The Arboretum
The Arboretum > Historic Buildings
Currently we don't have any programs or events schedule related to Historic Houses.
Please check the complete Events Calendar for fun events and programs for your visit to Tyler Arboretum.
Painter Library
The Painter Library is a small but unique repository of 18th and 19th century manuscripts, letters, documents and books. It was constructed in 1863 by Jacob and Minshall Painter, bachelor brothers who had an unquenchable curiosity about the natural world. The high esteem in which they regarded their documents and volumes is evidenced by the unique fireproof vaults on each floor. The first floor contains bookcases where a portion of their large collection of books was kept along with a display of 19th century cultural items such as pottery, tinware, and memorabilia. The stove is from the 1860s period, as well as the several pieces of furniture. The second floor vault originally contained a categorized collection of loose documents and deeds; textbooks dating back to the late 18th century; books pertaining to the Society of Friends, including the writings of William Penn, George Fox, and other prominent Quakers; State and County Histories; a set of the Colonial Records of Pennsylvania; and other 19th century government publications. Most of this material is now housed in the Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College.
