Hill-Physick House

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Hill-Physick House

Built in 1786 by Madeira wine importer Henry Hill, the Physick House, formerly the Hill-Physick-Keith House, was named after Dr. Philip Syng Physick.

Built in 1786 by Madeira wine importer Henry Hill, the Physick House, formerly the Hill-Physick-Keith House, was named after Dr. Philip Syng Physick, the "Father of American Surgery." Dr. Physick took up residence in the house in 1815 after separating from his wife, Elizabeth Emlen Physick, and lived there until his death in 1837. One of the foremost surgeons of the time, Dr. Physick was among the

few courageous doctors who remained in the city to care for the sick during the yellow fever epidemic of 1793. Among his many patients were John Adams' daughter, Dolly Madison, Dr. Benjamin Rush, and Chief Justice John Marshall. President Andrew Jackson consulted Dr. Physick about lung hemorrhages and was told to stop smoking. Many of Physick's medical accomplishments were years ahead of his time. He pioneered use of the stomach pump, used autopsy as a regular means of observation and discovery, excelled in cataract surgery, and was responsible for the design of a number of surgical instruments and operative techniques. Dr. Physick was affiliated with America's first hospital, Pennsylvania Hospital, and was one of the most sought-after medical lecturers of the 19th century. His lectures prepared a generation of surgeons for service throughout America. It is because of his status as a teacher that he was dubbed the "Father of American Surgery" In addition to beautiful period rooms, the second floor of the Physick residence is devoted to a medical museum depicting the amazing career of Dr. Physick, as well as a collection of medical instruments from that era. The square, four-story brick Physick House is the only free-standing Federal townhouse remaining in Society Hill. With its huge doorway fan light (the largest in any Pennsylvania residence in 1786) plus grand proportions and straight, classical lines, Physick House is an exceptional example of the Federal style. Its collection has outstanding examples of French-influenced Neoclassic furnishings. Its unusually large city garden contains plants popular in the 19th century and features a winding path, grotto and classical statuary.

03/18/2026

We are still accepting RSPVs for our Spring Open House! If you would like to host a special event at the Hill-Physick or Powel Houses please join us on April 24! Email Megan at [email protected] to reserve your spot 💐

03/15/2026

While working on our collections catalogue we stumbled upon a hidden treasure, stashed away for decades— old slides! These were sold in our museum shop for $1 per slide back in the day. This was a really fun stash to find and it reminds us that the work of preservation can be so exciting!

Stop by for a tour and feel free to ask to see the slides. We are open on Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at noon. Guided tours are hourly and cost $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors.

03/05/2026

Spring is finally around the corner 🌷 Join us on April 24th to learn more about hosting private events at the Powel and Hill-Physick Houses. Featuring catering by our partner ✨ We’d love to meet you, show you our beautiful historic mansions and gardens, and share some tasty food as we learn more about your wedding, birthday party, graduation, or rehearsal dinner! RSPV to Megan at [email protected] to secure your spot 🎊

02/23/2026

Snowfall at the Hill-Physick House ❄️☃️

02/10/2026

Discover a stunning Federal-style museum rich with history and dance the night away in our lush private garden! The Hill-Physick House is the perfect location for a wedding right in the heart of historic Philadelphia. Elegance, charm, and gorgeous greenery await!

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12/05/2025

The holiday season is upon us and we’ve decked out the Hill-Physick house to celebrate! Please join us for a history tour and enjoy the festive decor before we close for a winter break. We will be open on the following schedule in December…

Hourly guided tours at the top of these hours:

🎁 Saturday 12/6 & 12/13, tours between 11am - 3pm
🎁 Sunday 12/7 & 12/14, tours between 12pm - 3pm

Consider visiting us before our holiday break begins 🎄

11/22/2025

What a lovely time we had at the Spooky Speakeasy, our annual Halloween party and fundraiser to support the preservation of the Hill-Physick House 🎉 This year’s theme was a ton of fun, and we were delighted to see everyone dressed to the 9s! Join us next year for another amazing Halloween event 🎃 What theme would you like to see next year? Comment below👇

10/15/2025

We are just 2 weeks away from our annual fall fundraiser and Halloween extravaganza! Join us on Thursday, October 30 for a thrilling speakeasy experience 🎃 With the cost of entry you will receive unlimited food and drinks, chances to win prizes, and the opportunity to spend a lovely evening in our historic landmark museum and gorgeous garden. Costumes are encouraged! We hope to see you there 👻

10/03/2025

Interested in hosting a wedding or private event at the Hill-Physick or Powel House? We will be hosting an open house on Sunday, November 9th as an opportunity to see the historic spaces, learn more about our offerings, and taste some delicious food! This open house is in collaboration with our vendors

Email Megan at [email protected] to RSPV!

09/20/2025

Throwback to this absolutely jaw dropping floral installation by for Madeline & Emily’s wedding 2 years ago 😍💐 Interested in holding a wedding or private event at our historic museum & garden? Email Megan at [email protected] or send us a DM!

07/07/2025

Happy Birthday to Dr Philip Syng Physick! 🎂Born on July 7, 1768, Dr Physick became one of the most influential American surgeons of his time. His legacy impacted the medical field deeply, and we have him to thank for surgical items like the tonsil guillotine, catgut sutures, 19th century cataract removal tools, and the stomach pump! He was a gifted surgeon and silversmith who used his skills to advance the medical field. He inspired a generation of young doctors by lecturing at Pennsylvania Hospital, where he was the first head of surgery.

We continue to tell his story and keep his legacy alive at the Hill-Physick House in Philadelphia, where you can take guided history tours Thursdays - Sundays! Visit us to learn more about his remarkable life.

Address

321 S 4th Street
Philadelphia, PA
19106

Telephone

+12159257866

Website

https://www.philalandmarks.org/hillphysick

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