On Sunday, October 27th, 2024, join Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust, Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting, and the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia for a celebration of the meetinghouse’s 220th Anniversary.

We welcome visitors of all ages to experience the fascinating stories, traditions, and architectural histories that have made the meetinghouse a pillar of the community since its construction in 1804.

Ongoing Programs

Grab a SWEET TREAT at each station!

• Meet William Penn, the legendary Quaker founder of Pennsylvania, and hear his chilling tale of the witch of Ridley Creek, Pennsylvania’s only witch trial.

• Pumpkin carving and crafts will be available while supplies last.

• Guided tours of the meetinghouse – discover the beauty and history of the ASMH’s 19th-Century Georgian architecture and its place in the city’s Quaker heritage.

• Free museum admission – explore Quakers' impact on Philadelphia history and beyond.

Other Activities

• 10:30 AM

The Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia (MMFP) will host meeting for worship in the historic West Room (1811) of Arch Street Meeting House. All are welcome.

• 1 PM

Faith & Play Stories with Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

• 1:30 PM

Children’s “Meeting for Business” Play Activity with the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia

• 1:45 PM

Museum Tour & History Talk

The tour begins with a brief exploration of the historic burial grounds at ASMH before continuing on a walking tour of important Quaker sites throughout the neighborhood. This is not just your run-of-the-mill famous Founding Fathers' tour! It is perfect for visitors seeking a different side of Philadelphia history.

Visitors will start their walking tour at Arch Street Meeting House, then continue to the Betsy Ross House and on to Welcome Park, the site of William Penn's first residence in Philadelphia. After snaking their way through Independence National Historical Park, the group will stop at various other sites with a Quaker twist.

After the tour, you enjoy the rest of "Educational Saturday" at ASMH and join ASMH staff and volunteers for a hands-on, family-friendly activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the tour? Find the answer below, or contact us..

Q. Where does the tour begin?

A. To join the tour, check in at the front lobby of Arch Street Meeting House at 320 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Q. Is the tour rain or shine?

A. Yes, the walking tour will occur regardless of rain. Please dress appropriately.

Q. Who should I contact if I have a question?

A. On the morning of the tour, call us at 215-413-1804, and a staff member at the front desk will be available to answer your questions.

Trick-or-Treat around Philadelphia’s historic district!

Stop by Arch Street Meeting House and other participating sites in Old City, Philadelphia for a sweet treat and a familty friendly activity from 11 am to 1 pm. FREE, no registration required.

The tour begins with a brief exploration of the historic burial grounds at ASMH before continuing on a walking tour of important Quaker sites throughout the neighborhood. This is not just your run-of-the-mill famous Founding Fathers' tour! It is perfect for visitors seeking a different side of Philadelphia history.

Visitors will start their walking tour at Arch Street Meeting House, then continue to the Betsy Ross House and on to Welcome Park, the site of William Penn's first residence in Philadelphia. After snaking their way through Independence National Historical Park, the group will stop at various other sites with a Quaker twist.

After the tour, you enjoy the rest of "Educational Saturday" at ASMH and join ASMH staff and volunteers for a hands-on, family-friendly activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the tour? Find the answer below, or contact us..

Q. Where does the tour begin?

A. To join the tour, check in at the front lobby of Arch Street Meeting House at 320 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Q. Is the tour rain or shine?

A. Yes, the walking tour will occur regardless of rain. Please dress appropriately.

Q. Who should I contact if I have a question?

A. On the morning of the tour, call us at 215-413-1804, and a staff member at the front desk will be available to answer your questions.

The tour begins with a brief exploration of the historic burial grounds at ASMH before continuing on a walking tour of important Quaker sites throughout the neighborhood. This is not just your run-of-the-mill famous Founding Fathers' tour! It is perfect for visitors seeking a different side of Philadelphia history.

Visitors will start their walking tour at Arch Street Meeting House, then continue to the Betsy Ross House and on to Welcome Park, the site of William Penn's first residence in Philadelphia. After snaking their way through Independence National Historical Park, the group will stop at various other sites with a Quaker twist.

After the tour, you enjoy the rest of "Educational Saturday" at ASMH and join ASMH staff and volunteers for a hands-on, family-friendly activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the tour? Find the answer below, or contact us..

Q. Where does the tour begin?

A. To join the tour, check in at the front lobby of Arch Street Meeting House at 320 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Q. Is the tour rain or shine?

A. Yes, the walking tour will occur regardless of rain. Please dress appropriately.

Q. Who should I contact if I have a question?

A. On the morning of the tour, call us at 215-413-1804, and a staff member at the front desk will be available to answer your questions.

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania commemorates its 200th birthday in 2024! Join our friends on Locust Street to connect with the past and make meaningful discoveries about who you are and who we are together.

Stop by Arch Street Meeting House’s booth during the event for a fun Quaker-history activity.

The Garden: River’s Edge is a guided experience for 5-7 audience members at a time, leading participants on an intimate and expansive journey of connection, reflection, and gentle acts of participation.  

Since its premiere in 2013, The Garden has lived in many forms, locations, and languages. The Garden engages with a site and its history, manifesting differently in each location. In this newest version of The Garden, audiences are led through the historic spaces of Arch Street Meeting House via prompts on headset, interacting with the architecture, the dancers, and one another through a series of playful and tender encounters. 

During the performance ofThe Garden: River’s Edge, each audience member is invited to explore a distinct path of their own. Due to the infrastructure of a historic building, most of the paths require limited stair walking. One path does not require stairs and is wheelchair accessible. We can accommodate up to two audience members on this path at a time.

In The Garden: River’s Edge, you will wear headsets on your ears and there are gentle instructions to guide you from place to place. You will interact with dancers and other audience members. Please note that all interactions will be from a distance and the level of physical activity will be minimal.

Nichole Canuso Dance Company

Founded in 2004 by choreographer Nichole Canuso, Nichole Canuso Dance Company (NCDC) is a Philadelphia based performance platform dedicated to creating performance experiences that embrace the complexity and beauty of humanity. NCDC reimagines dance aesthetics by blurring the roles of audience and performer, bringing performance to unconventional spaces and engaging audiences in adventurous ways. Projects often sit at the crossroads of movement, visual art, and theater. The company is currently exploring the interfaces of live, embodied presence with emerging technologies to challenge our definitions of human relationship. We are propelled by the interplay of each performer’s energy, memory, and physicality. This ensemble-driven experimental work is grounded by workshops, open rehearsals, and dialogues shaped by the needs and interests of the surrounding community. In a world that feels increasingly divisive, NCDC asks how dance can build inviting spaces for people to practice bridging the distances, both actual and perceived.

The Garden: River’s Edge is a guided experience for 5-7 audience members at a time, leading participants on an intimate and expansive journey of connection, reflection, and gentle acts of participation.  

Since its premiere in 2013, The Garden has lived in many forms, locations, and languages. The Garden engages with a site and its history, manifesting differently in each location. In this newest version of The Garden, audiences are led through the historic spaces of Arch Street Meeting House via prompts on headset, interacting with the architecture, the dancers, and one another through a series of playful and tender encounters. 

During the performance ofThe Garden: River’s Edge, each audience member is invited to explore a distinct path of their own. Due to the infrastructure of a historic building, most of the paths require limited stair walking. One path does not require stairs and is wheelchair accessible. We can accommodate up to two audience members on this path at a time.

In The Garden: River’s Edge, you will wear headsets on your ears and there are gentle instructions to guide you from place to place. You will interact with dancers and other audience members. Please note that all interactions will be from a distance and the level of physical activity will be minimal.

Nichole Canuso Dance Company

Founded in 2004 by choreographer Nichole Canuso, Nichole Canuso Dance Company (NCDC) is a Philadelphia based performance platform dedicated to creating performance experiences that embrace the complexity and beauty of humanity. NCDC reimagines dance aesthetics by blurring the roles of audience and performer, bringing performance to unconventional spaces and engaging audiences in adventurous ways. Projects often sit at the crossroads of movement, visual art, and theater. The company is currently exploring the interfaces of live, embodied presence with emerging technologies to challenge our definitions of human relationship. We are propelled by the interplay of each performer’s energy, memory, and physicality. This ensemble-driven experimental work is grounded by workshops, open rehearsals, and dialogues shaped by the needs and interests of the surrounding community. In a world that feels increasingly divisive, NCDC asks how dance can build inviting spaces for people to practice bridging the distances, both actual and perceived.

The Garden: River’s Edge is a guided experience for 5-7 audience members at a time, leading participants on an intimate and expansive journey of connection, reflection, and gentle acts of participation.  

Since its premiere in 2013, The Garden has lived in many forms, locations, and languages. The Garden engages with a site and its history, manifesting differently in each location. In this newest version of The Garden, audiences are led through the historic spaces of Arch Street Meeting House via prompts on headset, interacting with the architecture, the dancers, and one another through a series of playful and tender encounters. 

During the performance ofThe Garden: River’s Edge, each audience member is invited to explore a distinct path of their own. Due to the infrastructure of a historic building, most of the paths require limited stair walking. One path does not require stairs and is wheelchair accessible. We can accommodate up to two audience members on this path at a time.

In The Garden: River’s Edge, you will wear headsets on your ears and there are gentle instructions to guide you from place to place. You will interact with dancers and other audience members. Please note that all interactions will be from a distance and the level of physical activity will be minimal.

Nichole Canuso Dance Company

Founded in 2004 by choreographer Nichole Canuso, Nichole Canuso Dance Company (NCDC) is a Philadelphia based performance platform dedicated to creating performance experiences that embrace the complexity and beauty of humanity. NCDC reimagines dance aesthetics by blurring the roles of audience and performer, bringing performance to unconventional spaces and engaging audiences in adventurous ways. Projects often sit at the crossroads of movement, visual art, and theater. The company is currently exploring the interfaces of live, embodied presence with emerging technologies to challenge our definitions of human relationship. We are propelled by the interplay of each performer’s energy, memory, and physicality. This ensemble-driven experimental work is grounded by workshops, open rehearsals, and dialogues shaped by the needs and interests of the surrounding community. In a world that feels increasingly divisive, NCDC asks how dance can build inviting spaces for people to practice bridging the distances, both actual and perceived.

The Garden: River’s Edge is a guided experience for 5-7 audience members at a time, leading participants on an intimate and expansive journey of connection, reflection, and gentle acts of participation.  

Since its premiere in 2013, The Garden has lived in many forms, locations, and languages. The Garden engages with a site and its history, manifesting differently in each location. In this newest version of The Garden, audiences are led through the historic spaces of Arch Street Meeting House via prompts on headset, interacting with the architecture, the dancers, and one another through a series of playful and tender encounters. 

During the performance ofThe Garden: River’s Edge, each audience member is invited to explore a distinct path of their own. Due to the infrastructure of a historic building, most of the paths require limited stair walking. One path does not require stairs and is wheelchair accessible. We can accommodate up to two audience members on this path at a time.

In The Garden: River’s Edge, you will wear headsets on your ears and there are gentle instructions to guide you from place to place. You will interact with dancers and other audience members. Please note that all interactions will be from a distance and the level of physical activity will be minimal.

Nichole Canuso Dance Company

Founded in 2004 by choreographer Nichole Canuso, Nichole Canuso Dance Company (NCDC) is a Philadelphia based performance platform dedicated to creating performance experiences that embrace the complexity and beauty of humanity. NCDC reimagines dance aesthetics by blurring the roles of audience and performer, bringing performance to unconventional spaces and engaging audiences in adventurous ways. Projects often sit at the crossroads of movement, visual art, and theater. The company is currently exploring the interfaces of live, embodied presence with emerging technologies to challenge our definitions of human relationship. We are propelled by the interplay of each performer’s energy, memory, and physicality. This ensemble-driven experimental work is grounded by workshops, open rehearsals, and dialogues shaped by the needs and interests of the surrounding community. In a world that feels increasingly divisive, NCDC asks how dance can build inviting spaces for people to practice bridging the distances, both actual and perceived.

The Garden: River’s Edge is a guided experience for 5-7 audience members at a time, leading participants on an intimate and expansive journey of connection, reflection, and gentle acts of participation.  

Since its premiere in 2013, The Garden has lived in many forms, locations, and languages. The Garden engages with a site and its history, manifesting differently in each location. In this newest version of The Garden, audiences are led through the historic spaces of Arch Street Meeting House via prompts on headset, interacting with the architecture, the dancers, and one another through a series of playful and tender encounters. 

During the performance ofThe Garden: River’s Edge, each audience member is invited to explore a distinct path of their own. Due to the infrastructure of a historic building, most of the paths require limited stair walking. One path does not require stairs and is wheelchair accessible. We can accommodate up to two audience members on this path at a time.

In The Garden: River’s Edge, you will wear headsets on your ears and there are gentle instructions to guide you from place to place. You will interact with dancers and other audience members. Please note that all interactions will be from a distance and the level of physical activity will be minimal.

Nichole Canuso Dance Company

Founded in 2004 by choreographer Nichole Canuso, Nichole Canuso Dance Company (NCDC) is a Philadelphia based performance platform dedicated to creating performance experiences that embrace the complexity and beauty of humanity. NCDC reimagines dance aesthetics by blurring the roles of audience and performer, bringing performance to unconventional spaces and engaging audiences in adventurous ways. Projects often sit at the crossroads of movement, visual art, and theater. The company is currently exploring the interfaces of live, embodied presence with emerging technologies to challenge our definitions of human relationship. We are propelled by the interplay of each performer’s energy, memory, and physicality. This ensemble-driven experimental work is grounded by workshops, open rehearsals, and dialogues shaped by the needs and interests of the surrounding community. In a world that feels increasingly divisive, NCDC asks how dance can build inviting spaces for people to practice bridging the distances, both actual and perceived.

The Garden: River’s Edge is a guided experience for 5-7 audience members at a time, leading participants on an intimate and expansive journey of connection, reflection, and gentle acts of participation.  

Since its premiere in 2013, The Garden has lived in many forms, locations, and languages. The Garden engages with a site and its history, manifesting differently in each location. In this newest version of The Garden, audiences are led through the historic spaces of Arch Street Meeting House via prompts on headset, interacting with the architecture, the dancers, and one another through a series of playful and tender encounters. 

During the performance ofThe Garden: River’s Edge, each audience member is invited to explore a distinct path of their own. Due to the infrastructure of a historic building, most of the paths require limited stair walking. One path does not require stairs and is wheelchair accessible. We can accommodate up to two audience members on this path at a time.

In The Garden: River’s Edge, you will wear headsets on your ears and there are gentle instructions to guide you from place to place. You will interact with dancers and other audience members. Please note that all interactions will be from a distance and the level of physical activity will be minimal.

Nichole Canuso Dance Company

Founded in 2004 by choreographer Nichole Canuso, Nichole Canuso Dance Company (NCDC) is a Philadelphia based performance platform dedicated to creating performance experiences that embrace the complexity and beauty of humanity. NCDC reimagines dance aesthetics by blurring the roles of audience and performer, bringing performance to unconventional spaces and engaging audiences in adventurous ways. Projects often sit at the crossroads of movement, visual art, and theater. The company is currently exploring the interfaces of live, embodied presence with emerging technologies to challenge our definitions of human relationship. We are propelled by the interplay of each performer’s energy, memory, and physicality. This ensemble-driven experimental work is grounded by workshops, open rehearsals, and dialogues shaped by the needs and interests of the surrounding community. In a world that feels increasingly divisive, NCDC asks how dance can build inviting spaces for people to practice bridging the distances, both actual and perceived.

The Garden: River’s Edge is a guided experience for 5-7 audience members at a time, leading participants on an intimate and expansive journey of connection, reflection, and gentle acts of participation.  

Since its premiere in 2013, The Garden has lived in many forms, locations, and languages. The Garden engages with a site and its history, manifesting differently in each location. In this newest version of The Garden, audiences are led through the historic spaces of Arch Street Meeting House via prompts on headset, interacting with the architecture, the dancers, and one another through a series of playful and tender encounters. 

During the performance ofThe Garden: River’s Edge, each audience member is invited to explore a distinct path of their own. Due to the infrastructure of a historic building, most of the paths require limited stair walking. One path does not require stairs and is wheelchair accessible. We can accommodate up to two audience members on this path at a time.

In The Garden: River’s Edge, you will wear headsets on your ears and there are gentle instructions to guide you from place to place. You will interact with dancers and other audience members. Please note that all interactions will be from a distance and the level of physical activity will be minimal.

Nichole Canuso Dance Company

Founded in 2004 by choreographer Nichole Canuso, Nichole Canuso Dance Company (NCDC) is a Philadelphia based performance platform dedicated to creating performance experiences that embrace the complexity and beauty of humanity. NCDC reimagines dance aesthetics by blurring the roles of audience and performer, bringing performance to unconventional spaces and engaging audiences in adventurous ways. Projects often sit at the crossroads of movement, visual art, and theater. The company is currently exploring the interfaces of live, embodied presence with emerging technologies to challenge our definitions of human relationship. We are propelled by the interplay of each performer’s energy, memory, and physicality. This ensemble-driven experimental work is grounded by workshops, open rehearsals, and dialogues shaped by the needs and interests of the surrounding community. In a world that feels increasingly divisive, NCDC asks how dance can build inviting spaces for people to practice bridging the distances, both actual and perceived.

The Garden: River’s Edge is a guided experience for 5-7 audience members at a time, leading participants on an intimate and expansive journey of connection, reflection, and gentle acts of participation.  

Since its premiere in 2013, The Garden has lived in many forms, locations, and languages. The Garden engages with a site and its history, manifesting differently in each location. In this newest version of The Garden, audiences are led through the historic spaces of Arch Street Meeting House via prompts on headset, interacting with the architecture, the dancers, and one another through a series of playful and tender encounters. 

During the performance ofThe Garden: River’s Edge, each audience member is invited to explore a distinct path of their own. Due to the infrastructure of a historic building, most of the paths require limited stair walking. One path does not require stairs and is wheelchair accessible. We can accommodate up to two audience members on this path at a time.

In The Garden: River’s Edge, you will wear headsets on your ears and there are gentle instructions to guide you from place to place. You will interact with dancers and other audience members. Please note that all interactions will be from a distance and the level of physical activity will be minimal.

Nichole Canuso Dance Company

Founded in 2004 by choreographer Nichole Canuso, Nichole Canuso Dance Company (NCDC) is a Philadelphia based performance platform dedicated to creating performance experiences that embrace the complexity and beauty of humanity. NCDC reimagines dance aesthetics by blurring the roles of audience and performer, bringing performance to unconventional spaces and engaging audiences in adventurous ways. Projects often sit at the crossroads of movement, visual art, and theater. The company is currently exploring the interfaces of live, embodied presence with emerging technologies to challenge our definitions of human relationship. We are propelled by the interplay of each performer’s energy, memory, and physicality. This ensemble-driven experimental work is grounded by workshops, open rehearsals, and dialogues shaped by the needs and interests of the surrounding community. In a world that feels increasingly divisive, NCDC asks how dance can build inviting spaces for people to practice bridging the distances, both actual and perceived.

The Garden: River’s Edge is a guided experience for 5-7 audience members at a time, leading participants on an intimate and expansive journey of connection, reflection, and gentle acts of participation.  

Since its premiere in 2013, The Garden has lived in many forms, locations, and languages. The Garden engages with a site and its history, manifesting differently in each location. In this newest version of The Garden, audiences are led through the historic spaces of Arch Street Meeting House via prompts on headset, interacting with the architecture, the dancers, and one another through a series of playful and tender encounters. 

During the performance ofThe Garden: River’s Edge, each audience member is invited to explore a distinct path of their own. Due to the infrastructure of a historic building, most of the paths require limited stair walking. One path does not require stairs and is wheelchair accessible. We can accommodate up to two audience members on this path at a time.

In The Garden: River’s Edge, you will wear headsets on your ears and there are gentle instructions to guide you from place to place. You will interact with dancers and other audience members. Please note that all interactions will be from a distance and the level of physical activity will be minimal.

Nichole Canuso Dance Company

Founded in 2004 by choreographer Nichole Canuso, Nichole Canuso Dance Company (NCDC) is a Philadelphia based performance platform dedicated to creating performance experiences that embrace the complexity and beauty of humanity. NCDC reimagines dance aesthetics by blurring the roles of audience and performer, bringing performance to unconventional spaces and engaging audiences in adventurous ways. Projects often sit at the crossroads of movement, visual art, and theater. The company is currently exploring the interfaces of live, embodied presence with emerging technologies to challenge our definitions of human relationship. We are propelled by the interplay of each performer’s energy, memory, and physicality. This ensemble-driven experimental work is grounded by workshops, open rehearsals, and dialogues shaped by the needs and interests of the surrounding community. In a world that feels increasingly divisive, NCDC asks how dance can build inviting spaces for people to practice bridging the distances, both actual and perceived.

The tour begins with a brief exploration of the historic burial grounds at ASMH before continuing on a walking tour of important Quaker sites throughout the neighborhood. This is not just your run-of-the-mill famous Founding Fathers' tour! It is perfect for visitors seeking a different side of Philadelphia history.

Visitors will start their walking tour at Arch Street Meeting House, then continue to the Betsy Ross House and on to Welcome Park, the site of William Penn's first residence in Philadelphia. After snaking their way through Independence National Historical Park, the group will stop at various other sites with a Quaker twist.

After the tour, you enjoy the rest of "Educational Saturday" at ASMH and join ASMH staff and volunteers for a hands-on, family-friendly activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the tour? Find the answer below, or contact us..

Q. Where does the tour begin?

A. To join the tour, check in at the front lobby of Arch Street Meeting House at 320 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Q. Is the tour rain or shine?

A. Yes, the walking tour will occur regardless of rain. Please dress appropriately.

Q. Who should I contact if I have a question?

A. On the morning of the tour, call us at 215-413-1804, and a staff member at the front desk will be available to answer your questions.

The tour begins with a brief exploration of the historic burial grounds at ASMH before continuing on a walking tour of important Quaker sites throughout the neighborhood. This is not just your run-of-the-mill famous Founding Fathers' tour! It is perfect for visitors seeking a different side of Philadelphia history.

Visitors will start their walking tour at Arch Street Meeting House, then continue to the Betsy Ross House and on to Welcome Park, the site of William Penn's first residence in Philadelphia. After snaking their way through Independence National Historical Park, the group will stop at various other sites with a Quaker twist.

After the tour, you enjoy the rest of "Educational Saturday" at ASMH and join ASMH staff and volunteers for a hands-on, family-friendly activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the tour? Find the answer below, or contact us..

Q. Where does the tour begin?

A. To join the tour, check in at the front lobby of Arch Street Meeting House at 320 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Q. Is the tour rain or shine?

A. Yes, the walking tour will occur regardless of rain. Please dress appropriately.

Q. Who should I contact if I have a question?

A. On the morning of the tour, call us at 215-413-1804, and a staff member at the front desk will be available to answer your questions.

Like many faiths, Quakerism's core tenets have been put to the test as societal norms shifted. Some Quakers evolved with the changing times, and some were left behind. Can you identify which Quakers of the past broke the rules?

Registration not required.

The tour begins with a brief exploration of the historic burial grounds at ASMH before continuing on a walking tour of important Quaker sites throughout the neighborhood. This is not just your run-of-the-mill famous Founding Fathers' tour! It is perfect for visitors seeking a different side of Philadelphia history.

Visitors will start their walking tour at Arch Street Meeting House, then continue to the Betsy Ross House and on to Welcome Park, the site of William Penn's first residence in Philadelphia. After snaking their way through Independence National Historical Park, the group will stop at various other sites with a Quaker twist.

After the tour, you enjoy the rest of "Educational Saturday" at ASMH and join ASMH staff and volunteers for a hands-on, family-friendly activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the tour? Find the answer below, or contact us..

Q. Where does the tour begin?

A. To join the tour, check in at the front lobby of Arch Street Meeting House at 320 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Q. Is the tour rain or shine?

A. Yes, the walking tour will occur regardless of rain. Please dress appropriately.

Q. Who should I contact if I have a question?

A. On the morning of the tour, call us at 215-413-1804, and a staff member at the front desk will be available to answer your questions.

Like many faiths, Quakerism's core tenets have been put to the test as societal norms shifted. Some Quakers evolved with the changing times, and some were left behind. Can you identify which Quakers of the past broke the rules?

Registration not required.

The tour begins with a brief exploration of the historic burial grounds at ASMH before continuing on a walking tour of important Quaker sites throughout the neighborhood. This is not just your run-of-the-mill famous Founding Fathers' tour! It is perfect for visitors seeking a different side of Philadelphia history.

Visitors will start their walking tour at Arch Street Meeting House, then continue to the Betsy Ross House and on to Welcome Park, the site of William Penn's first residence in Philadelphia. After snaking their way through Independence National Historical Park, the group will stop at various other sites with a Quaker twist.

After the tour, you enjoy the rest of "Educational Saturday" at ASMH and join ASMH staff and volunteers for a hands-on, family-friendly activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the tour? Find the answer below, or contact us..

Q. Where does the tour begin?

A. To join the tour, check in at the front lobby of Arch Street Meeting House at 320 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Q. Is the tour rain or shine?

A. Yes, the walking tour will occur regardless of rain. Please dress appropriately.

Q. Who should I contact if I have a question?

A. On the morning of the tour, call us at 215-413-1804, and a staff member at the front desk will be available to answer your questions.

Stay tuned for more information.The Free Produce Movement began among Quakers in the 18th and 19th centuries as a way to avoid goods made by enslaved people - similar to cruelty-free products today! The movement was very popular among Philadelphia Quakers like Lucretia Mott, but it was difficult to balance income and expense within the movement.

Stop by ASMH to learn more about the Free Produce Movement in a hands-on, all ages activity. Registration not required.

The tour begins with a brief exploration of the historic burial grounds at ASMH before continuing on a walking tour of important Quaker sites throughout the neighborhood. This is not just your run-of-the-mill famous Founding Fathers' tour! It is perfect for visitors seeking a different side of Philadelphia history.

Visitors will start their walking tour at Arch Street Meeting House, then continue to the Betsy Ross House and on to Welcome Park, the site of William Penn's first residence in Philadelphia. After snaking their way through Independence National Historical Park, the group will stop at various other sites with a Quaker twist.

After the tour, you enjoy the rest of "Educational Saturday" at ASMH and join ASMH staff and volunteers for a hands-on, family-friendly activity.

In the event of a Philadelphia health heat advisory the tour will be held indoors at Arch Street Meeting House, and include a private guided tour of the museum galleries and history building.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the tour? Find the answer below, or contact us..

Q. Where does the tour begin?

A. To join the tour, check in at the front lobby of Arch Street Meeting House at 320 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Q. Is the tour rain or shine?

A. Yes, the walking tour will occur regardless of rain. Please dress appropriately.

Q. Who should I contact if I have a question?

A. On the morning of the tour, call us at 215-413-1804, and a staff member at the front desk will be available to answer your questions.

The Free Produce Movement began among Quakers in the 18th and 19th centuries as a way to avoid goods made by enslaved people - similar to cruelty-free products today! The movement was very popular among Philadelphia Quakers like Lucretia Mott, but it was difficult to balance income and expense within the movement.

Stop by ASMH to learn more about the Free Produce Movement in a hands-on, all ages activity. Registration not required.

Arch Street Meeting House will be OPEN on Thursday, July 4th, 2024 for Independence Day.

Schedule of Events

• 9 - 11 am 

  The fun begins with flag raisings, museums, and historic sites openings, special recognitions, and the Children's Naturalization Ceremony at the Betsy Ross House (9 a.m.)

• 11 am    

  Red, White, Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade kicks off at the National Constitution Center, traveling along Independence Mall (Pre-registration to march in the Pomp & Parade is required. Stay tuned to the website for information)

• 11 am - 3 pm    

  Welcome America's Go 4th and Learn: Carpenters' Hall 250th Anniversary 

• 12 pm    

  Parade arrives at the endpoint at Carpenters' Hall

• 2 - 5 pm  

  Musical performances at four locations throughout the Historic District (Arch Street Meeting House, African American Museum in Philadelphia, National Liberty Museum and Elfreth's Alley)

  • Musical Performances at Arch Street Meeting House:

    2:15 – 3:00 pm    Philly Suns Lion Dancers (Chinese Lion Dance)
    3:15 – 4:00 pm    Rubble City String Band (old-time)
    4:15 – 5:00 pm    Project Capoeira (Brazilian Capoeira)

• 4 - 7 pm  

  Extended hours and special events at various historical sites and food and specials throughout Old City

George Fox was a co-founder of the Quaker faith, and we joined communities around the world to celebrate his 400th birthday!

On Saturday, June 29th, Arch Street Meeting House was open for FREE as a part of Wawa Welcome America’s Free Museum Day with birthday cake, historic interpreters, crafts, dunk tanks, and more! What better way to celebrate the Quaker City ahead of Independence Day weekend than with a birthday bash four hundred years in the making!

Our historic corner of Old City came to life with historical interpreters of William Penn, Hannah Callowhill Penn, and the birthday boy, George Fox himself. Period-dressed vendors shared their finest handcrafted goods, and visitors explored the exhibits on our historic burial grounds and experienced a self-guided tour of the meetinghouse’s exhibitions.

The festivities were not just a celebration of the Quaker legacy in Philadelphia, but a reminder of the enduring values of community, peace, equality, and integrity that Quakers have strived towards for centuries.

We will also see how the rest of the Biddle family, from Nicholas Biddle of Andalusia in Bucks County, the banker who opposed President Andrew Jackson, to Francis Biddle, who served as Attorney General under President Franklin Roosevelt, made their mark in American history. They ventured away from Quakerism, but established a wealthy and talented family influential in Philadelphia, and indeed, American history.

All are welcome! No prior registration required. The Zoom link for the event will go live on the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia’s website the day of the event.

About the Speaker

Tom Bowen is a member of Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia (Arch Street Friends). As a teenager he was a member of Salem Monthly Meeting in New Jersey, after which he obtained an undergraduate and law degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Following his retirement as a New Jersey Superior Court Judge, he moved to Philadelphia, and is the board chair of Friends in the City Retirement Community, a Quaker-based non-profit corporation for senior activities and services.

About the MMFP Adult Education Series

Adult Education Committee at Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia (Arch Street Friends) hosts a monthly series of Zoom talks on Quaker topics of particular relevance to meeting members and attenders. For a full slate of upcoming lectures, visit archstreetfriends.org/calendar.