Wawa Welcome America Free Museum Day at Laurel Hill Mansion and family fun

On Sunday, June 23, 2024 10 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. as part of Wawa Welcome America Free Museum Days historic Laurel Hill Mansion will offer free admission and free guided tours. Welcoming families for a free fun filled day of crafting (colonial crafts of tin punching, whirligig making and more, guests will have an opportunity to try hand crafting guided by volunteer hosts. Visitors will take home a souvenir of their visit that they made. Supplies will be provided.

Nestled along the scenic Schuylkill River in Fairmount Park of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the house has a prominent location on a high bluff overlooking the river. One of the most visible houses that ring the river, the view of the river from the back porch is not to be missed.

The house has a fascinating history. Quaker widow Rebecca Rawle supervised the building of her of summer villa, a two story Georgian structure, in 1767. Rebecca was the daughter of a master builder Edward Warner, an early member of Carpenter's Company. The same year that Laurel Hill was built Rebecca married her second husband Samuel (Sam) Shoemaker. Because he was a loyalist her house was confiscated by the patriots after he was declared a traitor in 1778.

Then Esther DeBert Reed (1746-1780), the wife of General Joseph Reed president of the Supreme Council, lived with her children at Laurel Hill for a single summer in 1780. Very supportive of the Revolution Esther became a major fundraiser, raising over $300,000 for the cause, running her operation from Laurel Hill. A remarkable endeavor as she was not in the best of health.

Visit Laurel Hill Mansion to hear Rebecca and Esther’s stories and those of other remarkable people that once called Laurel Hill Mansion home and take home a souvenir of your own making.

For more information about Free Museum Days at Laurel Hill Mansion please visit https://laurelhillmansion.org/fun.html

Host or Publisher Women For Greater Philadelphia