History of Elfreth's Alley
 
Visiting the Alley
 
Programs and Events
 
Past Residents & Descendants
 
Teachers
 

 

 
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DID YOU KNOW?
Elfreth's Alley is only 16 feet wide, and is typical of the side streets and alleyways developed throughout Philadelphia in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Alley is still an active street and cars can and do drive down the street on a regular basis.
 
 

 
DIRECTIONS
 
(Elfreth’s Alley is located on 2nd Street, between Race and Arch. )
 
From points West:
Take the Schuylkill Expressway to I-676 exit, continue on I-676 to exit for the Ben Franklin Bridge/6th Street. Stay to the right on the exit ramp and turn onto Sixth street. Following signs for Penn’s Landing turn left onto Race Street. Continue on Race to 2nd Street, turn right on 2nd.
 
From points north:
I-95 South to Callowhill exit, continue straight on 2nd Street.
 
From points south:
Take I-95 North to Historic District/Independence Hall Exit.  One block to 4th Street, turn left to Race Street. Turn left on Race to 2nd Street. Turn right on 2nd street.
 
From Southern New Jersey:
Cross Ben Franklin Bridge and follow signs for Independence Hall (Sixth Street), continue one block south on Sixth Street to Race Street.  Turn left on Race (following signs for Penn’s Landing). Continue on Race to 2nd Street, turn right on 2nd.
 
PARKING
Meters are available on streets surrounding the Alley. Lots are located on Race Street between 2nd & 3rd, Arch Street between 2nd and 3rd, 2nd Street between Market and Walnut, Front Street between Arch and Chestnut, to name a few.   Garages are also located at the Independence Visitor Center and the National Constitution Center.
 
Subway:
Take the Market-Frankford line to 2nd & Market; walk north on 2nd.
 
SEPTA Bus routes:
Nearby routes:  5, 9, 17, 33, 21, 42, 48, 57.
 
Regional Rails and PATCO:
To 8th & Market, transfer to Market-Frankford line to 2nd & Market; walk north on 2nd
 

 
 
Thank you to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, and the generous corporations and individuals who  support our mission with general operating support.  Click here if you would like to help us tell the world about the lives of ordinary people.
The Elfreth's Alley is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization that uses the Alley as a lens to interpret the lives, lifestyles, and livelihoods of ordinary Philadelphians from the time of the City's founding through to the present day.  The Association preserves the Elfreth's Alley National Historic Landmark District as a rare example of a once commonplace working class community from the late 18th and early 19th centuries.