Thaddeus Kosciuszko
National Memorial



Authorized Oct. 21,1972. The house at the corner of Third and Pine Streets where Thaddeus Kosciuszko resided during the winter of 1797-1798. Born of impoverished landed gentry in the eastern Polish province of Polesie on February 4, 1746, Thaddeus Kosciuszko, a military engineer, became one of the 18th century's greatest champions of American and Polish freedom. One of the first foreign volunteers to come to the aid of the American revolutionary army, Kosciuszko made many significant contributions to the American Revolution including the fortifications at Saratoga and West Point. The two worlds of Kosciuszko were in sharp contrast. The revolution that he helped lead in Poland in the early 1790's was crushed; an exile from Poland, Kosciuszko was a hero in the United States. The life and work of this Polish-born patriot are commemorated here.

ACREAGE:
Total: 0.02 (all federal)
VISITATION:
Highest in August and Feburary, lowest in January.
ADDRESS:
301 Pine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
TELEPHONE:
(215) 597-9618
E-MAIL:
inde_poe_house@nps.gov

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
Open Wednesday to Sunday 9 am to 5 pm, November - May. (CLOSED FOR LUNCH 1:00 - 2:00pm.)
Closed New Years' Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Open Daily 9 am to 5 pm, June - October.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
Summer: Relatively warm and humid.
Winters: Cold with occasional snow and ice storms.

DIRECTIONS:
The Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial is located at 3rd and Pine Streets in Philadelphia, just a few blocks south of the Independence National Historical Park Visitor Center.

If you arrive in the city by train or bus, take the Market- Frankford subway east to 5th and Market Streets. Walk two blocks east to 3rd Street. Travel two blocks south to the Independence National Historical Park Visitor Center; proceed 5 blocks to the Kosciuszko House.

If you arrive in the city by plane, take the "R-1 Airport Line" train to Market Street East (8th and Market Streets) and proceed as above.

If you arrive by car:

Eastbound, via I-76 (the Schuylkill Expressway) - Exit onto I-676 East (toward "Central Philadelphia) and follow it to the 6th Street exit. At the bottom of the exit ramp follow signs for Independence National Historical Park Visitor Center. Proceed as above.

Westbound by car: After crossing the Ben Franklin Bridge - stay in the right hand lane and follow signs for Independence National Historical Park Visitor Center. Proceed as above.

Northbound by car: via I-95 - Exit at "Independence Hall/Historic Area". At bottom of ramp follow signs for Independence National Historical Park Visitor Center. Proceed as above.

Southbound by car, via I-95 - Use "Independence Hall/Historic Area" exit. At the bottom of the exit ramp follow signs for Independence National Historical Park Visitor Center. Proceed as above.

TRANSPORTATION:
To Park: Philadelphia is served by major air, rail, and bus lines and has an extensive public transportation system. In Park: On street parking for personal vehicles is usually hard to find along 3rd and Pine Streets.

FEES, COSTS RATES:
No Admission fees.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
The site consists of a complex of two buildings, which contain an exhibit / information area and small bookstore )first floor), restrooms (basement), an audio-visual program and a historically furnished room (second floor). Selg guided tours of the House begin on the first floor.

Programs, Activities:
Audiovisual presentations and ranger talks are available throughout the year. House tours are limited to 25 persons; groups are encouraged to make reservations.

Lodging and Camping Facilities:
None in the park. A variety of lodging is available in the city of Philadelphia. The nearest camping facilities are located outside the city (20 miles from center city).

Food, Supplies:
Local restaurants and grocery stores are within walking distance of the site.

Other Concessions, NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:
Museums shops managed by Eastern National (215-597-2569) are located at this site, in the Visitor Center (3rd and Chestnut Streets) and Pemberton House (316 Chestnut Street). Proceed fund park programs. A small variety of books, postcards and posters are available with special emphasis on Thaddeus Kosciuszko and the American Revolution.

Accessibility:
Wheelchair accessibility is provided for first floor. NPS staff assist visitors unable to reach the second floor with photographs and literature describing the historic room exhibits.

Special Needs:
On street parking is usually available adjacent to the site.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES / PARK USE:
Self-guided tours; NPS staff can answer questions and provide in-depth information concerning the Kosciuszko House, Independence National Historical Park, and Edgar Allan Poe National Historical Site.

RESERVATIONS / PERMITS:
Groups of ten or more should contact the site at (215) 597-9618 in advance of their visit to make a reservation. Special Use and Filming Permits can be arranged by calling (215) 597-9205.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
Visits generally take from 15 minutes to half an hour.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
Independence National Historical Park; Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site; numerous historical and cultural sites in the city of Philadelphia.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial,c/o Independence NHP, 313 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, (215) 597-9618.


E-MAIL:
inde_poe_house@nps.gov

Last Updated: June 14th, 1999

http://www.nps.gov/thko