Ryerss Museum & Library — Attraction in Philadelphia

Ryerss Mansion, or 'Burholme' (home in a wooded setting), was built in the Italianate style on 85 acres of land by Joseph Waln Ryerss in 1859 as his summer residence. Mr. Ryerss was a wealthy importer of goods from the Orient and president of the Tioga Railroad. After Joseph's death in 1868, his son Robert Waln Ryerss, an only child, inherited Burholme. A back parlor and library were added and Burholme became the Ryerss' year-round residence. Although Robert possessed a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania, he preferred to travel and collect more artifacts for display at Burholme. At the age of 65 and eight months before his demise, Robert would shock Philadelphia society when he married Mary Ann Reed, his long time housekeeper, Mary Ann. Robert left Mary Ann a comfortable annuity and Burholme for the rest of her life. Upon her death, the estate was to be turned over to the care of the City of Philadelphia as a park -- to be called Burholme Park -- a museum, and a public library -- " . . . free to the people forever." Three years later, Mary Ann married the Rev. John G. Bawn, an Episcopalian minister. Mary Ann turned Burholme over to the City of Philadelphia in 1905 when she and her second husband moved into a home that was built on the site of Burholme's former gatehouse. The Robert W. Ryerss Museum and Library opened in 1910. Mary Ann and the Rev. Bawn continued to travel around the world, collecting a large amount of additional art and artifacts for the museum. Upon Mary Ann's untimely death in China in 1916, Rev. John G. Bawn returned to Philadelphia. Because the additional acquisitions would not fit in the museum, Rev. Baln petitioned the City to build an addition to the museum. In 1923, the rear galleries were opened. Mr. Ryerss also provided a substantial endowment for the maintenance of the house and grounds. That endowment...

The Ryers Museum is a "jewel in the wilderness"so to speak.Almost unknown to the general public,this was the summer home of the Ryers Family and contains many objects from their travels abroad.Became the unwanted step-child of the fairmount park system about 1921 and languished many years from benign neglect many items(letters from George Washington and other colonial figures) are no where to be found! Now under the auspices of "The friends of Burholme park" they are doing the best they can. This property is well worth a visit and SOME PUBLICITY.I can remember visiting there in the 1940s--50s and would be happy to share these memories...

Ryerss Museum and Library is hidden in Burholme Park. This historic mansion is beautiful. Inside there are wonderful collections of art, religious pieces, family heirlooms and more. These artifacts are worth seeing. It’s run by the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation department. There is also an attached library. They have used book sales. It’s a place to see. A great experience in Northeast...