Built by Henry Mercer in 1916, Mercer Museum is a castle that houses Mercer’s massive collection of 19^th and 20^th century tools, art and textiles relating to more than 60 American trades.  In addition, the museum boasts the Spruance Library, open to members for research, and the Lenni Lenape exhibit, which includes artifacts and information about the Lenape and their daily routines.

          Not only does the museum house more than 50,000 artifacts, some of which, like the Conestoga wagon and the horse-drawn fire engine, are suspended from the ceiling; but the museum itself is listed as a National Historic Landmark.

          Throughout the year, the museum hosts special events, including demonstrations at its Log Cabin on the outside grounds, an old fashioned 4^th of July celebration, and a variety of craft demonstrations and workshops for adults and children.

          If you decide to visit the Mercer Museum, remember to dress warmly, even in the summer!  The museum is very cold.  The temperature is set to preserve the artifacts, not to comfort the visitors!

Here are some interesting facts about the Mercer Museum, taken from the museum’s official website, http://www.mercermuseum.org/mercermuseum/mm-facts.htm:

·         Henry C. Mercer (1856-1930) began construction of the Museum in 1913 with the help of eight day laborers and "Lucy" the horse. The Museum was completed in June of 1916.

·         Rising six stories high, the Museum is built entirely of concrete reinforced with iron rods and mesh. Concrete was used because of its plasticity and fireproof properties.

·         The estimated weight of The Mercer Museum is 6500 tons, and the cost to build it was $38,944.99.

·         Henry C. Mercer, architect and builder of the Museum, believed that the story of human progress and accomplishments was told by the tools and objects that people used.

·         More than 60% of the Museum's 50,000 artifacts, ranging from clock making tools to a conestoga wagon, are exhibited.

·         More than 60 Early American trades (including cider making, black-smithing, printing, needlework, shoemaking, and farming) are represented.

·         Among the oldest artifacts in the Museum collection are a whale oil lamp over 2,000 years old, and Native American implements dating to 6,000 - 8,000 B.C.

·         In 1989, a Changing Exhibits Gallery in The Mercer Museum was opened to further interpret the BCHS' collections.

·         The Mercer Museum was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985. The Museum was awarded accreditation in 1992 by the American Association of Museums, the national organization which upholds museum standards.

·         More than 80,000 people from around the world visit The Museum annually.

·         The Mercer Museum offers a variety of programs for all ages including an audio guide of the collections, grade-specific school programs, family craft activities, craft demonstrations and classes, and a summer craft camp for children.