Doylestown has a rich history, boasting cultural attractions from colonial times, to the early 1900s, to the present. Doylestown is a must-see for the history buff, the artist, and the student in all of us.
Mercer Museum
84 South Pine Street, 215-345-0210 fax 215 230 0823 (http://www.mercermuseum.org/). . Built in 1916 by the archaeologist, anthropologist, artist and scholar, Henry Chapman Mercer. The six-story concrete castle houses a personal collection of over 30,000 items that Mercer believed should be preserved before the Industrial Revolution took over. The huge central atrium of the castle houses a whale boat, Conestoga wagon and stage coach, amongst other large pieces. Working your way through the narrow hallways of the museum, you can find ancient gadgets, woodworking instruments, early examples of electricity and even a "Vampire Killing Kit." In one of the hidden stairwells, there are footprints from Mercer's dog Rollo, who must have escaped before the wet concrete could fully dry. This is truly an eccentric place to visit. There are nooks, cranies, niches and rooms with all kinds of tools and implements used in the early history of the colonization. It's a great place to go on a hot day, the concrete keeps the building quite cool. There is a gift shop with postcards, Mercer tiles, crafts, books and other souvenirs. The Mercer Museum was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1985 and recently achieved accreditation by the American Association of Museums in 2005. M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Tu 10AM-9PM, Su noon-5PMFonthill Museum
East Court Street & Route 313, 215-348-9461, (http://www.mercermuseum.org/). Built between 1908 and 1912 as the home of Henry Chapman Mercer, as well as a gallery for his tiles and prints. Like the Mercer Museum, Fonthill is also a concrete castle and represents a mixture of Medieval, Gothic and Byzantine architectural styles. After Mercer's death in 1930, the housekeeper Laura Swain continued to give tours of the historic house and museum until she passed away in 1975. Today, Fonthill Museum attracts over 30,000 visitors a year and is a popular place for wedding photos and receptions. Every summer, Fonthill hosts the "Old Fashioned Fourth of July" where locals can participate in old-time games and celebration. Fonthill was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1985 and recently achieved accreditation by the American Association of Museums in 2005. M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM.Moravian Pottery & Tile Works
130 Swamp Road, 215-345-6722, (http://www.buckscounty.or...). Henry Chapman Mercer was very involved in the American Arts & Crafts Movement and is famous for producing ceramic tiles engraved with scenes of Bucks County nature and seasons. Today, tiles are still produced at the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works and can be purchased by visitors. Mercer's tiles can be seen throughout Doylestown, in the homes of locals, inlaid in the sidewalks and in the Mercer and Fonthill Museums. The Tile Works courtyard hosts a variety of seasonal activites including Pumpkinfest each Halloween, where local artists compete for the best carved pumpkin. Tickets are$3.50 adults, $3 seniors, $2 youth ages 7-17. Open daily 10AM-4:45PM.James A. Michener Art Museum
138 S. Pine St., 215-340-9800, (http://www.michenermuseum.org/). The stone building was originally constructed in 1884 as the Bucks County prison, but reopened its doors in 1988 as the James A. Michener Art Museum. The museum was named for James Michener, Doylestown's own Pulitzer-prize winning writer and patron of the arts. Today, the gallery houses an astounding collection of work from many Pennsylvania Impressionist artists. Attached to the museum is the Patricia D. Pfundt outdoor Sculpture Garden. Permanent exhibits include the Lenfest Exhibition of Pennsylvania Impressionism, The Garber Mural, James A. Michener: A Living Legacy, the Nakashima Reading Room, the Visual Heritage of Bucks County and an interactive exhibit on Bucks County writers and composers like Rodgers and Hammerstein. Tu-Fr 10AM-4:30PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM.Bucks County Civil War Roundtable Library & Museum
32 N. Broad St., 215-348-8293, (http://www.buckscivilwar.com/). The Civil War Museum has on display a multitude of items related to Doylestown's 104th Pa. Volunteer Infantry Regiment and the Civil War in general. Bullets, weapons, uniforms, flags, art and Lincoln Medals and Tokens dating from 1870 are just a few of the pieces primarily donated from area history buffs and collecters. The library has hundreds of books on the Civil War, a great many of which were donated by the late Fred Holzworth. The Roundtable hosts a variety of programs including speakers, concerts and trips to other area historical sites. Sa 10:30AM-2PM.