The New Hope Historical Society’s ninth annual Walking Tour of Historic New Hope will feature a presentation on the history of the Bucks County Playhouse.
The annual walk will begin at the Parry Mansion on South Main and Ferry streets in New Hope at 2 p.m. Jan. 30.
Ben Meadows, president of the New Hope Historical Society, explained the growing interest in the annual event. “We are so fortunate in New Hope to have preserved beautiful buildings from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries in such a small town comprising just 1,000 acres, he said. “This year, with the heightened interest in the future of the Bucks County Playhouse, we thought it would be exciting to relate its fascinating history and importance to New Hope and Bucks County,” he added.
The walking tour was produced by Roy Ziegler and Barry Ziff, who have conducted the event every year since its inception.
At least 25 buildings will be included in the tour with descriptions of families and businesses that have occupied them over the past three centuries. The tour guides will explain New Hope’s transition from an early farm community to its prominence as the industrial and manufacturing capital of Bucks County in the 19th century to its present claim as the entertainment capital of the county.
The Walking Tour will wind its way around New Hope’s historic district from the Parry Mansion to the Delaware River and Delaware Canal. Following the tour, guests are invited to the Parry Mansion for a tour and refreshments.
Admission to the tour is free. For further information contact the New Hope Historical Society at 215-862-5652 or visit their website at newhopehistoricalsociety.org.

