'Finest House' In Doylestown Opening Its Doors For Public Tours

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The “ Finest House in the Borough,” built by Henry Mercer’s grandfather in 1844, will celebrate Women’s HistoryMonth during March with special themed tours.

Visitors to the stately Victorian mansion on North Main Street will have the opportunity to meet the home’s historic residents, including Nancy Chapman, Sarah M. James, Martha Lorah and Sarah Gordon James, and the family’s servants, all of whom will be portrayed by costumed docents. On display are ornate furnishings and personal objects belonging to three generations of the James family.

Public tours will be given on Saturday, March 28 at 1 and 3 p.m. For tickets, priced at $20, visit womenslivinghistorytour.eventbrite.com.

Private Group Tours for groups of 8-15 at a cost of $15 per person may also be scheduled on Wednesdays, April 1 and 8. Email JLMHTours@via-doylestown or call 215-348-2187 to schedule group tours.

he James-Lorah Memorial Home is also the birthplace of Henry Chapman Mercer and serves as the headquarters of the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown (VIA). The VIA is a non-profit organization. For additional information, including membership information, visit the VIA website, via-dolyestown.org.