Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:84 South Pine St.
Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Tel:
(215) 345-0210
Step back in time and explore a history museum filled with everyday items used in America during the 18th and 19th centuries!
A National Historic Landmark, the Mercer Museum was inspired by archeologist Henry Chapman Mercer, who began collecting pre-industrial hand tools and implements of the past, in the belief that the story of human progress and accomplishments could be told through the tools and objects that people used. Concerned that these time-honored crafts were slowly disappearing from memory, Mercer established the Museum, which was completed in 1916, to house vast collection of 40,000 early American objects and artifacts. Today, it displays the furnishings of early America, along with a whaleboat, carriages, stove plates, and the Lenape Stone.
Visitors can choose their own paths through the Museum to explore the 55 exhibit rooms and alcoves filled with tools or products of early American craft, trades and occupations, as well as categories of objects such as lighting devices or architectural hardware. There are also hands-on, creative programs designed specifically for kids and their families, as well as free monthly family workshops, reading series, and much more throughout the year. Younger kids will get a kick out of the fire engine suspended from the balcony, and older children will be thrilled by the complete gallows on display.
And if you get hungry, there are plenty of dining options in Doylestown, so there's no excuse to miss a visit to the Mercer Museum! To get to the museum, the 55 Bus runs from Broad and Olney to Doylestown Train Station, located at Clinton Avenue and Ashland Street. Follow Ashland Street East (turn right when coming out of the station). Cross over Route 611 (Main Street) and turn right on Green Street. The museum is on the left.
From Mercer Museum - Doylestown, Pennsylvania:
Towering castle houses dramatic displays of the implements, folk art and furnishings of early America before mechanization. Walk into the Central Court and see a Conestoga wagon, whaling boat, carriages and an antique fire engine suspended overhead. There are 40,000 tools of more than 60 early American crafts and trades displayed. Constructed in 1916, it is a National Historic Landmark.