Martha Wright Ferry Mansion
Along with my love of history comes a particular interest in architecture which ranks house museums near the top of my travel destination list. Last summer I stumbled across this wonderful gem hidden in Columbia, Pa. The Wright Ferry Mansion was built in 1738 for owner Susanna Wright, an English Quaker in the once wild territory off the Susquehanna River. Her brothers established a ferry for travelers and goods across the river, hence the story behind the mansion’s name. Susanna was a strong, independent woman with a love of learning and industry. With an insatiable appetite for classical literature, she corresponded with Benjamin Franklin and he would send her little gifts along with requested books. Exquisite William and Mary and Queen Anne furnishings from Philadelphia graced the otherwise austere Quaker simplicity of the home. Besides overseeing all the components of running a colonial manor, Susanna produced silk on her own property.
The home was kept in the family until the Von Hess Foundation acquired the property in the mid twentieth century. It is one of the most historically authentic house museums around. The house is original, along with the unfinished hardwood floors, the woodwork, and even the glass panes in the windows! Although much of the furniture is not original, it is period-accurate, and the house boasts a large ceramics, glass, metals, and textiles collection adding to the richness and depth of the restoration.
What makes this house museum stand out though is the quality of the tour itself. The guide was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, interactive, and willing to cater to your individual needs. The information was presented in such a way as to draw the participant into the eighteenth century and leave an impression not soon to be forgotten. My children thoroughly enjoyed it and came away excited to learn more about colonial history! This tour would be ideal for homeschooled families looking to expand their unit on Early Colonial American history. For us it was super close and very affordable. Be sure to put this one on your travel list!
Beware: Parking is tricky as there is no on-site parking. You must find a side street to park which was not too difficult. Be careful to read street signs to avoid any parking tickets.
Open May through October
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
10:00 to 3:00 (last tour begins at 3:00)
Admission: $5.00 adults $2.50 children
Reservations required for groups
Wright’s Ferry Mansion
Second and Cherry Streets
PO Box 68
Columbia, PA 17512
717-684-4325
See http://lancastercountymuseums.org/wrights-ferry-mansion/ for more information!
