2. Sat, Sun, Nov. 7 & 8: Whitemarsh Encampment Re-enactment10am-4pm. Step back in time to 1777. See Revolutionary War re-enactors, military maneuvers and skirmishes, sutlers with colonial reproductions, plus cooking and craft demonstrations. Tour the Hope Lodge mansion, and much more! Admission: $6- Adults; $4- Seniors and Youths; Age 5 and under- Free; Special Rate $20 per family (one car).
3. It is our great pleasure to extend an invitation to you for our 28th Hope Lodge Encampment on November 7 and 8, 2009. This is the 232nd Anniversary of the 1777 Whitemarsh Encampment. In 1777, the Continental Army was encamped near what is currently the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s historic site, Hope Lodge, from November 2 to December 11. During that six-week period, Hope Lodge served as the headquarters of General John Cochran, Surgeon General for the Middle Division of the Continental Army. Based on surviving records, it is evident that Whitemarsh Estate (Hope Lodge) was the medical headquarters for the Army throughout the encampment. Please come celebrate this historic event, not only in our nation’s history, but also in the history of Hope Lodge. The Encampment will be open to the public from 10am to 4pm each day. As part of the activities for the weekend, we plan to stage skirmishes utilizing earthworks (redoubt and lunette) as well as demonstrate other facets of colonial history and everyday life. Many will be willing to share expertise during the weekend with demonstrations or presentations on various 18th century topics, (e.g., clothing, textiles, military life, military tactics, 18th century medicine, coopering, transportation, manners, just to name a few.
4. Directions: Pennsylvania Turnpike exit 339 (Fort Washington). After toll, stay left and follow the road (pass a Friendly's) to end. Left onto Bethlehem Pike. Shortly after crossing beneath the highway, Hope Lodge is on your left. Hours: Fri & Sat 10am-5pm; Sun noon-5pm (last tour begins at 4pm; after daylight savings time, 3pm). Closed Mon-Thur (except by special request for larger groups and schools. Adult (ages 12-64) $6.00 Reduced (ages 65+) $5.00 Youth (3-11) $3.00 Children (2 and under) free Group rate (preregistered) $5.00 Active military personnel and their families free Friends of Hope Lodge Members free Heritage Society Members free Hours and fees are subject to change. Your admission fees help to preserve and improve the historic sites and museums operated by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. PA Heritage members get in free for tours but not for special events. AAA Members receive a 50¢ discount off applicable admission price (group rate excluded).
5. Directions to Hope Lodge: 553 South Bethlehem Pike Fort Washington, PA 19034Pennsylvania Turnpike exit 339 (Fort Washington exit, old number 26). After toll, follow the road (pass the Holiday Inn) to end. Left onto Bethlehem Pike. Before the second light, Hope Lodge will be on your left.
6. 1777 Whitemarch Encampment Experience a tribute to the original 1777 Whitemarsh Encampment and to American and British soldiers of the Revolutionary War! Reenactors, military skirmishes, tactical demonstrations and drills, a field hospital in our 18th century barn, dirt redoubts, colonial crafts, special tours, and much more. Admission charged.
7. History at Hope Lodge Hope Lodge was built between 1743 and 1748 by Samuel Morris, a prosperous Quaker entrepreneur. Morris acted as a farmer, shipowner, miller, ironmaster, shopowner, and owner of the mill now known as Mather Mill. Hope Lodge is an excellent example of early Georgian architecture, and it is possible that Edmund Woolley, architect of Independence Hall, offered advice in building. Samuel Morris owned the estate until his death in 1770, when it was inherited by his brother Joshua. Joshua in turn sold the property and dwelling to another Philadelphia merchant, William West. The Wests lived at Hope Lodge from 1776 to 1782. The house was then known as Whitemarsh Farms and as Whitemarsh Estate. The Wests were in residence during the Whitemarsh Encampment, a six-week period of the American Revolution when the Continental Army camped in the surrounding fields after the Battle of Germantown and before encamping at Valley Forge. During that time the house was used as headquarters by George Washington's Surgeon General, John Cochran.
