Research
History Hunters
School Programs
Group Tours
How to research at Stenton

As a leading figure in Philadelphia between 1700 and 1750, James Logan was famous as a man of scholarship. Benjamin Franklin said of Logan, "His life was for the most part a life of business, tho' he had always been passionately fond of study". By the time Logan died Stenton contained 2,681 books, comprising Logan's library. He read seven languages, conducted experiments on corn, translated classical texts, and served as scientific mentor to men like Franklin and John Bartram. This passionate fondness for study is still strong at Stenton, a place of learning for a wide range of visitors - from adults to schoolchildren to families.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Stenton especially welcomes school age visitors who can learn about 18th century life in extensive tours of the mansion, outbuildings and grounds. Stenton's educational program, called "James Logan: Keeper of Penn's Woods" includes workshops designed to help students master skills in their age range. Tours are interactive, allowing students to ask questions and learn from one another. Because Stenton is now located in an urban setting, many students especially benefit from an identification exercise of agricultural tools, gaining a greater understanding of rural life in colonial times.

School tours are welcome at any time and arrangements may be made with Stenton's Educational Coordinator (education@stenton.org). Pre- and post- visit information is provided to teachers so that visitors may gain the most from their trip to Stenton.

A typical school tour includes:

• An interactive introduction to Stenton, the Logan family and 18th century life
• Tour of the mansion, kitchen, and privy, where students learn about the family, domestic life and the servants and slaves who worked on the estate
• A craft-making exercise
• Identification and discussion of agricultural tools in the Stenton barn

 

History Hunters Education Program

Students can explore history in their backyard through an innovative educational program called The History Hunters Youth Reporter Program. This project allows participating schools to visit to four different sites in Germantown during the school year, and dramatically weaves the individual histories of the sites into an historical fabric that covers United States' history from colonial times through the War of Independence and the Civil War. For further information about the program and how to become involved, visit the History Hunters website.

GROUP TOURS

Stenton welcomes group tours and operators. Special arrangements can be made for any length visit or in coordination with visits to other sites in the area. Please contact us for further information.

RESEARCH

Stenton's collections and archives are open by appointment to students and scholars with specialized areas of interest in 18th century decorative arts, architecture, and history. Please phone or e-mail Stenton for further information or to schedule an appointment. Additional research topics, please click here.

GENEALOGY

Stenton continues to remain interested in the Logan family and keeps extensive genealogical records. Occasional reunions of the family are held at Stenton, and members of the Logan family are warmly encouraged to contact Stenton.