Germantown White House to Open for One Day on October 4

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Date: September 18, 2014
Contact: Jane Cowley, 215-597-0060

Philadelphia: The house where General George Washington and British General William Howe stayed –at different times –will be open for the Revolutionary Germantown Festival, October 4, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.The site is otherwise closed to visitors in the fall and winter.

The Germantown White House was used as a residence by President George Washington. But years before that, the Battle of Germantown raged along Germantown Avenue in October 1777, with fighting right across the street from the Germantown White House.Despite the determined efforts of the Americans, they lost and were forced to retreat to Valley Forge.Meanwhile the victorious British General William Howe occupied the house.

October 4 is the only open day the house will be open to visitors this fall.The elegant 18th century house and exhibits recall the time when President Washington held cabinet meetings there in November 1793.He was again concerned with war, this time between France and Great Britain.

Admission to this Independence National Historical Park site at 5442 Germantown Avenue is free. Visitors are welcome to see the exhibits and take a guided tour of the historic house.Modern restrooms are available. The first 100 families will be given a special souvenir.Media interested in a tour of the house should contact Jane Cowley at 215-597-0060 or jane_cowley@nps.gov.

www.nps.gov/inde

A unit of the National Park Service, Independence National Historical Park covers almost 54 acres in Philadelphia's Old City, and includes Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other historic buildings associated with the founding of the United States. The park is open from 9:00 am daily with the exception of Christmas day.At the Independence Visitor Center, located at 6th and Market Streets, visitors can pick up a park brochure, park map, and the free, timed tickets required for Independence Hall.For more information visit the park's website, https://www.nps.gov/indeor follow us at twitter.com/independencenhp.

 



Last updated: February 26, 2015

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