This is the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in American History. The building of the 32 houses range from 1720 until 1830. Elfeth’s Alley was part of the original design of the city of Philadelphia. The earliest residents were tradesmen. People like silver & pewter smiths, furniture builders and ship builders all chose to live here due to the fact that it was only blocks away from the waterfront ports.

The Museum, located at 124-126 Elfeth’s Ally, was once a remarkable dress shop. In July 1762 Mary Smith and Sarah Melton purchased the house from blacksmith Jeremiah Elfreth. They quickly set up their home to include a dress shop in the front parlor and the second floor as their workshop. The business continued to grow as they lived together for four years until Mary’s death in 1766. Mary left the house to Sarah. Elizabeth Carr, a self-divorced woman who came to live with Sarah Melton four years later and join her in her already thriving business. The business continued for 28 years. When Sarah passed, she willed the house to Elizabeth, who lived out the rest of her life there. These three women left a forgotten but distinct fingerprint here in Philadelphia. Single, independent working women were not a common thing during this time period. It’s incredible how long they were able to live having chosen to be single and protect their lifestyle for their companion.