Sellers Hall
Upper Darby, Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
First permanent home in Upper Darby, built about 1684 by Samuel Sellers who occupied it with his bride, Anna Gibbons. Their son, Samuel Sellers, Jr., was the first of many family members active in mechanical and scientific pursuits. Birthplace of John Sellers, a founder of the American Philosophical Society. In 1769 he served on a select committee that observed the planet Venus in its passage across the sun.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Built around 1684, Sellers Hall was the first permanent home in Upper Darby, raised by Samuel Sellers and his bride Anna Gibbons in the earliest days of Penn's colony. The family became famous for its bent toward mechanics and science across generations. One son, John Sellers, helped found the American Philosophical Society and in 1769 joined the celebrated observation of Venus crossing the face of the sun.
Why it matters
The Sellers family typifies the Quaker Pennsylvania culture of practical science and invention that helped make Philadelphia an early center of American learning.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer5.8 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia5.8 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall5.9 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center5.9 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Independence Visitor Center5.9 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall5.9 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- American Bandstand2.6 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo3.7 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge3.8 mi away
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir4.0 mi away
- Rocky Steps4.3 mi away
- The Universal Sphere4.9 mi away
Food & drink
- Philly Pretzel Factory5.7 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe5.7 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Burger King5.7 mi away
- Fat Salmon5.8 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Garden5.8 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily5.8 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City5.2 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City5.2 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City5.3 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express5.3 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel5.3 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Fairfield Inn & Suites5.3 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Samuel Sellers
- · Anna Gibbons
- · John Sellers
Related events
- · 1769 transit of Venus observation
- · Founding of the American Philosophical Society
Themes & tags
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