Activity Overview
Tour the birthplace of paper in our nation when you visit historic Rittenhouse Town. In 1690, William Rittenhouse, an immigrant to the New Land from Germany, built the continent's first paper mill, and a second mill, the Rittenhouse Homestead and Bakehouse, was soon constructed alongside.
Things to See & Do
- On weekends from June to September, guided tours of these structures are conducted, and actual paper-making and cooking classes are available at minimal cost to groups of 10 or more.
- Browse the gift shop to find colonial-era children's toys, cookbooks and paper items. Purchases support our preservation, restoration, research, and educational programs at Historic RittenhouseTown.
- Visitors are welcome to spend a relaxing afternoon along the banks of the Paper Mill Run or walk the many Wissahickon Valley trails.
Historic Rittenhouse Town Insider Tips
- If traveling with a group, book a weekday paper-making or cooking workshop at least two weeks in advance for a minimal cost per person.
- Historic RittenhouseTown is open for public guided tours on weekends throughout the summer. Appointments are not necessary. Tours begin at the RittenhouseTown Visitor Center at 208 Lincoln Drive and include a visit to the 1707 Rittenhouse Homestead, ca. 1725 Bake House and the ca. 1845 Enoch Rittenhouse Home.
- Historic RittenhouseTown is not open for public weekend tours during the fall/winter season.
- Payment can be made by cash or check. Credit Cards are not accepted (just like in the olden days).
