The Philadelphia Contributionship
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire ------ Oldest fire insurance company in America. Founded in 1752 by Benjamin Franklin and his friends.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Founded in 1752 by Benjamin Franklin and a group of his fellow citizens, the Philadelphia Contributionship was the oldest fire insurance company in America, pooling members' risk to protect their houses against loss by fire. Born of Franklin's practical genius for civic improvement, it turned mutual cooperation into a lasting institution in a city all too familiar with the threat of flames.
Why it matters
It marks the American origins of the insurance industry and Franklin's knack for building enduring institutions out of everyday civic needs.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- New Hall Military Museumnearby · Philadelphia
- Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank0.1 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Merchants' Exchange Building0.1 mi away · 143 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Powel House0.1 mi away · 244 South 3rd Street
- Philosophical Hall0.1 mi away · PA
- Independence Living History Center0.1 mi away
Attractions
- Carpenters' Hallnearby · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United Statesnearby · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- First Bank of the United States0.1 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- City Tavern0.2 mi away · 138 South 2nd Street
- Liberty Bell0.2 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- President's House0.2 mi away
Food & drink
- FRIEDAnearby · 320 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Franklin Social0.1 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Buddakan0.1 mi away · 325 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Red Owl Tavern0.1 mi away · 433 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Olivier Cafe0.2 mi away · 50 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Mechanics0.2 mi away · 22 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia
Places to stay
- Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel0.1 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel0.2 mi away · 237 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.2 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels0.2 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thomas Bond House0.2 mi away · 129 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Marriott Old City0.2 mi away · 1 Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Benjamin Franklin
Themes & tags
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