‘Round the Square: Free museums in Pennsylvania, part 4 of 4
MUSEUMS: Have you thought about taking a themed road trip?
In Pennsylvania, we have places to visit that are in celebration of famous authors.
For example, in Lackawaxen Township is the Zane Grey Museum and Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River Store. This former residence of renowned author Zane Grey is now a museum operated by the National Park Service. The museum offers a unique insight into the life and works of Grey, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in literary history. It is situated on the upper Delaware River and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum houses a vast collection of photographs, artworks, books, furnishings, and other items associated with Grey and his family. These artifacts provide a comprehensive view of Grey’s life and work, making the museum a fascinating destination for tourists.
In Philadelphia is the Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site. This historic site is where the renowned writer Edgar Allan Poe rented a brick house during his time in Philadelphia from 1837 to 1844. It is a significant location as it is the only surviving residence of Poe in Philadelphia. During this period, he created the character of detective C. Auguste Dupin in ‘The Murders in the Rue Morgue’ and wrote stories like ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’. This house is therefore a significant site for understanding the context and environment in which Poe created some of his most famous works.
There are museums devoted to Quaker history, architecture, American history, art, bugs, bicycles and more. Names like Benjamin Franklin and Milton Hershey, places like Gettysburg and Shanksville, and sites like the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center and the Newtown Square Tavern have so much to teach us.