Harriton House

Harriton House is a colonial residence built from stone with a T-shaped floor plan and gable roof that reflects early building practices. The structure contains period rooms arranged around a central core, showing how families organized domestic space in this era.

The house was built in 1704 by Rowland Ellis, a Welsh Quaker seeking religious freedom in the colonies. It later became the home of Charles Thomson, a significant figure in early American government.

The name Bryn Mawr comes from Welsh and means high hill, reflecting the early Welsh families who settled in this area and left their mark on local place names.

The house operates as a museum maintained by a local association that offers guided visits to help you understand the interior layout and history. Check ahead about opening times and any special programs happening during your visit.

In the 1970s the house underwent a detailed restoration to match how it looked during Charles Thomson's time based on historical records. This careful work brought back period details that had been lost over the centuries.

Location: Montgomery County

GPS coordinates: 40.03472,-75.31139

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:05