About

A BREIF HISTORY OF STENTON

Stenton is a property administered by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. James Logan erected this fine example of early Georgian architecture in the countryside near Philadelphia between 1723 and 1730. Logan had come to Philadelphia with William Penn in 1699 as his secretary, and for the rest of his life remained the Penn family’s representative in the colony and at the center of Pennsylvania’s political life. Although now in a densely populated urban area with factories and railroad nearby, Stenton’s present three-acre site preserves significant buildings, landscape, and objects. As perhaps the most important building in Philadelphia extant from the early 18th century, Stenton offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to explore the material culture and the political, cultural, social and architectural history of one of the elite families in Colonial Pennsylvania, as well as the lives of others who lived and interacted with the property. In 1899, the Pennsylvania Society of the Colonial Dames of America entered into a lease agreement with the Logan family to manage Stenton. Then, after the property was purchased by the City of Philadelphia, the Society of Colonial Dames was charged in 1910 “to preserve and maintain Stenton as an historic object lesson.” Today, managed by the Stenton Committee of The NSCDA/PA, the historic site is interpreted to a wide public.

The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is dedicated to preserving our State and National heritage through preservation of historic properties, conservation of antiquities and archives, education, scholarships, patriotism and respect for our Colonial ancestors whose distinguished service prior to 1776 and ideals are the foundation of our Country.

One of the Society’s most important service projects is the preservation and administration of Stenton

MISSION STATEMENT FOR JAMES LOGAN’S STENTON

A Philadelphia ordinance of 1910 charged The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania “to preserve and maintain Stenton as an historic object lesson.”  The NSCDA/PA strives to present a balanced and accessible interpretation of the domestic, social and political life of one of Pennsylvania’s most significant families between 1730 and 1830.  We further this charge by developing educational approaches, affiliations, community connections, and partnerships that will inform and engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds; preserving all cultural resources of the site relating to the history of the Logan family, Stenton, and its place in American history; and supporting research activities that shed light on the history and significance of the Logan family and Stenton, and enhance the interpretive programs.  Stenton enriches community life independently and through collaboration with partners, such as Historic Germantown.

Stenton also works to carry out the Mission of Historic Germantown:

“To foster an appreciation of the diverse character and meaning of our cultural heritage in order to preserve and revitalize our community. To this end, we cooperate in providing knowledge and resources to help preserve Germantown’s historic sites, interpret them to the public, and incorporate them into the life of the local community.”