French Azilum — Attraction in Albany Township

This was the largest of many sites in the US where members of the French aristocracy took refuge after the French Revolution. About 50 noble families lived there from 1793 until they were pardoned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1803.

Located on a scenic area neat Towanda, PA, the few remaining buildings and Visitors Center do give a sense of the important piece of history that transpired here.

We attended a tea here that included a tour of the home of one of the developers of the community. A highlight was the two "queens" who led the tour and served the tea, Marie Antoinette and Charlotte of...

We did the Escape the Guillotine escape room that they only do one day a year. It was totally worth it. They did a great job putting an escape room together that takes a decent amount of time and really makes you think. It took place inside the Laporte house where you get to see the historical stuff as you are doing the escape room. The puzzles incorporate French Azilum history too so you learn that (better than just reading!). We managed to escape so we got to ring the port bell 😄. Check out their events page to see the next time it...

Fascinating property. Wonderful docents (who were excessly polite to my husband, a recent cancer survivor, who was having a grumpy day). Small, but staff is enthusiastic and what's there is exceptional, unique, and well maintained. Eclectic collection of period furnishings; the collection of period clothing is beyond belief! To be able to see, up close, these survivors is a treat. The material used is all natural and stitched by hand over 200 years ago. Retention of fibers and colors incredible. You can tell this place...