February is a month full of commemoration and celebration! National Freedom Day is celebrated on February 1st. It commemorates the 13th Amendment, which was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on February 1, 1865. The amendment, which abolished slavery, was the first of three amendments to the US Constitution during the Reconstruction Era after the Civil War. The National Freedom Day Association organize a wreath laying event at the Liberty Bell each year. In 1959, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Dr. Emmanuel Wright took part in the ceremony. Above is a photo from this year's event.

To learn more about how the old State House Bell became the Liberty Bell, a symbol for freedom, equality, and civil rights, check out the exhibit in the Liberty Bell Center.

Presidents' Day is February 19th and honors Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Learn about their last legacies and special connections to Independence NHP. If you're visiting the park over Presidents' Day Weekend, be sure to reserve your tickets for Independence Hall in advance.

Ben Franklin's 318th Birthday Celebration has been rescheduled for Friday, February 9th. Join our many Historic District friends and RSVP today for the 2024 Ben Franklin Birthday Celebration: Craftsmanship. Enjoy rich discussions, a procession to Franklin's grave, and treats from Franklin Fountain!

A few weeks ago we welcomed over 100 guests to celebrate Edgar Allan Poe's 215th birthday! In true Philly fashion, we marked Poe's 2-1-5 birthday with our friends from Yards Brewing Co. and a spooky tour of the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, the author's historic home on Spring Garden Street. And, Mr. Poe himself honored us with a few recitations of his works.

Originally from Boston, Poe lived in Philadelphia for several years. Some of his famous stories, including Fall of the House of Usher, Murders in the Rue Morgue, and Masque of the Red Death were written during his time here.

Many, many thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate one of literature's best, all of our wonderful volunteers, the dedicated Park staff who made Poe's house come to life, and our friends at Yards.

2026 is quickly approaching and it seems to be on everyone's mind! Park and Trust staff recently took a walk around Philadelphia's National Park to talk all things 2026 and plans for the country's 250th birthday.

Exciting projects to get the park ready for the semiquincentennial include the First Bank, the Declaration House, Welcome Park, Bicentennial Bell, Carpenters' Hall, and the West Wing of Independence Hall.

Read the full article from the Philadelphia Inquirer here.

All of us at the Trust were saddened to hear about the passing of Bernard Goodman, former Deputy Superintendent of Independence National Historical Park. Bernie began his National Park Service career in 1963 at Fort McHenry and came to Independence in 1977, where he served until his retirement in 1993.

Bernie described his tenure here in Philadelphia as the highlight of his career. During the Bicentennial Era, which commemorated the US Constitution and Bill of Rights, the park welcomed many dignitaries, hosted special events, and shared stories of independence with millions of visitors.

Please read his full obituary here.

Rehabilitation work on the First Bank of the United States continues. The project was highlighted by the Philadelphia Inquirer and Visit Philadelphia in the lead up to 2026. The Trust is currently raising funds for the fabrication and installation of immersive exhibits that will explore how the bank impacted people from all walks of life and contributed to the growth of the American nation. Learn more.