Thomas Massey House
Marple Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
A fine example of early Pennsylvania rural architecture. Brick section was built before 1708 by Thomas Massey, who by 1696 was owner of a 300-acre "plantation" here. An earlier central wooden section was replaced by stone about 1730 by his son. Original wood kitchen replaced by stone about 1800. Room above kitchen added sixty years later. The house was deeded in 1964 to Marple Township and was restored.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
The oldest part of this house, a brick section, rose before 1708 on the 300-acre plantation Thomas Massey had acquired by 1696 in the young colony of Pennsylvania. Successive generations added to it in stone, and its rooms record the slow evolution of a rural homestead from William Penn's day into the nineteenth century. Deeded to Marple Township in 1964 and restored, it survives as a rare example of early Pennsylvania architecture.
Why it matters
As one of the oldest English Quaker homes in Pennsylvania, the Massey House offers a tangible link to the colony's founding generation and the everyday life of its early settlers.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer10.6 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia10.6 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall10.7 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center10.7 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Independence Visitor Center10.7 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall10.8 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- American Bandstand7.4 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo8.3 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge8.4 mi away
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir8.5 mi away
- Rocky Steps9.1 mi away
- The Universal Sphere9.7 mi away
Food & drink
- Burger King10.6 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory10.6 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe10.6 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon10.6 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily10.6 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Garden10.6 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City10.0 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City10.0 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City10.1 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express10.1 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel10.1 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Fairfield Inn & Suites10.1 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Thomas Massey
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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