Historic John Johnson Jr. House at 6306 Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia

Johnson House Historic Site

Johnson House Historic Site Philadelphia: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Located in Philadelphia’s historic Germantown neighborhood, the Johnson House Historic Site stands as a powerful symbol of America’s ongoing struggle for freedom, equality, and social justice. Built in 1768, this Colonial Georgian stone residence was home to five generations of the Quaker Johnson family—staunch abolitionists and central figures in Philadelphia’s anti-slavery movement. As a prominent station on the Underground Railroad, the Johnson House provided sanctuary to enslaved African Americans seeking freedom, with its attic serving as a well-concealed refuge.

Today, the Johnson House is not only a preserved architectural treasure but also a dynamic center for social advocacy. It hosts educational programs, community events like the Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival, and interactive exhibits that connect historic abolitionist efforts to present-day social justice initiatives. Whether you are a history enthusiast, student, or family looking for an educational outing, this comprehensive guide details everything you need to know—visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, guided tours, and nearby attractions. For up-to-date information, always check the Johnson House Official Site and Visit Philly.

John Johnson House in Germantown Philadelphia

The Origins and Construction of the Johnson House
The Johnson Family: Quaker Abolitionists
The House During the Revolutionary War
The Underground Railroad: The Johnson House’s Role
Visiting the Johnson House: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Special Programs, Events, and Nearby Attractions
Preservation and Public Recognition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Final Tips
References

The Origins and Construction of the Johnson House

Built in 1768 by Jacob Norr as a wedding gift for John Johnson, Sr. and Rachel Livezey, the Johnson House at 6306 Germantown Avenue became an architectural landmark. Its Colonial Georgian design, constructed with local stone, features distinctive Dutch doors and original shutters—marking it as one of Germantown’s grandest 18th-century homes (Visit Philly).

The Johnson Family: Quaker Abolitionists

The Johnson family, owners of the house for over five generations, were deeply rooted in Quaker values of equality and justice. Germantown itself is notable for the 1688 Germantown Protest Against Slavery, the first formal anti-slavery petition in the American colonies. Members like Samuel Johnson contributed to education and local governance, supporting institutions such as the Concord School—the area’s first English-speaking school (Philadelphia Yearly Meeting).

The House During the Revolutionary War

The Johnson House also witnessed pivotal moments in national history, including the 1777 Battle of Germantown. The house still bears scars from musket and cannon fire, a testament to its endurance through the Revolutionary War (Visit Philly).

The Underground Railroad: The Johnson House’s Role

The House as a Station

In the 19th century, the Johnson House served as a crucial Underground Railroad station. Jennett Rowland Johnson and her children provided shelter, food, and assistance to freedom seekers—often at great personal risk (Johnson House Official Site).

Notable Figures and Collaborations

The Johnson House is linked to prominent abolitionists such as Harriet Tubman, who is believed to have stayed there while guiding freedom seekers, and William Still, a key figure in the Underground Railroad. Their efforts were part of an extensive network of Quaker, European American, and African American abolitionists (6ABC).

The Attic Sanctuary

The third-floor attic was a strategic hiding place for those seeking freedom. Philadelphia’s strong free Black communities and Pennsylvania’s early abolition laws made the city a hub for Underground Railroad activity (Visit Philly Underground Railroad Guide).

Visiting the Johnson House: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Location

Address: 6306 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144

Accessibility & Getting There

Public Transit: SEPTA bus #23 stops at the corner; Germantown Regional Rail stations are nearby.
Parking: Limited street parking on Germantown Avenue and adjacent streets. Use public transport during busy events.

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Standard Hours (as of 2025):

Thursday–Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tours typically last 45–60 minutes; guided tours are required.
Hours may vary for holidays and special events—check the official site before visiting.

Ticket Prices:

Adults: $8
Seniors and Students: $6
Children under 12: $4
Group and school tour pricing available; inquire for specifics.
Some citywide events feature free admission (VisitPhilly.com).

Booking:

Advance reservations recommended, especially for groups or during event periods. Walk-ins accommodated as space permits.

Accessibility:

The main floor is wheelchair accessible. Upper floors and attic have limited accessibility; contact the site to discuss accommodations.

Special Programs, Events, and Nearby Attractions

Regular Programming

Guided Tours: Led by knowledgeable docents, exploring the Johnson family’s abolitionist story and Underground Railroad operations.
Educational Workshops: For schools and community groups, with curriculum-aligned resources.
Living History Demonstrations: Historical reenactments and storytelling bring abolitionist history to life.

Annual Events

Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival: Celebrating emancipation with live performances, art, and educational activities (Historic Germantown Events).
Art for Justice Exhibit: Connecting past and present struggles for social justice (CBS News).

Nearby Philadelphia Historical Sites

Concord School: Germantown’s first English-speaking school, across the street—tours available.
Cliveden of the National Trust, Historic Fair Hill, Lest We Forget Museum of Slavery: All within easy reach, offering deeper context on Philadelphia’s abolitionist history.

Preservation and Public Recognition

In 1997, the Johnson House was designated a National Historic Landmark for its pivotal role in the antislavery movement and the Underground Railroad. Today, it serves as both a museum and a Center for Social Advocacy, educating and inspiring new generations (Johnson House Official Site).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Johnson House visiting hours?
A: Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Hours may vary—check the official site.

Q: How much are Johnson House tickets?
A: Adults $8, seniors and students $6, children under 12 $4. Group rates available.

Q: Is the Johnson House wheelchair accessible?
A: The main floor is accessible; upper floors and attic have limited accessibility.

Q: Are guided tours required?
A: Yes, all visits are via guided tours to ensure an informative experience.

Q: Can I take photos inside the house?
A: Photography is generally allowed without flash; follow staff instructions.

Q: Can I visit during special events?
A: Yes, but book early as events like Juneteenth draw large crowds.

Q: What should I bring or wear?
A: Comfortable shoes for walking on uneven floors and narrow stairs. Bring a notepad or camera (no flash).

Summary and Final Tips

The Johnson House Historic Site is more than a preserved colonial home—it is a living memorial to the courage and resilience of the Johnson family and their allies in the fight against slavery. Through well-curated guided tours, authentic artifacts, and vibrant community programming, the site bridges Philadelphia’s abolitionist past with contemporary social justice advocacy. Its location in Germantown places you among other historic landmarks, making it an essential stop on any exploration of Philadelphia’s African American heritage.