Germantown, a historic neighborhood in Northwest Philly, invites visitors to delve into its rich past this summer. The Historic Germantown OnePass offers discounted access to nine of the area’s most significant sites, providing a unique opportunity to explore the region’s Revolutionary War history and cultural evolution.
Caitlin Mongan, Manager of Operations & Partnerships at Historic Germantown explains that the OnePass is designed to make history accessible. ‘We’ve curated these sites to be more convenient for visitors,’ she says. ‘Our goal is to keep costs equitable and engage both local residents and tourists.’
The Historic Germantown OnePass: Your Gateway to the Past
The OnePass grants admission to a diverse range of sites, from grand estates to intimate museums. Among the highlights is Cliveden an 18th-century country estate and the site of the 1777 Battle of Germantown. The pass also includes the Colored Girls Museum an internationally-recognized institution dedicated to preserving the memories of Black girls, women, and gender-expansive peoples.
Other notable destinations include the Concord School House a one-room schoolhouse from 1775, and the Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion Philadelphia‘s only Victorian historic house museum. The pass also covers the Germantown Historical Society the Johnson House the Lest We Forget Slavery MuseumStenton and Wyck a Quaker home with a renowned rose garden.
A Journey Through Time: Germantown’s Historic Significance
Germantown’s story begins in 1683 when German immigrants settled in the area, nearly a century before the United States was founded. The neighborhood played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, serving as the site of the Battle of Germantown in 1777. It also briefly housed George Washington and his cabinet in 1793.
Mongan emphasizes the importance of sharing Germantown’s history with both locals and visitors. ‘Our mission is to raise awareness about these incredible sites,’ she says. ‘Germantown is a special place, not just for its history, but also for its evolving culture over the past 300 years.’
The OnePass is more than just a collection of sites; it’s an invitation to explore. Mongan hopes that visitors will discover new interests and continue their journey through Germantown’s past. ‘You might visit one of these sites and realize there’s another nearby that you’d like to see,’ she suggests.
Plan Your Visit: Practical Information
The OnePass costs $43 for those thirteen or older and $28 for seniors and youth. It provides one-time access to all nine sites, which can be visited at the user’s pace. ‘It’s up to you whether you’d like to see them all in a day, spread them out over a few days, or visit once a week,’ Mongan explains.
The pass is valid on Fridays and Saturdays between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. through August 29. Mongan recommends splitting visits over multiple weekends to avoid fatigue. ‘If you’re an adult, $43 gives you either three days or three different weekends of things to do in the area,’ she says.
Historic Germantown plans to expand the program in the future, aiming for consistent access to all of its sites. In the meantime, visitors are encouraged to check site hours and reservation requirements before planning their trip.
To learn more about the OnePass and purchase, visit the Historic Germantown website.
