As summer approaches, families looking for enriching summer activities to enjoy together don’t have to search very far. Fun is right in our own backyard throughout the Delaware Valley area. Enjoyable excursions for the whole family connect Quaker history and our Friends community. We’ve gathered a list of “Must See” local Quaker Family Fun sites to visit this summer.
Arch Street Meeting House Events & Tours
Since 1682, this National Historic Landmark has been a staple on Arch Street in Center City Philadelphia. The Meeting House continues to be actively used by the Quaker community. The historic site welcomes visitors to learn about the local and global impact Quaker history has made. Participate in a self-guided tour of the ASMH historic worship space and outdoor grounds and exhibits. The museum is open to the public Wednesday – Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Adult general admission is $5, students, children ages 8 and under, veterans and seniors are $2.
Betsy Ross House
Legendary Betsy Ross is well known for stitching America’s first flag but that’s just a small part of her story. Born into a Quaker family, Betsy was a courageous rebel, grieving widow, working mom, business owner and survivor. Throughout the historic Betsy Ross House, you’ll discover artifacts, documents and historic interpreters that reveal the extraordinary life of an ordinary 18th century woman. Have a chat with Betsy Ross in person and meet History Makers, costumed interpreters who depict the lives of women and men from centuries ago. Self-guided tours are $10/adult, children ages 6-12, seniors, students/military (with ID) are $8.
Free Quaker Meetinghouse
Located on the corner of 5th and Arch Streets, the Free Quakers Meeting House is an 18th century structure with a story to tell about non-conformists, the intersection of religion and politics, and the power of community. Learn how a group calling themselves “Free Quakers” supported the American Revolution while the majority of Friends remained faithful to the historic Friends Peace Testimony during this time. The historic site is open Saturdays and Sundays only, from 11 am to 4 pm. Admission is Free.
Alice Paul Institute
Feminist, suffragist, political strategist and Quaker, Alice Paul was a leader in the ratification of the 19th Amendment, and authored the 1923 Equal Rights Amendment. Schedule a visit for this one-hour tour of her home. The tour focuses on the values that Alice Paul learned during her childhood at Paulsdale and the way those values led her to advocate for equality as a major figure in the women’s suffrage movement. Cost is $10/person; free for kids under age 6.
John Woolman House
Located in Historic Mt. Holly, New Jersey, the John Woolman House welcomes visitors to learn about 18th century Quaker, John Woolman. Known as a man of peace, he is best known for his lifelong dedication to the abolition of slavery and for his spiritual autobiography entitled The Journal of John Woolman. Booked appointments are required to visit.
Linvilla Orchard
Linvilla Orchards is a 300-acre family farm dedicated to agriculture, entertainment, and education. A trip to Linvilla creates family memories that last a lifetime and generations of Delaware Valley families have returned year after year to experience all the things that make Linvilla Orchards special. Each season brings more things to see and do at Linvilla. Take a hayride through Linvilla fields and orchards; pick your own fresh fruit and veggies, climb aboard our passenger train, get your face painted like a princess or pirate; visit with the farm animals in the Barnyard, go fishing at Orchard Lake and play in our Playland Playground. Purchasing tickets prior to the visit is strongly recommended.
Snipes Farm
Located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the Snipes farm owned by the Snipes family has a deep Quaker history that begins with Quaker refugees fleeing religious persecution in England. Descendants of Friends have resided at the present Snipes Farm since 1808 and are the 11th generation to farm in Bucks County. The Snipes family has generously offered the use of their farm for the establishment of Snipes Farm & Education Center. Pick-your-own flowers, visit the Hay pyramid or enjoy a scenic walk on the nature trail.
Historic Fair Hill
Deeply connected to the Quaker community, Historic Fair Hill offers history tours every Second Saturday from 1 pm to 3 pm. The tours visit the wall murals of the Underground Railroad and Female Antislavery Society in the neighborhood around the burial grounds. Visitors will visit grave sites of historic Friends like James and Lucretia Mott who impacted society, and see the crops planted by successive waves of farmers including the Lenni Lenape, English Quakers, German Mennonites, African Americans and Latinx people from the Islands. Visitors are encouraged to schedule personal or group visits in advance.
Photo of Arch Street Meeting House featured above
