Playhouse, New Hope Historical Society To Share & Protect Parry Barn

NEW HOPE, PA — The New Hope Historical Society and Bucks County Playhouse have banded together to share and protect Parry Barn, one of the oldest stone structures in town.

Part of the original Parry family property, the barn sits between the playhouse and the historical society's Parry Mansion Museum, the two cultural institutions said in announcing the new venture Friday.

The barn, built around 1790, is owned by the New Hope Historical Society and now serves as an exhibition hall, cultural center, and retail rental property. In February, the Bucks County Playhouse signed a long-term lease on the barn — which became available when its tenant, Celt-Iberia Traders Gift Shop, closed due to retirement.

“Expanding our outreach to include The Parry Barn is a dream come true for Bucks County Playhouse,” Playhouse Producing Director and CEO Alexander Fraser said. "This addition to our campus will give us many opportunities — including relocating some events and educational activities that are better suited to a more intimate setting. We look forward to working with the Historical Society in providing a much-needed refurbishment of the barn’s interior, preserving one of New Hope’s oldest and most beautiful historic buildings."

The playhouse is also embarking on a fundraising campaign to retrofit the barn so the entire structure is more usable and energy efficient.

“Alex and I are both excited about this new relationship between the Society and the Playhouse,” Frank Policare, president of the historical society's Board of Directors, said. “The Playhouse organization is top-notch, and the Playhouse's resurrection was a critical piece in the overall re-birth of New Hope. They are the perfect organization to partner with to enhance and preserve this incredibly historic structure.”

Although separated today by a bustling Main Street, the mansion, barn, and playhouse have intertwined histories. Known by many as the father of New Hope, Benjamin Parry, and his family virtually built the town — living in the mansion across the street from his stables and from the water-powered mill that also powered his wealth.

One hundred years after his death, that mill became Bucks County Playhouse.

The playhouse is currently studying the most efficient usage for the Parry Barn, which will likely include play readings, storytelling, fundraising activities, and exhibitions. Activities in the barn will align with and support the non-profit mission of the playhouse.

The Playhouse and Historical Society expect to hold a public ceremony to celebrate this partnership later this spring.

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