The Schuylkill River Watershed is rich in nature and in history, and in August, Schuylkill River Greenways, NHA is hosting an event that showcases both.

Our destination is the Historic Belmont Mansion in Fairmount Park.  The house was owned by Judge Richard Peters, who is known to be the first non-Quaker member of the abolition movement. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery and opposed the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 which put fugitives from slavery at risk for lifetime enslavement.

An Environmental Scientist among other things, Judge Peters eventually turned the mansion into a model farm to promote scientific agriculture and study.

If you love to kayak, you can start the day on the river, launching from East Falls, paddling to Peters Island where you will hear an interpretive History lesson about the Underground Railroad.

Next, you will paddle to the Boelson Cottage Public Lot. From there, you will continue on foot, tracing the path freedom seekers trod over 100 years ago to get to the safety of the Belmont Mansion.  The walk is about ½ mile to the mansion.

If you don’t want to join us for kayaking, you can still meet us at the mansion for tours and hors d’oeuvres.  You can take advantage of guided tours or just feel free to explore Belmont on your own.  Beer, wine, and food will be served.

We hope you will join us for this one-of-a-kind event that combines both the natural environment and the long history of the area.  Check out our website for more information about each option and to get registered.  www.schuylkillriver.org

Saturday, August 20th

3:30 Paddle

5:30 Tour

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS