Tour two historic landmarks in Germantown honored at this year’s Preservation Achievement Awards, Wyck Historic House and Grumblethorpe. 

Wyck Historic House (10:00 am-11:30am) Meet at the entrance of Wyck, 6026 Germantown Ave (map)

As one of Philadelphia’s oldest homes, dating back to 1690, Wyck is a National Historic Landmark that housed nine generations of the Wistar-Haines family. On this tour, you will explore the first floor—beautifully remodeled in 1824 by famed architect William Strickland to maximize natural light and open space—and discover a fraction of the 10,000 historic objects the family left behind. Your experience concludes with a stroll through the estate’s lovely gardens, which features America’s oldest rose garden.

Break (11:30am-1:00 pm)- Meet at Grumblethorpe for the afternoon tour at 1:00pm (located .8 miles from Wyck) 

Grumblethorpe (1:00pm-2:30pm) Meet at the entrance of Grumblethorpe, 5267 Germantown Ave (map)

 Journey into early American history that explores the vibrant life of the Wister family from their arrival as German immigrants. Built in 1744 by John Wister as a colonial summer retreat from the city’s humidity and later the family’s refuge during the 1793 yellow fever epidemic, the house stands today as a prime example of Germantown architecture, crafted from local Wissahickon schist and oak timbers. Conclude the tour with a stroll through the cultivated gardens that reflect the interests and tastes of various generations of Wisters.