Come on in!
Let’s face it, one of the best things about Deck the Alley is seeing the inside of the resident’s homes. How they decorated for the holidays. How they redecorated since last year. How they live 21st century lives in 18th and 19th century homes. And even though you won’t get to tour the homes live this year, we still wanted to share some digital tours, including my home, to give you your seasonal Elfreth’s Alley design fix.
My partner George and I first stumbled upon Elfreth’s alley in 2015 while visiting from our home town of New York City. Lovers of antique houses, we immediately fell in love with the alley. We were simultaneously transported back into time, as our future starred us in the eyes. A house was for sale on the alley, and 45 days later we moved in. On a whim. It was one of the best decisions we ever made. We not only found a house that was perfect as our home, but we found a diverse community of neighbors that appreciate history, architecture and preservation just as we do.
Get a glimpse inside Neil and George’s home
The museum, website, and tours of the alley speak to a 300 year history of everyday Philadelphians. People of different races, creed, sex, religious beliefs and sexual orientation. And how these American stories reflect our times, such as the role of women in culture, the impact of poverty, and the growth of American citizenry through immigration.
This year has forced us to tell these stories in new ways: a podcast (recommended by news outlets such KYW Newsradio and technical.ly), an audio tour for visitors when the museum must be closed, and updated web content including a gift shop of alley merchandise. But events like Deck the Alley are our primary source of funding each year. So, I ask for your support more than ever this year.
One way to support our work safely from your own home is through our Patreon. For just $10 monthly you can gain access to special content from our archives, private house tour tickets, Alley swag, and more. You can learn more below.
We hope you will support the on-going efforts of the Elfreth’s Alley Association. And on behalf of the board, I wish you and your family, friends and neighbors a wonderful holiday season.
Best,
Neil Frauenglass
President, Board of Directors
Elfreth's Alley Association
Step inside #1 Bladen’s Court
Check out #123 in holiday splendor!
Join us on Patreon
Do you enjoy taking a deeper dive into Elfreth's Alley's history and the stories of historic Philadelphia? The emails don't have to end after December 31st! Join our Patreon to support Elfreth's Alley Museum each month and receive additional content, be the first to know what is happening on the alley, and be proud of your efforts to support an organization that has been working to tell the stories of everyday Philadelphian's for over 80 years!
In Case You Missed It
Last week we created a slideshow to reminisce about winters (and Deck the Alleys!) past. Check out all of the content from the campaign so far at elfrethsalley.org/deckthealley.
Gift Shopping?
We have assembled a Museum Store Holiday Gift Guide, not just highlighting the items we carry in our store, but some of the best gifts available at other Philadelphia museums this holiday season.
Donate Today
To keep the doors of our museum open, we need your help. It's been a terrible year and anything you can give in support will help. If you are able, please donate today at elfrethsalley.org/donate.