Glen Foerd, an 18-acre public park and historic site nestled along the Delaware River, has opened its doors for year-round exploration, inviting the public to discover its rich history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty.
The Italianate-Classical Revival mansion, built in 1850 and expanded in the early 1900s, stands as a testament to Philadelphia's Gilded Age when the city's elite built riverside country estates to escape urban summers. Now preserved as a Fairmount Park property, the mansion welcomes visitors free of charge Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with guided tours available on the second Saturday of each month for $10.
"The history and beauty of Glen Foerd are here for everyone to enjoy," said Ross Mitchell, executive director. "Whether visitors are interested in architecture, art, history, boating, birding, or simply a peaceful outdoor retreat, our goal is to make Glen Foerd an accessible and welcoming place for all."
The estate tells more than just the story of Philadelphia's wealthy families. It reveals a complex social ecosystem where servants, factory workers, and estate residents lived in an interdependent relationship. While the mansion showcases the opulence of its former owners, it also acknowledges the often-overlooked laborers whose work maintained the property and nearby leather factory.
Glen Foerd's grounds, open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk, feature a remarkable landscape designed in the 1920s and 30s by renowned landscape architects Thomas Sears and James Bush-Brown. Visitors can wander through the formal rose garden, vineyard, and past riverfront oak trees dating back more than 300 years. The American Country Place era gardens, while in need of restoration, still display their original allées, terraces, fountains, and garden sculptures.
Among the estate's charming features is "Little Ugly," a cast iron dog statue erected by early owner Charles Macalester to honor his beloved companion. Visitors can find the dog's gravestone under an old oak tree along the gravel path from the riverside mansion door, bearing the inscription: "A Loved and Faithful Friend... In Life a Devoted Friend, the first to welcome, the foremost to defend."
The estate was once connected to Glen Foerd Farms, established in 1919 across Poquessing Creek. The farm was nationally recognized for its award-winning Ayrshire cattle and provided produce for the estate's residents and employees.
Preserved through community efforts in 1983, Glen Foerd is now operated by the Glen Foerd Conservation Corporation in partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. The organization plans to restore the historic Bush-Brown and Sears landscape and welcomes volunteers and donations to assist in this effort.
For more information about visits or upcoming programs, visit www.glenfoerd.org or call 215-632-5330.
