Powel House — Attraction in Philadelphia

The Powel House in Philadelphia is a beautifully preserved piece of colonial history, standing proudly at 244 South 3rd Street in the Society Hill neighborhood. Built in 1765, this Georgian-style row house was once the residence of Samuel Powel, the last mayor of the city under British rule and the first after independence. Known as “the finest Georgian row house in the city,” the Powel House is a testament to the elegance and sophistication of 18th-century design. Visitors can marvel at the ornate interiors, including Rococo plastered ceilings and exquisite architectural woodwork, attributed to carvers like Hercules Courtnay and Martin Jugiez. The house also has a rich social history, having hosted notable guests such as George and Martha Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams. Today, it’s a museum that offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the colonial elite and the vibrant social scene of...

In short: This is a fantastic alternative to more crowded museums that will give you a very intimate look into Philadelphia’s history.

I was lucky enough to spend a summer giving tours at the Powel House, so I can speak directly to the landmark’s unique appeal. The building was home to the first mayor of Philadelphia, meaning many important historical figures— Ben Franklin, the Washingtons— dined in the green room and danced in the upstairs ballroom. The foundation that owns the building has done a good job restoring and maintaining the site, and a group of kind docents typically lead tours through the building. It also has a small garden in the back that...

It’s a beautiful house and I’m glad it’s preserved. The lady who gave us a tour was really knowledgeable and nice. However, there is some history to this house that is skimmed over. She kept referring to the house staff as “servants” and based on the little doll house on the 3rd floor, they were slaves. It’s kinda sad to see the lives of the slaves that lived here and served the presidents erased. The only research I can find on this topic is from an undergrad at VU. The Philadelphia Preservation Society needs to look into this matter and acknowledge it...