Touring Elfreth's Alley

Updated: 8 octubre 2021
 By Jenn H

Philadelphians have lived on Elfreth's Alley since 1702 - not the same ones, of course - making this America's oldest inhabited street.

Where is Elfreth's Alley?

There are thirty two houses on Elfreth's Alley located between North 2nd Street and North Front Street, in the block between Arch and Race Streets.

It is a public street so you can visit whenever you'd like, but please keep in mind these are people's homes.

Screen Shot 2015-02-27 at 21.18.43

Elfreth's Alley Museum

The 18th century house at 124-126 Elfreth's Alley has been turned into museum to display a house renovated to Colonial-era times. Tour guides are available to discuss life of the residents through the years as well as tour the alley for the stories of the homes along the way.

Museum Hours: Friday & Saturday 12pm-5pm

The museum is closed in the winter. It will reopen in April 2015.

Admission: $5 for Museum Entrance and Alley Tour

A guidebook to the homes on the alley is available at the museum.

Who is Elfreth?

The alley is named after Jeremiah Elfreth, a silversmith in the area. This small alleyway was just a cart path and he lived and worked nearby on 2nd Street. He lived at 126 Elfreth Alley, which is now the home of Elfreth Alley Museum.

About The Author

Jenn H

Jenn is a born Jersey girl that grew up “across the Ben” but has Philly in her heart and history in her blood. She went to Washington & Jefferson College in the Pittsburgh area. Yes her college mascots were two guys in white wigs! Jenn came back to Philly to get her M.A. in Museum Studies. Happily worked at the city history museum but came outside for some fresh air as a tour guide. Jenn has been part of the FTBF team since March 2011.
Updated: octubre 8th, 2021
Back to Top
cross