John Brown House
225 East King Street in Chambersburg, PA
The John Brown house (Ritner Boarding house) is designated as an authentic Site in the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
HOURS
May - October
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm
November - April
Thursday - Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm
We recommend calling (717-264-1667) to ensure a docent is available to guide you through the Old Jail. Please note our last tour starts at 3 pm.
ADMISSION
OLD JAIL
Adult $8
Children - 7 to 17 $7
Family - 2 adults and 3 children or less $13
Family - 2 adults and 4 children $17
Family - 2 adults and 5 children $21
Family - 2 adults and 6 children $25
FREE Member and 2 guests
10 or more adults $7 each (by appt.)
10 or more children $5.50 each (by appt.)
JOHN BROWN HOUSE
Adult $7
Children - 7 to 17 $6
Family - 2 adults and 3 children or less $13
Family - 2 adults and 4 children $16
Family - 2 adults and 5 children $19
Family - 2 adults and 6 children $21
FREE Member and 2 guests
10 or more adults $6 each (by appt.)
10 or more children $5.50 each (by appt.)
COMBO - Both Old Jail and John Brown House
Adult $10
Children - 7 to 17 $8
Family - 2 adults and 3 children or less $18
Family - 2 adults and 4 children $23
Family - 2 adults and 5 children $28
Family - 2 adults and 6 children $33
FREE Member and 2 guests
10 or more adults $9.50 each (by appt.)
10 or more children $7.50 each (by appt.)
The John Brown House (Ritner Boarding House) was where the famous abolitionist boarded during the summer of 1859 under the alias of Isaac Smith. During this time, weapons were secretly secured and plans furthered to seize the arsenal in October 1859.
The Society was able to purchase the John Brown House from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in 2002 through the generosity of Dr. W. R. McElroy and family. The John Brown House was rededicated and opened on May 2, 2009 as part of the 150th Anniversary of John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry. The John Brown House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
The John Brown House has been restored with period furniture. One visitor remarked that if John Brown came to Chambersburg today he would feel at home at the Ritner Boarding House.