Among the alley's residents were tradesmen and their families, including shipwrights, silver and pewter smiths, glassblowers, and furniture builders.

Industry changed more than the architecture; successive waves of immigrants, lured by the nearby jobs, moved onto the street.

Elfreth's Alley is today the product of cycles of urban renewal and decay, and historic preservation efforts.

The site stands in sharp contrast to the more frequently preserved grand mansion houses of Philadelphia's Society Hill neighborhood.

The Elfreth's Alley Association holds several holiday celebrations each year, whose proceeds support the upkeep and restoration of older homes.

[7][8] Residents open their private homes to the public, and are accompanied by historical reenactments and festivities.