An original city escape outside colonial Philadelphia.
LEARN ABOUT WOODFORD
Experience the art, architecture, and gardens of the 18th century.
Welcome to Woodford, an elegant country retreat to affluent families in colonial Philadelphia, and former home to both Patriots and British Loyalists in the American Revolutionary War. Today, the National Historic Landmark is owned by the city of Philadelphia and operated by The Naomi Wood Trust, featuring one of the finest collections of 18th-century decorative arts. With year-round guided tours offered five days a week, visitors explore the collection while uncovering the stories of the families, enslaved Africans, and indentured servants who lived and worked here.
#### Explore the property
## Wander through Woodford: The mansion at-a-glance.
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### The art
Made possible by The Naomi Wood Trust, Woodford Mansion features an evolving collection of 950+ decorative arts displayed in an 18th-century setting.
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### The architecture
So many historically-significant buildings in Philadelphia were demolished to make way for commercial districts. Woodford is one of few surviving colonial homes whose original architectural details remain largely intact.
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### The gardens
We aim to provide a historically accurate and well-rounded understanding of life in colonial and federal America. We are currently restoring the gardens to be consistent with 18th-century Philadelphia.
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### The history
Unravel the complex history of the property and its former residents from George Clymer, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution to David Franks, a British Loyalist arrested for treason.
MEET THE FIRST OWNERS
A country seat for the Philadelphia elite.
Woodford Mansion is one of the most elegant survivors of the country homes along the Schuylkill River outside colonial Philadelphia. William Coleman, a self-made and self-educated merchant and close friend of Benjamin Franklin, built the home in 1756-58. With his wife, they raised their orphaned nephew, George Clymer, as their own, who went on to sign the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Today, Woodford is joined with Cedar Grove, Laurel Hill, Lemon Hill, Strawberry Mansion, and Mount Pleasant to form the “Park Charms” of Fairmount Park.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Celebrating through the seasons.
Winter
Holidays in the park
For the month of December, explore the mansion festively decorated for the holidays, sipping on apple cider and snacking on cookies.
SPRING
Specialty tours
We highlight Women of Woodford for Women’s History Month in March, followed by Woodford and the David Franks family for Jewish History Month in April.
SUMMER
Free museum days
As part of the Wawa Welcome America festival, we offer pay-what-you-can admission to the museum and grounds.
FALL
Apple fest
It’s apple tasting season, and you’ll do your democratic duty by voting for the best. Enjoy pumpkin painting, apple cider making, and free, 30-minute tours.
VISITOR TESTIMONIALS
Word around Woodford:
