Ross Mitchell, Executive Director of Glen Foerd, discussed the 18-acre public park and historic site located along the Delaware River in Philadelphia, and a Fairmount Park property operated by the Glen Foerd Conservation Corporation in cooperation with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.  Built in 1850 and enlarged in 1902-03, the estate—consisting of historic gardens, an Italianate-Classical Revival style mansion, and multiple additional structures—was saved from potential development through the activism of dedicated neighbors in 1983. Today, Glen Foerd focuses on welcoming a diverse community through a wide array of programs for all ages.

The Glen Foerd mansion is open for public visitation, free of charge, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visiting the mansion includes access to areas on all four floors of the house, where pieces from Glen Foerd’s historic collection are on display alongside installations by Artists in Residence.

The grounds of Glen Foerd are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Access to Glen Foerd is only restricted during private events and after dark.

Glen Foerd offers free public summer events including Third Thursdays, RiverFest, and ArtsFest.  There are also organ concert series featuring the recently restored 1902 Haskell pipe organ.

Glen Foerd promotes art and artists through a Teen Arts program and the Artists in Residence program, soon to feature three artists and performance and word art.

Promoting environmental-based educational programming. Glen Foerd is a founding member of the Riverways Collaboration, a consortium of non-profit organizations working together to create connections among local waterways and communities along the Delaware River. The Riverways Ambassador Program provides high school students with a greater appreciation for Philadelphia’s waterways, and to connect local students with paid hands-on learning experiences that teach them about careers in environmental stewardship. Other waterborne programs include kayaking and open boating and the Riverways boatbuilding program for high school students.

Other programs include Lily P.A.D.S, a children’s play and discovery program during the summer, workshops on crafts and art, and a community garden.

Their signature fundraising event, The Wedding Crashers Ball will be held on Oct. 25, featuring graduates of the Pig Iron theater group, this year’s theme will spoof the ‘Bachelor’ TV series.  

For more information visit www.glenfoerd.org