Mercer Museum, Fonthill Castle Named Smithsonian Affiliates

The Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle are now Smithsonian Institution Affiliates. The Doylestown-based museums are now two of just 210 Smithsonian affiliates nationwide.

This week's announcement comes as the Mercer Museum is celebrating its centennial year.

“We are very honored to begin the new Affiliation between the Smithsonian Institution and the Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle. Both organizations have a longstanding common interest in the roots of American life,” said Harold A. Closter, Smithsonian Affiliations director. “The Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle have inspired generations with its amazing collections, rich scholarship, and engaging educational programs. Working together we see greater opportunities to advance the vision of Henry Mercer and spread the story that began in Doylestown to audiences across America.”

Smithsonian Affiliations are designed to facilitate a two-way relationship to increase discovery and inspire lifelong learning in communities across America, according to information from the Mercer Museum.

Doug Dolan, the museums' president and executive director said they look forward to partnering with the Smithsonian Institution and sharing collections and other resources. "This designation furthers our ability to fulfill our commitment to visitor engagement and life-long learning for all audiences," Dolan said.

The Mercer Museum, built by tile-maker Henry Mercer to house his collection of pre-industrial tools of early America, opened in 1916. Fonthill Castle was Mercer's home.

The affiliations program establishes long-term relationships with museums and education and cultural organizations to facilitate the loan of Smithsonian artifacts and traveling exhibitions, as well as develop innovative educational collaborations locally and nationally, according to information from the Mercer Museum.

The Mercer Museum is located at 84 S Pine St, Doylestown.

Fonthill Castle is located at 525 E Court St, Doylestown.