Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a long-standing member of The Harriton Association, welcome! Built in 1704 and located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Harriton House is a distinguished example of early Pennsylvania architecture and a place to learn more about the life and legacy of one of America’s lesser-known founding fathers, Charles Thomson.
Come See Us
Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a long-standing member of The Harriton Association, welcome! We offer a window into the past representing more than 300 years of lived experience with guided tours of historic Harriton house, educational programs, and public events. We are honored by your visit and encourage you to explore the history preserved within these grounds.
The big July 4th weekend may be over but there`s still plenty of summer to enjoy. Join "Bacon Bob" Kraus for a meat smoking master class to learn how you can make the most of the rest of your 2026 picnics.
Bob will lead the class through mixing up a basic dry rub. He`ll discuss timing for different meats and cuts to achieve optimal results. Bob also promises to reveal some of the special cheat codes he`s developed over the years. Due to the nature of this class, students must be at least 16 years old to register.
Class will focus on brisket, pork shoulder, chicken thighs, and turkey breast. (Some meats will be started over smoke earlier in the day so they’re ready in time for the class.) Students are welcome to stay after class for picnic supper featuring the meats cooked that afternoon.
Our picnic supper menu also includes smoked baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread, iced tea, lemonade and watermelon for dessert.
Meat Smoking Master Class tickets $40.00 per person (includes supper)
Picnic supper only tickets $30.00 per person.
To register visit our Eventbrite page or follow the link in the Linktree in our bio above. You can also call our office at 610-525-0201 to register.
Tickets are limited so please sign up soon if you`re interested in the class.
#foodie #mainlinepa #brynmawrpa #bbq #phillyfood #montcopa
Historic Harriton House and the Harriton Association`s Office will be closed on Saturday, July 4th, 2026. We will re-open on Sunday, July 5th, 2026 at 11:00 am for "A Declaration Celebration at Charles Thomson`s Harriton House".
The grounds of Harriton House, the park, and the preserve will remain open from sunrise to sunset. Due to the extreme heat, please note that the farm animals may choose to stay in the barn.
We wish you all a happy, safe, and meaningful celebration of the 4th of July.
#semiquicentennial #housesofdeclaration @visitvalleyforge #brynmawrpa #declarationofindependence
We`re busy preparing for Sunday`s Declaration Celebration at Charles Thomson`s Harriton House. From hanging bunting, and gathering our collection of yard games, to decorating baskets, Harriton is a hive of activity.
Thanks to the generosity of the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board we will have free copies of the Declaration of Independence for the first 50 families. @visitvalleyforge organized the Houses of Declaration project to commemorate the Semiquincentennial in Montgomery County, bringing together historic houses and site across the county for public readings of the Declaration.
Harriton House is pleased to be a part of this project in honor of our most famous resident, Charles Thomson, the first and only Secretary of the Continental Congresses.
#housesofdeclaration #makeitmontco #America250PA #CharlesThomson #brynmawrpa #semiquincentenial
America`s 250th Anniversary doesn`t end at midnight on July 4th! Continue your celebrations at historic Harriton House at our Declaration Celebration on Sunday, July 5th.
Harriton is hosting a free community gathering to celebrate Charles Thomson`s role in helping to make the Declaration of Independence possible. Thomson served as Secretary to the Continental Congresses from 1774 to 1789, an important role where he was responsible for much of the behind-the-scenes logistics of the Congress.
Come to Harriton, celebrate with us, and learn more about Charles Thomson.
The event is free, parking is free, and picnicking and patriotic dress is highly encouraged. We`ll have free ice cream, live bluegrass music, and yard games to play.
Free commemorative copies of the Declaration of Independence will be given out to the first 50 families courtesy of Visit Valley Forge. @visitvalleyforge
#HousesofDeclaration #America250PA #brynmawrPA #HarritonHouse #Charles_Thomson
Programs
Harriton House and Park offer exciting hands-on educational opportunities at all levels for children and adults. Students, educators, and life-long learners will enjoy programs in history, the environment, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). Go to our Education and Opportunities pages for details on workshops, summer experiences, and other programs. Start with a visit to our farm animals and our extensive park.
History
Visitors to the Harriton House Museum and Park find an authentic 18th-century house with furnishings of the period. See the desk that Charles Thomson used to write the minutes of the Continental Congress deliberations. View the rooms where local neighbors were regularly entertained, along with George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Enjoy the surrounding park, part of the 700 acres of William Penn’s land grant.
The Property
Enjoy a walk and picnic in the park. Feed the goats, sheep, and chickens in the farmyard. Learn about the people who lived and worked here as the property evolved over 300 years: The original Welsh settler with a subsistence farm. The enslaved people on a tobacco plantation. A retired Founding Father experimenting with fruit trees. A woman botanist/explorer raising prize Guernsey dairy cows.