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Historic home since 1690
Wyck was home to nine generations of the same Quaker family, the
Wistars and the Haines, who owned and lived on this "farm"
in Germantown. Today the wonderful colonial house with its noteworthy
1824 alterations by William Strickland, and its historic gardens invites
visitors to view not only remarkable collections, but to experience the changing character of Philadelphia
through the lives of its owners.
These family members represent the city's leadership in business, natural history
and science, education, and social responsibility.
Rich resources in family and Philadelphia history
Wyck offers a variety of rich resources for both the general visitor
and the scholar. Tours of Wyck give an overview of the history of
the way of life in this family, and of Philadelphia history, using
the furnishings and possessions accumulated over 300 years as illustrations.
Significant 18th and 19th century furniture, ceramics and needlework
bring alive the tastes and comforts of that time. Special subject
tours on architecture, decorative arts, and garden history can also be easily arranged. School groups are warmly welcomed.
Outbuildings and 1820s Rose Garden
Wyck's grounds include a nationally known garden of old roses
(over 30 varieties) which grow in their original plan dating from
the 1820's. Many of our original buildings still stand, including a c. 1797 smoke house, an 1836 ice house, a 1794 coach house, and a 1920s greenhouse.
Home Farm
For more than 250 years, Wyck existed as a working farm. Today that legacy continues with Wyck's Home Farm. With the support of the Samuel S. Fels Fund, the Home Farm was established in 2007. Large vegetable and herb gardens are designed with paths wide enough for easy walking. Strawberry and two raspberry beds exist, along with fruit trees, an asparagus bed, a cutting garden, and a large grape arbor. The various gardens are managed according to traditional gardening techniques, and no synthetic chemicals are used. Produce from the Home Farm is sold at Wyck’s seasonal, on-site weekly Farmers Market. The produce is available to neighbors at below market prices. We have partnered with the Food Trust to serve as many people as possible, regardless of their means. We accept vouchers from the federally funded Farmers Market Nutrition Program as well as food stamps.
Currently, Wyck’s Farmers Market provides the sole opportunity to buy beautifully grown, extremely fresh, chemical-free produce in the immediate neighborhood. In 2008, approximately 2,800 people visited the Farmers Market over the course of its seven-month season. Unlike at most urban Farmers Markets, Wyck market-goers have the opportunity to stroll through the gardens and see where and how their food is grown, and Wyck garden staff is always available to answer questions about growing and using fresh food. Wyck’s surplus produce is sold to area restaurants and at the Fair Food Farmstand at the Reading Terminal Market, or donated to neighborhood senior centers.
Click here to read more about the Home Farm and Wyck's Outdoor Education Program on Heritage Philadelphia Program's Blog
For more information on the house,
family
or gardens
visit our history
section.
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