Ongoing Historic Restoration: Project honoring our heritage

December 10, 2014

The first major garden restoration project at Bartram’s Garden in nearly a century is now underway. Located to the west of the historic house, the Carr Garden was originally the early 19th century exhibition garden created by John Bartram’s granddaughter, Ann Bartram Carr, and her husband, Colonel Robert Carr. It was the first public green space at Bartram’s Garden, showcasing fashionable exotics from Asia and Ann Bartram Carr’s own hybrid dahlias and camellias.

The restoration will reconnect us to the Bartram spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. Work will continue throughout 2015 as we make critical updates to the National Historic Landmark Bartram House, including a new roof, geothermal climate control systems, and historic features and finishes. The Bartram House will not be open to the public until 2016; however, new guided tours will highlight this conservation and the transformations that are underway.

Funding for these projects has come from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Coastal Zone Management Program, Dorrance H. Hamilton, The McLean Contributionship, and anonymous donors.

 

I'm interested in:

Biking & Walking

Birds

Boating & Fishing

Flowers, Plants & Trees

Gardening

History

Kids' Activities

Sankofa Community Farm

Southwest Philadelphia

Water Quality

Workshops, Wellness & Culture

Youth Internships

I'm interested in:

Biking & Walking

Stroll the Schuylkill River Trail or join us for biking!

Birds

Look up! More than 100 species of birds rely on this ecosystem.

Boating & Fishing

Enjoy all that the Tidal Schuylkill River has to offer.

Flowers, Plants & Trees

See what’s blooming, find a favorite tree, and stroll the gardens and natural lands.

Gardening

Bring the Garden home! Shop for plants or grow food, trees, and more.

History

Uncover the interconnected stories of this historic site.

Kids' Activities

Join us year-round to learn, make, share, and wonder.

Sankofa Community Farm

“Go back and get it!” Growing food sovereignty with an African Diaspora focus.

Southwest Philadelphia

Resources and opportunities especially for neighbors in Southwest Philly.

Water Quality

Find our latest data on the river’s bacteria levels and recent rainfall.

Workshops, Wellness & Culture

Enjoy upcoming workshops, self-care, and events. Are you a Southwest artist? Let’s partner!

Youth Internships

Calling Southwest students: paid internships available with the river, the farm, and the trees.