At the heart of the thriving industrial community known as RittenhouseTown was the first paper mill in North America. Built in 1690 on the banks of the Paper Mill Run (AKA Monoshone Creek) by William Rittenhouse and his son Nicholas, the mill was operated for the next 150 years by ten generations of the Rittenhouse family. RittenhouseTown once consisted of forty-five buildings including the mill and homes of many Rittenhouses. Today the Mill Site and adjacent 1707 Rittenhouse Homestead and Bake House remind us all of the importance of the paper making industry to the development of early America and the essential role of the Rittenhouse family as suppliers of locally produced paper for letters, legal documents, maps and books.
In 1983, thirty individuals formed Friends of Historic RittenhouseTown. They leased the historic buildings within the town from Fairmount Park and began their preservation efforts. 501c3 status was granted in 1985. In 1987, the organization began its popular education program and the site was declared a National Historic Landmark District in 1992. By preserving and interpreting RittenhouseTown, we are able to accurately present and educate about early American life.
At Historic RittenhouseTown, our interactive education program offers visitors of all ages the opportunity to experience the sense of community and purpose which has characterized this unique spot since the 17th century. Our professional staff provides interpretive walking tours of our early industrial village, interactive Colonial German cooking in our 18th century bake house and hands-on paper making classes to up to 3,000 school students each year. A visit to Historic RittenhouseTown enables educators to discuss with their students a wide variety of academic topics – from history and art to science, nutrition and conservation.
In addition to our education program, we frequently host community events and programs such as our paper arts workshop series, ghost hunting classes and colonial happy hours. These programs and more take place throughout the year. Public tours are offered on weekends from June to September between the hours of 12PM and 4PM. No reservations necessary.
Please visit our website for the most up to date information.
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