Elfreth's Alley

Address:126 Elfreth Alley
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Tel: (215) 574-0560

Visit the oldest, continuously inhabited street in America! Experience Colonial Philadelphia through old cobblestone streets and narrow, brick houses!

With its cobblestone lanes, small two -story homes and pent eaves over doors and windows (a local trademark), Elfreth's Alley is typical of most of Colonial Philadelphia. In 1700, most of the resident artisans and tradesmen worked in shipping, but 50 years later, haberdashers, bakers, printers and house carpenters set up shop. Today, House 126, the 1755 Mantua Maker's House (cape maker), built by blacksmith Jeremiah Elfreth, serves as a museum and has a restored 18th-century garden in the back. The museum's interior includes a dressmaker's shop and an upstairs bedroom.

Visitors to the museum can buy Colonial candy and gifts and peek into some of the open windows on the street. Guided tours of the museum are offered daily on the hour and half hour, and last approximately 20 minutes. The tour take visitors through the first and second floors of the house and conclude in the back yard. In early June, residents celebrate Fete Day (also called Elfreth's Alley Day), when some of the alley's 32 private homes and gardens are open to the public for tours hosted by guides in Colonial garb. Fete Day is organized by the Leveret's Alley Association, which uses the proceeds from ticket sales to upkeep and restore the alley's private homes.

To get to Elfreth's Alley from the north, take I-95 South to Callowhill exit, continue straight on 2nd Street. From the south, take I-95 North to Historic District/Independence Hall Exit. One block to 4th Street, turn left to Race Street. Turn left on Race to 2nd Street. Turn right on 2nd street.

Elfreth's Alley Association is dedicated to the interpretation and preservation of the historic structures as a heritage site and living museum street. The Association presents and participates in programs to educate the public about American urban life on the Alley from the 18th century through to the present day. The Association protects the status of Elfreth's Alley as a registered National Historic Landmark and supports the preservation efforts of the Alley homeowners.