Historic RittenhouseTown, Inc.

At the heart of the thriving early industrial village known as RittenhouseTown stood the first paper mill in British North America built along the Paper Mill Run by William Rittenhouse and his son, Nicholas, in 1690. While RittenhouseTown grew with eight succeeding generations of Rittenhouse family members and their employees, the earliest part of the settlement consisting of the 1707 Homestead, circa 1725 Bake House and second circa 1702 Mill remained the focus of the community for nearly 200 years. Although the circa 1702 Mill no longer stands, this intimate cluster of buildings once enclosing both public and private space continues to remind us of the importance of the paper making industry to the development of early America and the essential role of the Rittenhouse family and their workers as suppliers of locally produced paper for letters, legal documents, maps and books. Visitors to Historic RittenhouseTown today can still experience the sense of community which has characterized this unique spot since the 17th century.

Our popular and well respected Education Program provides the opportunity each year for over 2000 students, many from underserved Philadelphia public schools, to experience what life was like for generations of Rittenhouse family members by touring the village and making paper using the same tools and techniques employed by the Rittenhouse family and their workers. Our many and varied community events including the Summer Paper Arts Workshop are mission based and family oriented. Visit rittenhousetown.org ›

Historic RittenhouseTown, Inc.
206 Lincoln Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Phone Number: 215 438 5711
Fax Number: 215 849 6447
Email: information@rittenhousetown.org
website: www.rittenhousetown.org

Hours: June through September - Saturday & Sunday 12 to 4PM or by appointment
Staff: Christine Owens, Executive Director
Ariel Wilson, Director of Education and Program Development
Public Transportation Nearby: R8 Stations at Tulpehocken and 65 bus at Walnut Lane & Wissahickon Avenues