Joseph Priestley
Point Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
The noted English scientist, discoverer of oxygen, and Unitarian theologian lived in Northumberland, 1794 to 1804. His home and laboratory along the river are now a Priestley memorial and museum.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
The English chemist and Unitarian theologian Joseph Priestley, celebrated for isolating oxygen, made his home in Northumberland from 1794 to 1804 after leaving England. His riverside house and laboratory, now preserved as a memorial and museum, became a base for his scientific inquiry and dissenting faith during his final decade in America.
Why it matters
His presence brought a leading figure of Enlightenment science and religious liberty to the banks of the Susquehanna in the nation's early years.
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Nearby & related markers
Joseph Priestley
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Fleeing political and religious persecution in England, the chemist and Unitarian thinker Joseph Priestley settled in Northumberland from 1794 to 1804 and built a home and laboratory beside the river. Famous as an early isolator of oxygen, he spent his American years continuing his scientific and theological work in this quiet Susquehanna town, which now preserves the site as a museum.
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