History Lost & Found

Washington's letters and other documents revealed planned renovations to the house and helped establish the outline of the original structure and later design changes. Archeologists discovered a previously unknown kitchen basement and an underground passageway connecting it to the basement under the main house, spaces where enslaved Africans and free and indentured servants carried out many domestic chores out of sight of the Washington family, guests, and official visitors. The house foundation confirmed the addition of a two-story bow window that President Washington added to create more spacious and fashionable rooms for formal receptions, reflecting a style that was at the height of fashion during the 1790s. Although no definitive presidential artifacts were found, the basement foundations remain the significant features. The sleeping space of some enslaved stable hands lay only five feet from the entrance to the Liberty Bell Center, underscoring the stark contrast between their daily lives and the founders' declaration that all men are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights. Though much was lost, African cultural attributes including music, foods, lore, and religious beliefs and practices endured as Africans and their descendents adapted traditions to new circumstances. Historians and genealogists continue to uncover evidence that is creating a fuller picture of the President's House, its inhabitants, and the diverse populations who lived and worked in Philadelphia at this site.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · United States