French Azilum Historical Site & Museum

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Towanda, PA
French Azilum Historical Site & Museum

Unique historic site planned for Marie Antoinette and other nobles fleeing the French Revolution.

01/25/2026

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐀𝐳𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐦 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐞 & 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐦!

Tucked along the beautiful Susquehanna River near Towanda, PA, French Azilum is a one-of-a-kind destination with a story unlike any other.

𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝟏𝟕𝟗𝟑, this settlement served as a safe haven for French aristocrats and clergy fleeing the French Revolution — a true asylum in the wilderness. Today, we preserve that history through our museum, restored buildings, reenactments, and engaging seasonal events.

🧭 Tour the LaPorte House Museum
🔨 Explore blacksmithing, wool spinning & colonial crafts
🎉 Join us for Civil War Weekend, Revolutionary Days, Colonial Christmas & more!

📍 469 Queens Road, Towanda, PA
🗓️ Full 2026 event schedule now posted!
💬 Want to volunteer or learn more? Send us a message today!

Come walk the same ground as exiled nobles, revolutionaries, and early settlers. You don’t just learn history here—you experience it.

01/11/2026

We’re excited to share our 2026 Special Event Calendar for The French Azilum Historic Site & Museum! From colonial coffee to Civil War reenactments, Revolutionary Days, and even a Christmas celebration — there’s something for everyone this year!

Located at 469 Queens Road, Towanda, PA! We can’t wait to welcome you to a full season of history, community, and fun.

01/08/2026

𝗔 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗥𝗘𝗖!

As we prepare for our 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 celebration this August, we’re reminded how vital community partnerships are to bringing history to life.

A huge 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗥𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 for lending both their equipment and expertise to help us kick off event preparations! When our volunteers couldn’t reach the tops of our flagpoles, Claverack stepped in with their bucket truck and a big heart—removing the pulley assemblies so they could be repaired just in time for the 250th anniversary festivities.

As Claverack President & CEO Steve Allabaugh put it best:
“𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙘𝙤𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙮.”

We couldn’t agree more. Your support helps preserve the legacy of The French Azilum and makes events like Revolutionary Days possible.

Thank you, Claverack REC for being part of our history—and our future!

01/03/2026

Follow along as we tell you more about the French Azilum Historical Site and Museum!

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗔𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘

Built in 1836 by John LaPorte, son of Bartholomew LaPorte, who was one of the principal settlers at Azilum. John was born at Azilum, in 1798, and grew up to be a State Senator and U.S. Congressperson. When he was in his late 30s, he decided he wanted a summer home similar to the grand mansions and country homes he had seen in Philadelphia, New York, and even England and Italy.

Before you begin your guided tour, take a moment to notice the House's architecture. It has been called French Colonial, because there are elements of that style, especially the veranda on the southeastern side. However, there are also Federal and Georgian architectural features in the structure, and the Palladian triple motif window in the third-story gable is inspired by 16th Century Italian design. As you approach the front door look to the left of the house. Here you will see the original cornerstone laid by John LaPorte in 1836. As you wait on the front porch for your guide, note the bluestone beneath you. These are original and were quarried nearby. Hand-blown glass from the window panes were brought from Philadelphia and glazed into frames with white lead. You will also see a large millstone on the front lawn which is believed to have been from the original village's gristmill.

More information at thefrenchazilum.com

01/01/2026

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐀𝐳𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐦 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐞 & 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐦!

We’re thrilled to introduce our brand‑new page! Here you’ll find history, events, photos, stories, and all things related to one of 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐬𝐲𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬.

𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐖𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐞:
French Azilum was originally established in 1793 as a planned settlement along the Susquehanna River for French refugees fleeing the turmoil of the French Revolution. Though the original settlement buildings no longer stand, the site preserves over 20 acres of history including an original foundation, a reconstructed 18th‑century cabin, and the beautiful LaPorte House Museum — built in 1836 by the son of one of the original settlers.

📍 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐔𝐬:
469 Queens Road
Towanda, PA 18848

🎟️ Explore self‑guided tours, seasonal guided tours, family events, and special activities throughout the year.

We’re looking forward to a great year of special events!
A complete list of upcoming events will be posted soon — stay tuned so you don’t miss a thing.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, local visitor, or curious traveler, we’re excited to share the rich story of French Azilum with you!

👉 Follow us for updates, behind‑the‑scenes content, and fun facts from the past.

Learn more at thefrenchazilum.com

Address

469 Queens Road
Towanda, PA
18848

Telephone

+15702653376

Website

https://thefrenchazilum.com/

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