Upper Darby Historical Society

Description

Upper Darby Historical Society, located at the storied Collen Brook Farm, is a true call back to simpler times and honest-to-goodness American roots. This place is not your run-of-the-mill, polished-glass-museum sort of history spot, but rather a living slice of Philadelphia’s suburban past. The old farmhouse, built way back in the early 18th century, stands proudly among tall trees and sprawling lawns, as if keeping watch over the patchwork history of Drexel Hill and the communities around it. Stepping onto its grounds is like catching a breath from another century; honestly—there’s something really grounding about seeing where past generations cooked, worked, and gathered. And if you’re dragging the kids along? Well, it’s “good for kids”—not just in the “they’ll learn something” way, but in that hands-on, space-to-roam kind of way they’ll remember longer than another afternoon in front of a screen.

Now, does Upper Darby Historical Society have the hype of bigger Philly attractions? Nope—and frankly, I think that’s its selling point. It’s not crammed with tourists. The quiet is almost startling (in the best way). Expect passionate volunteers who can spin a story about Lenni Lenape trails as easily as they can on colonial architecture. If you ever got bored of the same old museum plaques and wish you could touch, smell, even taste a piece of the past, this is where you do it. The Collen Brook farmhouse and its green surroundings really showcase what community and preservation can accomplish—without any big-fancy marketing. Honestly, if you’re into “hidden gems,” this spot is pretty high on the list.

Key Features

• Historic Farmhouse Tours: The main draw is probably their guided tours of the 1700s farmhouse—stories, relics, even creaky wooden floorboards.
• Family-Friendly Events: Seasonal events—think fall harvest fairs, colonial craft demos, and maybe the odd vintage baseball game—keep things fresh and fun for families. I took my niece last autumn; she still talks about petting sheep and “old-timey” games.
• Educational Programs: Rotating exhibits and hands-on programs for school groups and little history buffs. They’re low-tech, but they work for curious minds.
• Beautiful Landscape: Open, gently rolling grounds for peaceful strolls, photos, or a breath of fresh air away from busy roads. Ideal for a picnic, to be honest.
• Local Artifacts: Neat little collections of historic farm equipment, textiles, and household objects, each with their own quirk or story (way better than reading the same textbook blurb again).
• Volunteer Docents: Folks who really care—some of them lifelong locals—sharing personal anecdotes and tales you won’t find on Wikipedia.
• Easy Parking: Plenty of space to park, which takes a load off your mind if you’re visiting with kids or a group.

Best Time to Visit

Let’s be real, suburban Pennsylvania weather is a gamble, but if you ask me, Collen Brook Farm is at its prettiest in late spring and early autumn. That’s when the grounds burst with color—dogwoods and maples doing their thing. April through June, the gardens wake up; everything’s green and lively, but summer humidity hasn’t yet hit. September and October are glorious for crisp walks and golden sunsets… plus, fall events usually bring cider and donuts (my weakness!).

While you won’t find mammoth crowds here even on a Saturday, weekends are your best bet for catching guided tours, pop-up events, or just running into the society’s chattiest volunteers. Weekdays can be a little quieter (sometimes the house is closed, so call ahead if you’re a planner). Oh, and avoid rainy days unless you particularly enjoy muddy shoes—most of the charm comes from walking around outside.

How to Get There

Getting to Upper Darby Historical Society’s Collen Brook Farm isn’t exactly rocket science, but having lived a couple towns over, I can tell you a car is the easiest way if you’re coming from Center City or the burbs. There’s straightforward access from major local roads, and signs point the way once you’re nearby. If you’re using GPS, it gets you within a few feet of the parking.

Now, if you’re feeling extra green or don’t want to deal with traffic, SEPTA’s trolley and bus routes get you within walking distance. Not exactly a hop, skip, jump, but if you enjoy a stroll it’s doable. I’ve done it on a sunny Saturday—and let me tell you, that last half-mile walk is a nice segue from modern hustle into the slower pace of the past. And hey, for out-of-town travelers, it’s an easy jaunt from downtown Philly, about a 25-minute drive (give or take, depending if you get stuck behind a delivery truck in Drexel Hill).

And parking? No stress. Plenty of space, which you can’t say for every suburban spot, right?

Tips for Visiting

After more than a dozen visits between family trips, school chaperoning, and some solo wanderings on lazy weekends, I’ve got a short list of do’s and don’ts. First: dress for the weather and the terrain. The grounds are gorgeous, but uneven—those old field stones don’t care if you’ve got shiny new sneakers. Layers are your friend, especially if you’re coming in spring or fall.

Bring water, sunscreen, and snacks, especially if you’re dragging kids or like to picnic (there’s no snack bar or fancy café, which, again, is part of the charm). If you’re a shutterbug, you’ll find a lot of cool natural light and rustic details to capture, so keep your camera charged.

If you want a guided tour, check dates online or call ahead—most are volunteer-run, and schedules can shift. And don’t be shy about asking questions; the docents genuinely light up when someone actually wants to hear their stories. Sometimes, if you get a chatty enough guide, you’ll unlock all sorts of local lore (like how the farmhouse survived a near demolition in the ‘60s, or tales of tough winters and community gatherings).

One last thing: this spot is best enjoyed when you’re not rushing. It’s about slowing down and soaking up the atmosphere. If you squeeze it in between five other tourist stops, you’ll miss the little magic. Bring a book, stretch out on the lawn, or just wander from the farmhouse to the old barn, peeking around corners—the best discoveries are rarely on the “official” tour.

Bottom line? Upper Darby Historical Society’s Collen Brook Farm is for travelers who like their history hands-on and genuine, with more fresh air and fewer crowds. It’s a rare spot that wears its age well and lets you step quietly, curiously, and maybe even a little playfully into the past. If you’re craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure that won’t leave you exhausted (or broke), don’t skip it!

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