Glen Foerd is an historic riverfront estate and museum located along the Delaware River in Philadelphia. Glengarry was the scene of many gala affairs.
Grounds Hours: 8am-Dusk
Main House Hours: 10am-1pm Friday to Sunday
5001 Grant Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19114
Visit our website: www.glenfoerd.org. The Glen Foerd estate was established by Charles Macalester, Jr. Born in Philadelphia in 1798, he was a respected businessman and broker in the Philadelphia firm of Gaw, Macalester and Company. In addition, Macalester was appointed government director of
the Second Bank of the United States. He was also friend, and advisor to numerous United States presidents. Officer and cabinet posts were offered to him, but he preferred to remain independent. In 1850, Macalester purchased 1,000 acres in northeastern Philadelphia and divided, plotted and sold off large lots of his land. Holding onto one section of the land for a summer residence, he built a three story Italianate riverfront house and called it Glengarry, after his family’s Scottish ancestral home. In addition to the mansion, the estate consisted of a stone gas house, ice house, Gothic-style gatehouse, a sixty foot high stone water tower, five large greenhouses and riverfront cupola. During the summer, heads of state and other dignitaries traveled from Washington, D.C., where Macalester maintained a residence, as guests of Macalester and his daughter, Lily Macalester Laughton, a famous Washington hostess. After her father’s death, in 1873, Lily continued residence at Glengarry until her death in 1891. In 1895, the mansion was purchased by Robert and Caroline Foerderer. Robert made his fortune in the manufacture of kidskin leather. Leather gloves, shoes and other clothing accessories made from the soft, supple leather was the height of fashion. His Philadelphia manufacturing enterprise employed 5,000 workers and processed nine million goat skins a year. After purchasing the estate, Foerderer hired architect, William McAuley of Philadelphia, to handle extensive renovations to the mansion. The house was enlarged and enhanced with Classical Revival additions. Additions included a porte cochere, formal dining room, and impressive art gallery. Other enhancements included a Haskell pipe organ, parquet floors, grand staircase, elaborate leaded glass skylights, and rathskellar. A carriage house and garden house was added at this time, and the gas house was converted for use as a boat house. Everything was planned to enhance the uniqueness and beauty of the home and to accommodate entertainment on a grand scale. As a final touch, they changed the name of the estate to Glen Foerd, a merger of Glengarry and the Foerderer name. Due to the elaborate renovation design and labor delays, the Foerderers had not yet moved back into the mansion when Robert died in 1902. The Foerderers had two grown children at the time of his death, Percival and Florence. Around 1915, Florence and her husband, William Tonner, moved to Glen Foerd to assist her widowed mother. The boathouse (former gashouse) was converted into a residence for Florence and her husband. They lived there just a short time before moving into the mansion with their two daughters, Marjorie and Carol. A new boathouse was built to accommodate William Tonner's new yacht. After her mother’s death in 1934, Florence continued to add to the art collection started by her parents. Florence assembled one of the most extensive private collections of prints in the country. Florence was a strong supporter of the arts. She was herself a talented poet and painter, as well as a musician. She went to great lengths to encourage young artists, frequently purchasing and displaying their work. She remained very active in the cultural and social affairs of Philadelphia, until her death in 1971 at the age of 89.
06/18/2026
Have you spotted the Double-crested Cormorants along the Delaware River?
These waterbirds are expert divers, thanks to a surprising feature: their feathers aren't completely waterproof. This helps them dive deeper and hunt fish more efficiently underwater. You'll often find them perched in the sun to dry.
Look closely, and you'll also notice their striking turquoise, gem-like eyes and the beautiful iridescent sheen of their dark feathers
Next time you're at Glen Foerd, keep an eye on the river, and you may catch one of these incredible birds drying off after a successful fishing trip!
Photos by Steve Tint
06/15/2026
Join us for a special summer evening by the river on June 25! 🍷🧀
Savor expertly curated wine and cheese pairings from and while enjoying live music and beautiful waterfront views.
This Fourth of July weekend, celebrate America's 250th anniversary in Northeast Philadelphia. Join us on Sunday, July 5, from 12–4 PM for the culminating celebration of Northeast 250: Threads of History!
Over the past several months, Mural Arts Philadelphia's Tacony LAB Community Art Center has organized a series of events to explore the stories and historic places that define Northeast Philadelphia. Inspired by Betsy Ross's connections to the Northeast, community members have collaborated to create a series of flags that will be displayed during this special event.
It's time to break out the lawn chairs and head to the waterfront!
Don't miss the next 3rd Thursday on June 18th. Enjoy live music from the Brazilian Jazz Band Minas and delicious food from the Clean Plate Club Food Truck. Explore the mansion, create art at our craft tables, or grab a drink and relax by the Delaware River.
Register here: https://www.glenfoerd.org/events/2026/6/18/3rd-thursday-at-glen-foerd
06/09/2026
Nature has always known how to celebrate every color. 🌈
This Pride month, we celebrate the many LGBTQ+ artists who have helped shape Philadelphia's rich cultural landscape and the vibrant diversity that surrounds us every day at Glen Foerd.
06/05/2026
The view from the sun porch never gets old ☀️
Stop by for a self-guided tour this Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 1pm.
06/02/2026
Summer evenings by the water are magical ✨🌅
06/01/2026
We’re so excited to welcome kids and adults of all ages to explore and learn about nature at Glen Foerd!
05/29/2026
June is packed with ways to explore, create, and relax at Glen Foerd!
Our free Open Boating Days are in full swing along with our monthly 3rd Thursdays. From waterfront yoga, storytime for little ones, art exhibitions, hands-on workshops, and guided tours there’s tons to do for every age group.
Enjoy outdoor adventures, creative family fun, or spend a relaxing evening by the water!
Register here: https://www.glenfoerd.org/events
05/28/2026
Join Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and Glen Foerd for an in-person educator workshop. You will receive your own copy of the award-winning Project Aquatic WILD K-12 Curriculum & Activity Guide as well as lessons & activities to integrate wildlife education into your teaching. You’ll learn about fish biology, urban waterways, watersheds in PA, and more! For registration, see link in bio.
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