Tavern Night Returns to Historic RittenhouseTown
March 28th from 6pm-10pm

March 28th from 6pm-10pm 207 Lincoln Drive

Tavern Night will feature an evening of storytelling and merriment complete with 18th Century beer, cocktails, and hearth-cooked food!

Join Historic Rittenhouse Town for our second Tavern Night fundraiser!

Outside the church, the tavern was the most important institution in most towns. Taverns were used for political assemblies, markets, and, of course, a place to enjoy a good meal and learn the news of the day. Come join us as the buildings and grounds of our historic 18th-century homestead are transformed into a tavern from the 1770s, where the simple pleasures of good food, drink, and fellowship collide.

Tavern Night will feature an evening of storytelling and merriment, complete with 18th-century beer and cocktails and hearth-cooked food prepared in our Bake House. Patrons will be encouraged to learn the popular parlor games (like whist, shut-the-box, and farkle) and join in toasts and popular songs of the day.

Food options: *Meals include admission and must be purchased online in advance*

Meals:

Vegetarian Pepper Pot – $45
German Bratwurst Braised in Beer -$50
Garlic Roasted Chicken – $50

Sides: Scalloped potatoes or roasted vegetable (one included with meal)

Dessert: Fire forged griddlecakes and a scoop of vanilla – $10 (offered at door)

Drinks: Additional Drink token – $10 (offered at door)

Colonial Beers — We have Spruce Ale plus various specialty Beers by the Regimental Brewmeister all brewed over an open fire with 18th Century methods. (1 ticket)

Colonial Mead — Probably the world’s oldest alcoholic drink, mead is fermented honey. Prior to the 1700s, mead was a popular choice of drink throughout New England. A Yankee favorite. (1 ticket)

Fish House Punch  The Schuylkill Fishing Company in Philadelphia traditionally served this punch, traditionally made in a large bowl with rum-based punch containing cognac and peach brandy garnished with lemon slices. According to legend, on a visit to the club, George Washington drank so much of the potent Fish House Punch, that he subsequently couldn’t bring himself to make an entry in his diary for three days. (2 tickets)

Ale Flip – This is bartender drama at its finest. A true 18th Century tavern favorite Rum, eggs, beer, and sugar. Served warm with a flair and heated with our logger-heads. (2 tickets)

Rattleskull – A perfect 18th Century Attitude Adjuster. Rum and spices mixed into a pint of beer. (2 tickets)

Cherry Bounce – A favorite of Mr. Washington. Whiskey infused with cherries. No Lies – it’s fantastic! (2 tickets)

18th Century Hot Chocolate – Thomas Jefferson and George Washington enjoyed chocolate so much they believed it would become a more popular drink in America than coffee and tea.18th-century chocolatewas considered the “food of the gods” but is quite different from modern hot chocolate. — with rum (2 tickets) or without (1 ticket).

All meals must be purchased online.

The general parking areas at Historic RittenhouseTown will be open for parking with limited capacity. Parking is located next to the main office located at 208 Lincoln Drive Philadelphia PA 19144, next to the barn at 211 Lincoln Drive Philadelphia PA 19144, and the additional parking lot along Lincoln drive. Since Parking is limited, the use of public transit or ridesharing is recommended. Parking is also welcome at the surrounding blocks. Thank you for your support!

Looking For a tour of the Historic 1707 Homestead?

Private Tours are available year round, email us at information@rittenhousetown.org to schedule one today!

Regular tour hours are available on Saturdays Memorial Day through Labor Day on Saturday from 12p-3p.
Tours start on the hour and last 45 minutes. Cash and Venmo accepted. $10 per person, Kids under 8 are free.

Hearth Week: Historic Cooking & Modern Connection, A Celebration of Fire, Flavor, and History!!

From Tuesday, May 24 through Sunday, May 31, join us for Hearth Week—an immersive celebration of cooking and historic flavors.

Each day offers a unique experience centered around the hearth, featuring a blend of colonial-era recipes and traditional German fare.  Guests will enjoy a new twist on historic recipes like Philadelphia Pepper Pot and a true Wissahickon classic, Catfish and Waffle.  Guests will also enjoy meals inspired by foraged native ingredients, with offerings ranging from a cozy pizza-night dinner to a hearty brunch.

Dates, times, and menu options will be available soon!

52 Weeks of Firsts

In 2026, America turns 250, and Philadelphia is throwing the ultimate yearlong celebration. After all, we’ve been first in freedom, first in innovation and first in fun for 250 years.

The Philadelphia Historic District Partners have assembled 52 Weeks of Firsts, from world-changing inventions to beloved traditions, with a new “Saturday First-ival” every week, each one happening in one of more than a dozen neighborhoods across this city. Expect live performances, pop-up experiences, family fun and plenty of Philly flavor.

Plan your trip, grab your crew and be part of the celebration that could only happen here — in the city that was first in everything worth celebrating.

By the way, exactly what is a Philadelphia First?

A Philadelphia First is something that happened here before anywhere else. These Firsts highlight the moments, places and creations that took root in Philadelphia, not individual achievements. From inventions to institutions, they’re the sparks that shaped a city of doers, dreamers and difference-makers. Because in Philly, history doesn’t just live here, it began here.

Historic RittenhouseTown has been picked as the celebration site for week 26, to celebrate the life and accomplishments of William Rittenhouse!

“Long before Wi-Fi and word processors, there was paper and it all started at Rittenhouse Town. Discover the handmade beginnings of America’s paper trail and the mill that made it happen.”

On Saturday, June 27, 2026, the first paper maker in the United States will kick off at Historic RittenhouseTown with a variety of activities for the celebration! Please mark your calendars to celebrate with us!

Check out our awesome on-site vendors!

Located at 206 Lincoln Drive

Black Lotus Holistic Health Collective

Offering yoga, mindfulness meditation, weekly workshops, acupuncture and so much more.

Located at The Barn

PAPERtrail Bike Cafe

Offering deliciously fresh coffee and professional bike services