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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
206 Lincoln Drive Philadelphia, PA 19144
phone: 215.438.5711 email: information@rittenhousetown.org
Hours: June through September, Saturday & Sunday, 12 - 4 PM.
Open by appointment outside of stated hours.
Admission: Adults - $5, Seniors & Children - $3.
Current Historic RittenhouseTown Members are free.
Public Transportation Nearby: SEPTA 65 bus route and
Chestnut Hill Regional Rail Line (Tulpehocken Station).
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Revolutionary Germantown Festival ›
Employment and Volunteer Opportunities ›