New research is unearthing a more complicated history at Cliveden, which involves layers of significance, including the lives of those who were enslaved and in service to the Chew family.

That information broadens the meaning of Cliveden as a preserved historic place, exploring themes and stories of American identity and freedom.

[2] Cliveden was built between 1763 and 1767 by local German craftsmen as a summer home for prominent lawyer Benjamin Chew, Sr. (1722–1810) and his family as a respite from heat and yellow fever epidemics.

It is important to note that though the Chew family and their households occupied Cliveden until 1970, architectural changes to the house always took into account the original Georgian facade and plan, which remain intact despite significant changes and adaptations seen from the rear.

[3] Born in Tidewater, Maryland, Benjamin Chew migrated to the Delaware Valley with the promise of land investments and an advantageous connection with the Penn family.

During the tumultuous time surrounding the Revolution and nation building, Chew reserved his political position, but regained prominence after the new government was established.

The prospect of Cliveden from the south facade follows the symmetry of Georgian architecture with emphasis on the forms, patterns and ratios of the Classical world.

[4][5] The walls are composed of Wissahickon schist, a less expensive option than brick and a choice that reflected the traditional building materials used in Germantown.

The interior of the dependencies have more vernacular designs, with simple floor plans that reflect a typical small house of the Delaware Valley.

During the period of construction, the original 18-foot-square (5.5 m) plan of the west dependency was altered to extend the building by 9 feet (2.7 m) with a large chimney to accommodate a cooking hearth and bake oven and adjacent well shaft.

The last generation of the Chew family and their household moved to Cliveden in 1959. Notable among repairs and changes is the beveling of floorboards throughout and the installation of a semi-custom mid-century modern kitchen inside the Colonnade.

The Chew Family Papers, containing an extensive collection of correspondence, documents, financial records and other materials, are available for research use at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.