Join us for a talk by Thom Nickels, historian and author of Philadelphia Mansions: Stories and Characters behind the Walls.

• Hear about historic Strawberry Mansion's rise and fall and the sad life of architect Thomas Nevell who designed one of Philadelphia's greatest mansions, Mount Pleasant.
• Learn why Philadelphia's historic Morris House on South 8th Street is the real 'Presidents' House.
• Preview the galloping life of Hope Montgomery Scott in and outside the gilded halls of Ardrossan.
• Hear about Germantown's mysterious Ebenezer Maxwell and his famous house that became the inspiration for the exterior of the popular Addams Family house.
• 'Journey' to the Poe House at 7th and Spring Garden and hear what it was like to be 'stranded' for 2 hours in the poet's old kitchen.
• Leave the city for the Loch Aerie Mansion, designed by Addison Hutton, in the rolling hills of Chester County.
  

There will also be an appreciation of Rittenhouse Square's beginnings when ladies in their best bib and tucker walked with gentlemen in top hats.

The finale includes a glimpse into the life of Henry McIlhenny in his cramped mansion at 1914 Rittenhouse.