65) for a one-time entrance to each site, valid for up to one week. For the occasion, the participating venues will be open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in addition to their regular hours (make sure to check the individual site websites for information on how to visit). The idea behind the initiative is to encourage both locals and visitors to explore beyond Philadelphia's main tourist attractions and discover Germantown's rich heritage.

One of the city's oldest settlements, Germantown, was founded in the late 1600s and was a center of political and social life. It is known for its role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped enslaved African Americans escape to freedom. Located in Northwest Philadelphia, all nine sites are within a short walking distance from railway stations on the Chestnut Hill East and Chestnut Hill West lines.

To visit the sites that are closely tied to Black culture and abolition, start at the Johnson House. The Johnsons were Quaker abolitionists who sheltered and assisted enslaved people on their way to safety, and their home was a key stop on the Underground Railroad. The Lest We Forget Slavery Museum houses a comprehensive collection of slavery artifacts and is usually open by appointment only. The pass provides the ideal opportunity for a unique perspective on the reality of life during those times. The Colored Girls Museum is dedicated to celebrating the lives, stories, and achievements of Black women and girls through objects and artworks.

The sites highlighting local history include The Germantown Historical Society, which is filled with archives and exhibits from Germantown's over 300-year long history. The Concord School House sits next to one of Philadelphia's oldest cemeteries, containing the graves of soldiers from the Revolutionary War. Take a walk back to Victorian times at the Ebeneezer Maxwell Museum, Philadelphia's only restored Victorian house museum, which is decorated with period furniture and artworks.

To see a broader reflection of American, Colonial, and revolutionary history, visits to Cliveden, Stenton, and Wyck Historic House and Garden complete the nine sites included in the Historic Germantown pass. But for history buffs who want to find out more about U.S. history, visit this underrated national park or some of the other best museums in Philadelphia. Tickets are available online or in person at the historical society's headquarters.