Founded in 1795 by Philadelphia merchant John Craig as a summer retreat, his daughter, Jane, and her husband, Nicholas Biddle, oversaw massive expansions of the property in the 1830s. Since then, Andalusia has been stewarded and preserved by five generations of Biddles—including Letitia Glenn Biddle, who planted the first formal flower gardens in the 1890s; Charles J. and Katherine Biddle, who modernized the Big House in the 1920s; and James “Jimmy” Biddle, who opened Andalusia to the public in 1980. Jamie and Kristin Biddle, and the Andalusia Foundation Board of Trustees, now lead the effort to maintain the Big House, expand the gardens, and increase visitor access, so that the beauty of Andalusia and the history of the Biddle family can be shared with others for years to come.

Besides enjoying the historic home, our private tour will explore the new special exhibition, Revolutionary Family:  The Biddles and American Independence, timed to coincide with the nation’s semiquincentennial, will present historical art and documents exploring the lives of the extended Biddle family during the 1770s, marking the first time this important moment in history has been explored at Andalusia.

The exhibition will consider the influential roles that Biddle family members played during the Revolution, the impact of the Revolution on family members whose descendants later lived at Andalusia, and wartime activities at or near the pre-Andalusia site. By emphasizing personal stories and the relationships that bond families, the display will bring intimate, relatable perspectives to this critical moment in American history through fascinating manuscripts and objects from both Andalusia’s archives and partner institutions across Philadelphia.

Revolutionary Family will spotlight eight family members—all siblings, first cousins, spouses, or parents—active in early American government, military, science, and society. One branch of the family includes Clement, Deputy Quartermaster General for the Continental Army and a close advisor to George Washington; his wife, Rebekah, who accompanied him to Valley Forge, Brandywine, and other army encampments; and his brotheOwen, a scientist and active member of the Committee of Safety. Another branch includes brothers Edward, a delegate to the First and Second Continental Congress; James, an active Committee of Safety member and Justice of the Peace; Nicholas, a Captain in the Continental Navy; Charles, a Captain in the Merchant Service and later Vice President of Pennsylvania; and John, a surveyor exiled to Nova Scotia for his Loyalist ties. Mary,the matriarch of the large Biddle family line that included James, John, Edward, Charles, and Nicholas, was an editor and seller of early map of the Philadelphia region.

This exhibition will also explore what happened at the Andalusia site during the time of the Revolution. Although Andalusia was not established as an estate until the 1790s, the tract of land was farmed throughout the 1770s and abutted the old King’s Highway along its north border, which was a major thoroughfare for Continental and British troop movements throughout the war, while Andalusia’s southern border, the Delaware River, saw significant naval activity.

Following our visit to the historic home and exhibition, we will be free to enjoy the gardens and also there is a picnic area, for those who want to bring a bagged lunch.

Please note that the cancellation deadline is 8/13/26.  Should you need to cancel before this date, credit will be issued to your WC account, to be used for future purchases.

Also note that by registering for this event you will be granting your permission to have your image in photos used for Women's Connection publicity purposes.  Please notify the event organizer should you prefer not to be included.