Overview:

Edgar Allan Poe has been described as haunted and also as a genius. His writing have engaged readers all over the globe and even I remember learning about this great author in high school. Poe lived for six years in Philadelphia, during a time described as his happiest and most productive. His home is now preserved by the Park Service, giving visitors can a rare peak into Poe’s struggles and triumphs.

History:

The park was authorized on November 10, 1978 and established on August 14, 1980.

When to Visit:

The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9am - 5pm. It is closed New Years Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

Getting There:

Philadelphia is a great city to visit and there are a number of options on how to get there. For those interested in saving some money, check out public transportation options:

From Independence Visitor Center: (located at 6th & Market Streets) Walk one block west to 7th Street and take SEPTA bus Route 47 (located at the corner of 7th & Market). Get off at 7th & Spring Garden Street.

From Seventh Street: Take SEPTA bus Route 47 to Green Street.

SEPTA Market-Frankford Elevated Train (Blue Line): Take the Blue Line train eastbound from the 2nd, 5th, or 8th Street stations. Get off at Spring Garden Station and walk five blocks to Seventh Street.

Be sure to check bus schedules from Greyhound and Bolt Bus which often have affordable travel options.

For those driving into the city, refer to these directions:

Eastbound, via I-76: Exit onto I-676 East (toward "Central Philadelphia) and follow it to the 8th Street exit. Make a left at the second traffic light which will become 7th Street), and then drive two blocks to Spring Garden Street.

Westbound: Cross the Ben Franklin Bridge and exit at the traffic light. Follow 7th Street to Spring Garden Street.

Northbound, via I-95: Exit at Independence Hall/Historic Area and make a left onto Delaware Avenue. Turn left on Spring Garden Street and drive to 7th Street.

Southbound, via I-95: Take the Independence Hall/Historic Area exit and turn right onto Callowhill Street. Follow Callowhill to 7th Street, then make a right on 7th Street. Continue to Spring Garden Street.

Fees/Permits:

Admission is free to this site and no reservations are required. However, school groups and organizations should call (215) 597-8780 for a reservation.

Things to Do:

Check out the following list of fun things to do at the historic site:

• Check out new exhibits to learn about Poe's life and work
• Explore how Poe influenced writers around the world, including Alfred Hitchcock and Stephen King
• Learn what "ratiocination" is and use it to decipher a code hidden in a statue of Poe's head
• Help launch the hot air balloon. No really, as you pull, the balloon rises!
• Check out a 3-D model of Poe's home
• Take a self-guided or ranger-led tour of Poe's historic house
• Listen as famous actors narrate Poe's works. Voices include Vincent Price, Basil Rathbone, Christopher Walken and more
• Into music? You will enjoy dancing along to various works of Poe put to music by Glass Prism, the Alan Parsons Project, and Lou Reed
• Pose with the park’s "Raven"

Accommodations:

There are no accommodations within the national historic site, however, there are many hotels and options within the city of Philadelphia.

Areas of Interest Outside the Park:

Independence National Historical Park: Located in central Philadelphia, park includes structures and sites associated with the American Revolution and the founding of the United States.

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial: Life and work of Thaddeus Kosciuszko, a military engineer and an 18th century champion of American and Polish freedom, are commemorated here.

Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site: This national historic site features the second oldest Swedish church in the United States, founded in 1677.

Contact Info:

By Mail:
143 S. Third Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Phone:
(215) 597-8780