Date: July 11, 2009
Contact: Jane Cowley, 215-597-0060
Independence National Historical Park
Media Advisory
July 9, 2009
For Immediate Release
For more information contact:
Jane Cowley, 215-597-0060
GERMANTOWN WHITE HOUSE OFFICIALLY
RE- OPENS JULY 11 – SNEAK PREVIEW ON JULY 10
Unique new exhibits provide a glimpse into Washington’s extended household
The newly updated and refurbished Germantown White House, part of Independence National Historical Park, officially reopens to the public on Saturday, July 11th. Since closing in February 2008, the Germantown White House (formerly known as the Deshler-Morris House) has undergone substantial renovation and the installation of new exhibits designed to teach visitors about George Washington and his household, including four enslaved Africans. Members of the media are invited for a special sneak-preview on Friday, July 10.
WHAT: Sneak Preview of new Germantown White House exhibits
WHEN: Friday, July 10, anytime between 3:30 and 4:30 pm
WHERE: Germantown White House
5442 Germantown Ave
Philadelphia, PA
This is an invitation-only Open House for members of the media. Preview tours will be provided and park staff will be available to discuss the new exhibits and answer questions. Camera crews are welcome. Please contact Jane Cowley at (215) 597-0060 to confirm participation.
President Washington came to this house in Germantown in 1793 seeking a refuge from the yellow fever epidemic and returned with his family and household in the summer of 1794. The house hosted cabinet meetings and family gatherings. This renovation project included an extensive restoration, a geothermal heating/cooling system and new interactive exhibits.
A public grand Re-Opening Ceremony will take place on July 10, from 5:30 pm to 8 pm at 5507 Germantown Avenue, the Impacting Your World Christian Center on Market Square. The Germantown White House will be open to the public, free of charge, Wednesdays through Sundays, noon to 4 pm. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/demo.
