Tour Asa Packer Mansion
New for 2026
- Extended third-floor tours
- A Video tour option is being developed for visitors who cannot use the stairs
- Membership program
- Fundraising events are currently being created
- Seasonal exhibits – this year’s theme is America 250
- New items in the Asa Packer Mansion Museum gift shop
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. 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.
Mary Packer Cummings, Asa Packer’s daughter, is the reason why The Mansion remains a 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.
A National Historic Landmark
The Bear Mountain Lions (now Jim Thorpe Lions) were named trustees to the home from 1954-2024. 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.