Cliveden, also known as the Chew House, is a historic site located in the Germantown neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia. It is owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The house was built as a country house for attorney Benjamin Chew and was completed in 1767. It was home to seven generations of the Chew family. The site is famous for its role in the American Revolutionary War's Battle of Germantown in 1777 and for its Georgian architecture.
The Cliveden grounds are open to the public from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, weather permitting. The property includes four buildings: the Main House, Kitchen Dependency, Wash House, and Carriage House. It is a great place for the community to enjoy as a public park.
Tours of Cliveden are available from May through November, from Thursday to Sunday, 12 pm to 4 pm. These tours provide an opportunity to explore the historic site and learn more about its history and architecture.
Cliveden was built between 1763 and 1767 by local German craftsmen. It was constructed as a summer home for the prominent lawyer Benjamin Chew Sr. and his family. The house is a testament to the craftsmanship of the period and provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of the elite during that time.
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No exhibitions in Cliveden have been found.
Cliveden has 1 rating.
Cliveden, located in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, is a historic site that offers visitors a glimpse into 18th-century colonial life and the American Revolutionary War. The Georgian-style mansion, built in the 1760s, serves as the centerpiece of this National Historic Landmark.
Visitors appreciate the well-preserved architecture and the extensive collection of period furnishings, which provide an authentic representation of upper-class colonial living. The knowledgeable guides are often praised for their engaging tours, offering in-depth information about the property's history, including its role in the Battle of Germantown in 1777.
The grounds surrounding the mansion are well-maintained and offer a pleasant outdoor experience. Many visitors enjoy exploring the gardens and the outbuildings, which add to the overall historical context of the site.
However, some visitors note that the museum's exhibits and interpretive materials could be more extensive and updated. Additionally, accessibility may be an issue for some, as the historic nature of the building means not all areas are easily navigable for those with mobility challenges.
While Cliveden may not be as well-known as some of Philadelphia's other historic sites, it offers a valuable and educational experience for those interested in American colonial history and architecture. The museum's focus on telling a more inclusive story, including the lives of enslaved individuals who lived and worked at Cliveden, is appreciated by many visitors as an important aspect of its historical narrative.
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