Woodford Mansion

Woodford Mansion is a historic house in Fairmount Park, at 2300 N 33rd St in Philadelphia. Built between 1756 and 1758 for merchant William Coleman, it is furnished with colonial antiques and period objects made by Philadelphia craftsmen. A guided visit brings the house’s history into focus, including the Coleman, Barclay, Franks and Wharton families, as well as the enslaved Africans who lived and worked there. In summer, the front garden adds another reason to visit. Special events can include orchard tours and family activities.

A country house in Fairmount Park

William Coleman, a Philadelphia merchant and friend of Benjamin Franklin, had Woodford built between 1756 and 1758 as a summer residence. The house is among the historic mansions in Fairmount Park and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Five owners have held the property, including the Wharton family.

Woodford’s furnishings include colonial antiques and objects made by Philadelphia craftsmen for local families. The rooms and their contents give a guided visit its focus: the house’s history is told through the people who lived there and the objects they used.

The people behind the house

Tours cover the Coleman, Barclay, Franks and Wharton families, who used Woodford as a summer retreat. They also address the lives of Phila, Azmin, Hagar, Greenwich and Peter, enslaved Africans who worked as domestic servants for the Coleman and Franks families. Their stories are part of the history of the house and its residents.

The mansion’s gardens and orchard feature in some seasonal events. Past activities have included pumpkin painting, apple tasting and pressing apples for cider. Check the event schedule to see what is planned for your visit.