Join me this year as we explore some well-known and lesser-known mostly historic sites in Philadelphia in a monthly program called “I’ve lived in Philadelphia Forever But Have Never Been To ______.”
“Forever” can mean a short time or many years, and maybe you have visited the site a long time ago, or never. We'll visit locations from the 18th Century to the present time every month throughout 2026. I welcome your suggestions of places you'd like to visit.
Last year we visited everywhere from City Hall to the Bok building.
Let’s start the new year with two 18th Century landmark homes in Society Hill, the Powel House and the Hill-Physick House, both properties of the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks.
We will gather at the Powel House at 244 South Third Street at 3 pm for a guided tour of this property. Built in 1765, the three-bay, red-brick Powel House is considered one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the United States.
In 1769, Samuel Powel purchased this newly-built house from the merchant and land speculator Charles Stedman. As newlyweds, he and his new bride, Elizabeth Willing Powel, immediately began redesigning the house’s interior. The Powels hired Philadelphia’s leading carvers and craftsmen to decorate the house’s principal rooms. We will be led on a tour of the stunning building by Site Manager Judy Smith or a docent from the Landmarks Society.
From the Powel House, we will walk around the corner about 4 minutes to the Hill-Physick House at 321 South 4th Street, where we will again enjoy a guided tour by Megan Thibodeaux, Site Manager, or a Landmarks docent.
Built after the Revolutionary War by the wealthy Madeira wine importer Henry Hill, this stunning four-story square brick house is the only free-standing Federal townhouse remaining in Society Hill. The house was named a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
With its commanding entrance and doorway fan transom, its impressive windows, grand proportions and classical lines, the Hill-Physick House is an exceptional example of the Federal style. Its stately and spacious interior rooms are decorated with outstanding examples of French-influenced neoclassical furnishings, popular during the period.
The Hill-Physick House was later the home of Dr. Philip Syng Physick. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Dr. Physick became one of the foremost physicians of the time and is known as the “father of American surgery”.
Meet at the Powel House, 244 S. 3 rd Street in Philadelphia at 3 pm. Tour will conclude about 5 pm.
Cost: Cost $17 ($16 per person admission plus $1 for FitC for administrative costs.) No refund after Jan. 13 (minus $2 for FitC costs).
Number: Up to 20 FitC members.
Accessibility: The Powel House is not accessible, as there are several steps up to the first floor, and more steps to the second floor. There are 5 steps to enter the Physick house first floor and two steps down to get to the first floor bathroom. The bathroom is not ADA accessible. There are several stairs to get to the second floor, but guests who do not want to climb those steps may stay on the first floor.
Directions: The museums may be reached by public transportation: they are a short walk from the East-West bus routes on Lombard/South, Locust/Pine, or Chestnut/Walnut Streets. The 57 bus on 3rd/4th Streets is a good North/South option. There is street parking for both houses, but no private parking lots.
This is a rain or shine event.
Thanks to FitC Volunteer Organizer: Joan Wells
Questions about registration? Contact mignon.adams@gmail.com
