Historic Germantown

Freedomsbackyard.com
A central resource for information on the 14 historic sites that make up the consortium known as Historic Germantown. Visit this website for links to all member sites and news about upcoming programs and events in Germantown.

Local Links

Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers
(WRV) is dedicated to the restoration of the natural areas of the Wissahickon Valley Park in Philadelphia.

City Tavern 
The Birthplace of American Cuisine, step back in time to experience an authentic 18th century style-meal in the tavern once frequented by Franklin, Jefferson and even David Rittenhouse. City Tavern’s Chef and Proprietor, Walter Staib, frequently cooks in RittenhouseTown’s original 18th century bake house. Click here to buy Chef Staib’s new book, Recipes from the Birthplace of American Cuisine.

A Taste of History 
This cooking series features Chef Walter Staib cooking in RittenhouseTown bake house. The show premiered in October 2009 and new episodes air through 2010. Check your local PBS listings.

Chestnut Hill Historical Society 
Leading the effort to protect the profound architectural heritage of Philadelphia’s Chestnut Hill neighborhood.

Friends of the Wissahickon 
A group dedicated to the Wissahickon Valley section of Fairmount Park. The Friends provide leadership, education and coordinate many activities in this area.

Fairmount Park Houses 
A group of historic homes located throughout Fairmount Park, interesting for their architecture and their collections. Tours of some of these houses are currently run by the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Philly.com 
Focused on Philadelphia as well as its major newspapers. The site offers information about Philadelphia including local news, weather, events and travel information.

Schuylkill River Heritage Corridor 
Dedicated to the Schuylkill River Valley. Many events throughout the valley are listed on this site.

Society for the Preservation of Old Mills

Springfield Mills at Bloomfield Farm (Morris Arboretum)

Wall Repairs to Papermill Run (aka Monoshone Creek)

Papermaking

While Historic Rittenhouse Town continues the tradition of hand papermaking at the site of America’s first paper mill, we encourage you to visit the many other organizations dedicated to hand papermaking.

Carriage House

Friends of Dard Hunter

Robert C. Williams American Museum of Papermaking

Twin Rocker

University of the Arts: Printmaking and Book Arts

Video: Paper from Rags

Historic Rittenhouse Town Video

WHYY Philadelphia: History of Rittenhouse Town=

What is Historic Rittenhouse Town? by Vincent DiCostanzo

Thoughts from Historic Rittenhouse Town, by Rittenhouse Astronomical Society on their 125th anniversary

WHYY Newsworks: Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps at Historic Rittenhouse Town

Modern Coin Mart: John Mercanti, 2017 David Rittenhouse Award recipient

Preserving a Page of History