LibGuides: So...What Is There To Do Around Here?: Historic Sites and Museums

Museums

Here are some area museums:

Academy of Natural Sciences
Philadelphia, PA
This is a public museum and research institute. It has exhibits on dinosaurs, butterflies, and everything in between.
African American Museum
Philadelphia, PA
The museum is committed to telling the story of African Americans from pre-colonial times to the current day in all aspects: family life, the Civil Rights movement, arts and entertainment, sports, medicine, architecture, politics, religion, law and technology.
American Helicopter Museum
West Chester, PA
This aviation museum is devoted exclusively to helicopters. They collect, restore and display historic aircraft and chronicle the origin and development of rotary wing aircraft.
Antique Automobile Club of America Museum
Hershey, PA
The AACA Museum is dedicated to the celebration, preservation, education, and display of the American motor vehicle history that provides value for our members, hobbyists, and the public.
Landis Valley Museum
Lancaster, PA
The Museum is living history village and farm, that collects, preserves and interprets the history and material culture of the Pennsylvania German rural community from 1740 to 1940. There are over 100 acres, many historic buildings, and constumed interpreters.
Mutter Museum
Philadelphia, PA
The Mütter Museum was founded to educate future doctors about anatomy and human medical anomalies. Today you can see all sorts of medical specimines on display. NOT for the the faint of heart!
National Constitution Center
Philadelphia, PA
Located just two blocks from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, it is the only museum devoted to the U.S. Constitution and the story of we, the people.
National Watch & Clock Museum
Columbia, PA
This museum features a collection of over 12000 watches, clocks, tools, horological art and models.
Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Philadelphia, PA
The Museum has sent more than 400 expeditions to all the inhabited continents of the world. Its exhibits cover the ancient world, as well as artifacts from native peoples of the Americas, Africa and Polynesia.
Pizza Brain
Philadelphia, PA
The world's first pizza museum, with an artisan pizzeria attached. It's also home to the world's largest collction of pizza memorabilia (certified by Guinness Records).

Check Out Our History!

From Colonial America to Modern Day, the Philadelphia area has a rich historical heritage. Visit the Liberty Bell, a colonial farm, an old prison, or the United States Mint. Check out some of the local museums, full of dinosaurs, early American tools, mummies and so much more!

Historic Sites

Here are some places you can visit to learn about the area's history:

Betsy Ross House
Philadelphia, PA
Experience the home of America's most famous flagmaker. Meet Betsy Ross.
Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site
Chadds Ford, PA
The Battle of Brandywine was the largest engagement of the Revolutionary War, fought on September 11, 1777, between the Continental Army led by General George Washington and the British forces headed by General William Howe. Retrace the steps of Washington's and Howe's troops.
Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation
Media, PA
This plantation has been a working farm for more than 200 years. It offers programs related to 18th century Pennsylvania farm life to the public through its special events and living history weekend activities.
Daniel Boone Homestead
Birdsboro, PA
The birthplace of the American frontiersman is now a historic site that tells the story of both Boone and the regions's 18th century settlers.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Philadelphia, PA
Once a prison housing criminals like Al Capone, this fortress-like structure now offers tours and a haunted house in the fall.
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
Philadelphia, PA
Poe's only surviving residence in Philadelphia is the site where he wrote "The Black Cat." You can tour his home and learn more about him and his works.
Ephrata Cloister
Ephrata, PA
One of America's earliest religious communities, the Ephrata Cloister was founded in 1732 by German settlers seeking spiritual goals rather than earthly rewards. At the zenith of the community in the 1740s and 1750s, about 300 members worked and worshiped at the Cloister. Today, the National Historic Landmark is open for tours.
Fort Mifflin on the Delaware
Philadelphia, PA
Originally built in 1771 and continuously used by the U.S. Army until 1952, the fort now has 14 restored buildings, including a soldiers' barracks, blacksmith shop, and dungeon.
Historic Sugartown
Malvern, PA
The village provides an example of a self-sufficient community of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Historic Yellow Springs
Chester Springs, PA
Once a spa resort town, the site of a Revolutionary War hospital, a Soldiers' Orphans School, a movie studio, and an art school, this village has a lot of history. There are also beautiful grounds for picniking.
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Elverson, PA
This site showcases an early American industrial landscape and iron foundries. Operating from 1771-1883, The park's 848 acres and historic structures illustrate the business, technology and lifestyle of our growing nation.
Independence National Historical Park
Philadelphia, PA
This historic complex includes the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and other important sites to the American Revolution.
Pennypacker Mills
Schwenksville, PA
A colonial revival mansion surrounded by 170 acres of farmland, it served as Washington's headquarters prior to the Battle of Germantown. Today there is a house museum and nature walks available.
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Valley Forge, PA
Valley Forge was the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army. Today you can see artifacts in the museum, tour Washington's Headquarters, take the auto tour, and much more.
Washington Crossing Historic Park
Washington Crossing, PA
This site commemorates the place where Washington crossed the Delaware River to surprise the British on Christmas night 1776. Today there are numerous buildings to visit, nature trails, and more. There is another museum and historic site across the river in New Jersey.

Subject Guide

Melanie Oestreich

Phoenixville History

These historical societies have lots of local history information:

Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area
You can visit their museum or attend their programs to get all sorts of history on Phoenixville.
Chester County Historical Society
You can explore their permanent and changing exhibits, conduct research in their extensive library and photo archives, and get “hands-on” in the interactive History Lab.

Available in the SRC:

Here are some books on the history of the area and places to go and see:

Valley Forge: Making and Remaking A National Symbol
Call Number: E 234 .T74 1995
The Valley Forge Winter: Civilians and Soldiers in War
Call Number: E 234 .B63 2002
Pennsylvania's Historic Places
Call Number: F 150 .S45 1989
Cultural Connections: Museums and Libraries of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley
Call Number: E 169.1 .V88 1991