Welcome to Cliveden

Cliveden is a historic site owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and located in the Germantown neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia. Built as a country house by attorney Benjamin Chew, Cliveden was completed in 1767 and was home to seven generations of Chew family members. Cliveden has long been famous as the site of the Battle of Germantown in 1777, as well as for its elegant architecture and furnishing.

New research is unearthing a unique African American history including stories of lifestyles and struggles for freedom.

 

Mission Statement

Cliveden’s mission is to help people understand our shared history and motivate them to preserve it by providing access to the rich continuity of history and preservation in one community and family over time, and by offering direction and knowledge about preserving our built heritage and its value. We fulfill this mission: First, by preserving our houses, grounds, and collections; Second, by interpreting Cliveden and Upsala meaningfully to the public based on solid research; Third, by working with local businesses and community revitalization and historical organizations to be a catalyst for preserving and reusing historic buildings to sustain economic development for historic Northwest Philadelphia and beyond; Fourth, by promoting our community’s cultural life and historic preservation efforts; And fifth, by being a model of historic site management and preservation outreach.

- Approved by Cliveden’s Board of Directors, April 26,2006.