In 1931, roused by the news that the historic Powel House was to be demolished in six weeks, Frances Anne Wister and Sophia Cadwalader, and a group of strong supporters, including famous names like Biddle, Barnes, Curtis, and Lippincott, founded Landmarks to save the house.

The newly formed Landmarks was successful despite the Great Depression of the time and within another ten years had acquired Grumblethorpe in Germantown.

Landmarks attempts to carry on the vision of Wister by managing the four house museums and bringing thousands of visitors and schoolchildren each year to learn about Philadelphia's history.

On average, Landmarks Road Scholar Program attracts over 2,000 visitors annually to the Philadelphia region to enjoy its many historical and cultural resources.

Landmarks Road Scholar accounts for over $500,000 in purchases of hotel rooms and services throughout the Philadelphia region.