Cliveden

Activity Overview

Cliveden is a historic estate in Germantown, an area of Philadelphia that was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolutionary War. Built by prominent lawyer Benjamin Chew in the mid-1700s, the estate and its beautiful mansion belonged to his family until the 1970s, when it became a museum. Today, visitors can learn all about the Chew family and the fascinating history of Germantown, including the famous Battle of Germantown and the area's role in the antislavery movement.

Things to Do

• Take a tour of Cliveden, one of the best preserved colonial houses in the United States, and view original artifacts such as furniture and artwork.
• View Emancipating Cliveden, a fascinating film about the history of the estate that features interviews from descendants of the Chew family and other Germantown residents.
• Visit the Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness? exhibit, which focuses on life at Cliveden throughout historic periods such as the Battle of Germantown in 1777.

Cliveden Insider Tips

• Keep in mind that the museum is closed each winter from January through March when planning your visit.
• If you enjoy your visit to Cliveden and are interested in local history, consider visiting some of the other historic sites throughout Germantown! You can find a full list here.
• Get an idea of what the Revolutionary War was really like by attending the exciting Revolutionary Germantown Festival in October, which includes family activities and reenactments of the Battle of Germantown.