Director & Historian
The Bear Mountain Lions, named trustees to the home in 1954, were interested in sponsoring a new community project, and approached the Borough of Mauch Chunk about opening The Mansion's doors. The Mansion has been open to the public since Memorial Day of 1956, and was recognized for its national significance in commemorating the history of The United States by the National Park Service in 1985.
The Mansion Is Currently Open For Tours Everyday!
Hours of Operation 11:00 A.M - 4:15 P.M.
An Italianate Villa
The Mansion was the home of philanthropist, railroad magnate, and founder of Lehigh University, Asa Packer. Built in 1861 by Philadelphia architect, Samuel Sloan, the home was constructed over a span of two years and cost a total of $14,000 dollars, the equivalent of $2.3 million dollars today. Topped by a red-ribbed tin roof and a central cupola or belvedere, the home was built over a cast iron frame and consists of 3 stories, 18 rooms and approximately 11,000 square feet of living space.
A National Historic Landmark
Mary Packer Cummings is the reason why The Mansion remains as part of local history today. In 1912, she willed her family's home and all its contents to the Borough of Mauch Chunk where it would remain as a memorial to her father and his accomplishments. At that time, however, the borough was not certain what to do with the home, and so, it was closed until 1956. In the forty-four years that The Mansion remained closed, nothing was taken from the home; nothing was vandalized.
The Asa Packer Mansion Museum P.O. Box 108 Jim Thorpe Pennsylvania 18229 Phone 570.325.3229 Hours 11:00 - 4:15
Per Gradus Per Angusta Ad Augusta ~ Gradually Through Trial To Triumph
© 2009 The Asa Packer Mansion Museum. All Rights Reserved. A Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization.
Mansion Background By Roger Smith Photography
