Historical Attractions
Live A Little In The Past
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we sometimes overlook the gems that are in our own backyards. In this section, you will find a variety of historical sites, museums, historic districts and other stops that speak to the rich, historic fabric that earned these communities the designation of Landmark Towns.
New Hope
Bucks County Audubon Society at Honey Hollow
- Address & Phone
- 2877 Creamery Road • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215-297-5880
Bucks County Audubon Society at Honey Hollow
- Address & Phone
- 2877 Creamery Road • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215-297-5880
- Website
- www.bcas.org
Bucks County Audubon Society’s mission is: “To educate the people of the greater Bucks County region about our natural world with an emphasis on energy and resource conservation, including protection of birds and other wildlife and their habitats.”
The Bucks County Audubon Society (BCAS) is a non-profit organization founded as a chapter of the National Audubon Society in 1969. BCAS manages Honey Hollow Watershed as a model of cooperative conservation efforts by farmers. Honey Hollow Watershed is the first small upland watershed in agricultural use and multiple private ownership to demonstrate that cooperative local action, supported by Federal technical assistance, is a practical method of achieving national goals in soil, water and wildlife conservation, and flood prevention. As such, it has served as a prototype for thousands of similar small watersheds throughout the nation.” – National Historic Landmark Statement of Significance (on August 4, 1969).
Donations to BCAS go to work immediately in our region. Since its inception, the organization has been dedicated to conserving wildlife, promoting awareness of environmental problems, educating the community about the interdependence of humans and their world, and furthering the wise use of land, air, and water. Our trails are open every day for your responsible enjoyment.
Learn more about Bucks County Audubon Society and the Honey Hollow Watershed at their website.
Friends of the Delaware Canal
- Address & Phone
- 145 S. Main Street • New Hope, PA 18938 • 2158622021
Friends of the Delaware Canal
- Address & Phone
- 145 S. Main Street • New Hope, PA 18938 • 2158622021
- Website
- www.fodc.org
The Friends of the Delaware Canal
The Friends of the Delaware Canal is an independent, non-profit organization working to restore, preserve, and improve the Delaware Canal and its surroundings. Our primary goals are to ensure the Canal is fully-watered from Easton to Bristol and the towpath trail is usable over its entire length.
Explore the website to learn about the many opportunities to participate in our efforts. Learn about the Canal, participate in events along the towpath and in the canal, and join a group of dedicated volunteers to care for this treasured national historic landmark that flows through our towns.
Delaware Canal State Park and National Historic Landmark
- Address & Phone
- 11 Lodi Hill Rd • Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972 • (610) 982-5560
Delaware Canal State Park and National Historic Landmark
- Address & Phone
- 11 Lodi Hill Rd • Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972 • (610) 982-5560
- Website
- www.dcnr.state.pa.us
A walk along the 60-mile long towpath of Delaware Canal State Park is a stroll into American history. Paralleling the Delaware River between Easton and Bristol, this diverse park contains an historic canal and towpath, a 90-acre pond, many miles of river shoreline, and 11 river islands including the Morgan Hill group (3), Loors, Whippoorwill, Old Sow, Raubs, Lynn/Frog/Rock group, and Hendricks. From riverside to farm fields to historic towns, visitors to Delaware Canal State Park enjoy the ever-changing scenery along its corridor.
The Delaware Canal is the only remaining continuously intact canal of the great towpath canal building era of the early and mid-19th century.
Parry Mansion Museum & New Hope Historical Society
- Address & Phone
- 45 South Main Street • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215.862.5652
Parry Mansion Museum & New Hope Historical Society
- Address & Phone
- 45 South Main Street • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215.862.5652
- Website
- www.newhopehs.org
New Hope has a fascinating history that dates back to the time of the Lenni-Lenape Indians before the town was first established in 1700. The New Hope Historical Society has been committed since 1958 to “inspire people to explore New Hope’s past, understand its present, and envision a better future.”
The New Hope Historical Society fulfills their mission through annual events, a speaker series, a Juried Art Show, a garden Tour and the regularly scheduled tours of their home at the Parry Mansion. Check out their calendar of events for an opportunity to learn more about local history and support the ongoing efforts so to preserve it.
Free Public Tours of the Parry Mansion
Click here to read about the tours
Tour Season May 7th – Nov 20th, 2016
Sat. & Sundays 1 – 5 pm
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
- Address & Phone
- 32 West Bridge Street • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215.862.2332
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
- Address & Phone
- 32 West Bridge Street • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215.862.2332
- Website
- www.newhoperailroad.com
Travel back in time aboard a train.
The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad in New Hope offers a variety of options for excursions. From hourly rides to leisurely Evening Star Dinner Trains, they offer something for the entire family. Kids will love the Wildflower Express and Firefly Express. The Song & Story Hour Express and the Family Dinner Trains are also popular for families.
Adults may prefer the Grapevine Express. Join them for a Romantic Wine and Cheese Excursion at 5:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, May 28 thru October 30. Ride the rails in first class comfort in their beautifully restored, air conditioned Parlor Car for a 50 minute tour while enjoying fine cheeses, toasted crackers and exclusive vintages from various regions. Each month a different region will be featured.
New Hope Locktender’s House
- Address & Phone
- 145 South Main Street • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215-862-2021
New Hope Locktender’s House
- Address & Phone
- 145 South Main Street • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215-862-2021
- Website
- www.fodc.org
For 100 years, beginning in 1832, sure-footed mules towed boats loaded with coal and other cargo along the Delaware Canal. Today, you can learn about Life at the Lock by visiting the restored Locktender’s House and Lock 11, located at the Canal Boat Landing in Delaware Canal State Park, New Hope.
The Locktender’s House at Lock 11 serves as the first interpretive center within Delaware Canal State Park and as headquarters for the Friends of the Delaware Canal. The restored early 19th century house illustrates Life at the Lock and Canal history through exhibits, artifacts and restoration details.
Boats can’t go uphill or down, so Canal engineers installed 23 locks on the 60-mile-long Delaware Canal to raise and lower boats onto stretches of level water. At the recently restored Lock 11, you can learn how the locks work and appreciate the waterway’s role as one of the nation’s great towpath canals.
HOURS:
Year Round: Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
May 1 through October 31: Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Yardley
Delaware Canal State Park and National Historic Landmark
- Address & Phone
- 11 Lodi Hill Rd • Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972 • (610) 982-5560
Delaware Canal State Park and National Historic Landmark
- Address & Phone
- 11 Lodi Hill Rd • Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972 • (610) 982-5560
- Website
- www.dcnr.state.pa.us
A walk along the 60-mile long towpath of Delaware Canal State Park is a stroll into American history. Paralleling the Delaware River between Easton and Bristol, this diverse park contains an historic canal and towpath, a 90-acre pond, many miles of river shoreline, and 11 river islands including the Morgan Hill group (3), Loors, Whippoorwill, Old Sow, Raubs, Lynn/Frog/Rock group, and Hendricks. From riverside to farm fields to historic towns, visitors to Delaware Canal State Park enjoy the ever-changing scenery along its corridor.
The Delaware Canal is the only remaining continuously intact canal of the great towpath canal building era of the early and mid-19th century.
Garden of Reflection 9-11 Memorial
- Address & Phone
- 1950 Woodside Rd • Yardley, PA 19067 • 267-274-1100
Garden of Reflection 9-11 Memorial
- Address & Phone
- 1950 Woodside Rd • Yardley, PA 19067 • 267-274-1100
- Website
- www.9-11memorialgarden.org
The Garden of Reflection 9-11 Memorial was created to remember and honor our loved ones and all 2,973 killed on September 11, 2001. It is situated in Memorial Park amid the natural beauty of Historical Bucks County farmland in Lower Makefield Township.
The Memorial designed by Yardley architect Liuba Lashchyk AIA invites us on a walking Memorial Journey symbolizing “After Darkness…Light”. This Memorial Journey leads from sorrowful reminders of tragedy and grief towards luminous symbols of hope, Peace and Celebration of Life.
Yardley Historical Association
- Address & Phone
- 46 West Afton Avenue • Yardley, PA 18067 • 215-493-6625
Yardley Historical Association
- Address & Phone
- 46 West Afton Avenue • Yardley, PA 18067 • 215-493-6625
- Website
- www.yardleyhistory.org
Old Library by Lake Afton
In 1977, the Yardley Historical Association assumed responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the “Old Library” by Lake Afton. The historic library is used as the Association’s headquarters and may be rented for weddings and other events.
The original Yardleyville Library Company was established in 1845. Samuel Slack was appointed librarian with an annual salary of $1.00. The subscription library was housed in a room over Mr. Slack’s store (the site of the present Continental Tavern).
In the 1870’s the citizens of Yardleyville erected a library building on land donated by the heirs of William Yardley who settled in the area in 1682 on land purchased from William Penn. The Yardleyville Library was completed in 1878. The building’s style, known as “carpenter” Gothic, features a steep gable roof, decorative slate work, and pointed arched windows. The design was possibly copied from an old volume of poetry.
In 1959, after the building was threatened by a proposed route for Interstate 95, several local residents donated funds for an addition in keeping with the original architectural style. The building was used as a community library until 1977, when a branch of the Bucks County Library was constructed outside of town in Lower Makefield Township.
Morrisville
Delaware Canal State Park and National Historic Landmark
- Address & Phone
- 11 Lodi Hill Rd • Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972 • (610) 982-5560
Delaware Canal State Park and National Historic Landmark
- Address & Phone
- 11 Lodi Hill Rd • Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972 • (610) 982-5560
- Website
- www.dcnr.state.pa.us
A walk along the 60-mile long towpath of Delaware Canal State Park is a stroll into American history. Paralleling the Delaware River between Easton and Bristol, this diverse park contains an historic canal and towpath, a 90-acre pond, many miles of river shoreline, and 11 river islands including the Morgan Hill group (3), Loors, Whippoorwill, Old Sow, Raubs, Lynn/Frog/Rock group, and Hendricks. From riverside to farm fields to historic towns, visitors to Delaware Canal State Park enjoy the ever-changing scenery along its corridor.
The Delaware Canal is the only remaining continuously intact canal of the great towpath canal building era of the early and mid-19th century.
Summerseat
- Address & Phone
- Hillcrest & Legion Avenues • Morrisville, PA 19067 • (215) 295-2900
Summerseat
- Address & Phone
- Hillcrest & Legion Avenues • Morrisville, PA 19067 • (215) 295-2900
- Website
- historicsummerseat.com
Summerseat was George Washington’s Headquarters from December 8-14, 1776 and is the only home in America that was owned by two signers of both The Declaration of Independence and The American Constitution, Robert Morris and George Clymer
Open to the public:
First Saturday of every month from 10 AM – 1 PM
Individual tours are available by appointment at a cost of $7.00 per person
Bristol
Delaware Canal State Park and National Historic Landmark
- Address & Phone
- 11 Lodi Hill Rd • Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972 • (610) 982-5560
Delaware Canal State Park and National Historic Landmark
- Address & Phone
- 11 Lodi Hill Rd • Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972 • (610) 982-5560
- Website
- www.dcnr.state.pa.us
A walk along the 60-mile long towpath of Delaware Canal State Park is a stroll into American history. Paralleling the Delaware River between Easton and Bristol, this diverse park contains an historic canal and towpath, a 90-acre pond, many miles of river shoreline, and 11 river islands including the Morgan Hill group (3), Loors, Whippoorwill, Old Sow, Raubs, Lynn/Frog/Rock group, and Hendricks. From riverside to farm fields to historic towns, visitors to Delaware Canal State Park enjoy the ever-changing scenery along its corridor.
The Delaware Canal is the only remaining continuously intact canal of the great towpath canal building era of the early and mid-19th century.
Bristol Borough Walking Tour
- Website
- tourbristol.org
.Bristol Borough Walking Tour
This tour was made possible by a United Way Community Impact Grant and is a collaboration of the Bristol Borough Community Partnership, Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Conwell-Egan Catholic EAST Program, Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Museum and Library, and The Artists of Bristol on the Delaware.
There is much to see and do in Bristol Borough. A self guided audio tour of the Historical can be downloaded from tourbristol.org.
It can be played on your cell phone or you can pick up an MP3 player at the Grundy Library. You can also obtain a guided tour brochure at several location in town including the Grundy Library and Grundy Museum.
Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation
- Address
- 321 Cedar Street • Bristol, PA 19007
- Website
- www.bristolhistory.org
The Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Museum
- Address & Phone
- 610 Radcliffe Street • Bristol, PA 19007 • 215-788-9432
The Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Museum
- Address & Phone
- 610 Radcliffe Street • Bristol, PA 19007 • 215-788-9432
- Website
- www.grundymuseum.org
Nestled into the banks of the Delaware River in historic Bristol Borough, The Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Museum was home to the Grundy family whose ancestors were among the first European settlers in Bucks County. The Grundy Museum allows a visit to the world of this wealthy late Victorian-era family. This world is interpreted through the furnishings and objects in the home, all of which were owned and used by the Grundy Family.
Admission to the Grundy Museum is free and includes a guided tour of the Grundy family home, its riverfront gardens, and access to any current exhibit(s) at the adjacent Grundy Library. Tours last approximately 45 minutes.
Admission is always free. We welcome guests of all ages.
Museum Hours
April – December
Tuesday – Thursday and Saturday: Tours at 1:15p,. 2:15pm, and 3:15pm
Other times available by appointment. Please call 215-788-7891 (ext. 13) or click here to request a tour.
January – March
The Grundy Museum is closed.
Rooftop Patio & Riverfront Park Hours
Regular hours:
Monday-Thursday, 8am to dusk
Friday-Saturday, 8am to 4pm
Sunday, CLOSED
