A Season of Celebration and Commemoration | | |
The first Flag Act was passed on June 14, 1777. Congress adopted a flag with 13 stars on a field of blue and alternating red and white stripes as the official flag of the newly formed United States. Over the years, there have been several modifications, with the current flag being the 27th official version.
Special events to celebrate and commemorate Flag Day and Army's 250th Birthday are taking place this weekend, June 14-15, right here in the city where the United States Army was founded including the Stripes and Stars Festival in Old City, Army Band Concert, a re-enactment of George Washington's Commissioning, and more!
For a full schedule of events and programs in the Philadelphia-area, please see the Association of the United States Army's schedule.
| | June Programs with the Trust | |
Join us in June for free community programs at the National Parks of Philadelphia!
June 20: Movies on the Mall
June 21: Yoga at Independence
Daily: Twilight Tours
There are so many ways to enjoy *your* national parks! From pet programs to outdoor movie screening to chill yoga vibes, we've got your covered!! Visit our website to see all upcoming dates or download our Summer Programs flyer!
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Soak up the summer and visit America's most historic square mile! Plan your visit and find out the latest on Park programs and special events Park's calendar.
Park Programs at Independence
Independence NHP Walking Tour
Explore Independence National Historical Park with a park ranger. Get the inside scoop on the founding of the nation on this one-hour guided walking tour through some of the most iconic city blocks in the United States. 1 hour.
- Where: Meet at the Liberty Bell Center viewing window
- Date: Daily
- Time: 9:30am
History Hang-Out
Take a break, drop-in, and hang out with a Park Ranger as they dig deep into one of the many fascinating stories of Independence NHP. Enjoy casual conversation and hands-on activities for people of all ages.
- Where: Liberty Bell Center
- Date: Daily
- Time: 10:30am and 3:00pm
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Building Hours at Independence
Independence Visitor Center: 9am to 6pm
Liberty Bell Center: 9am to 5pm
Independence Hall: 9am to 5pm
Congress Hall: 9am to 5pm
West Wing: 9am to 5pm
Old City Hall: 9am to 5pm
Ben Franklin Museum: 9am to 5pm
Franklin Printing Office: 10am to 5pm (Sat-Sun)
Free Quaker Meeting House: 11am to 4pm (Sat-Sun)
Carpenters' Hall: 10am to 4pm (Tue-Sun)
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Visiting Independence Hall & Congress Hall
Independence Hall
9:00am to 10:00am - Open House (no tickets required)
10:00am to 4:00pm - Guided Tours (tickets required)
4:20pm - 40 min. Expanded Tour (tickets required)
Congress Hall
9:15am to 4:15pm - Guided Program (no tickets required)
Every 15 and 45 minutes past the hour
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More of Philadelphia's National Parks
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial: 12pm to 4pm, Saturdays & Sundays
Gloria Dei Old Swedes' NHS: 5am to 11pm, grounds open daily
(for church hours and services, visit here)
America's National Park Stores
Museum Store in Old City Hall: 10:00am to 4:00pm, open daily
Benjamin Franklin Museum Store: 9:00am to 5:00pm, open daily
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Tickets for Independence Hall are fully mobile. Tickets can be reserved in advance through https://recreation.gov or on the recreation.gov mobile app. Tickets are free and up to 9 can be reserved per account. There is a $1 administrative fee to reserve each ticket. Please visit the NPS information desk at the Independence Visitor Center if you need assistance.
| | June 20th: Movies on the Mall | |
The 2025 Movies on the Mall series kicks off on Friday, June 20th with Harriet!
Join Independence Historical Trust and the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation for an outdoor movie night on Independence Mall!
And, before the movie begins, enjoy family-friendly activities like arts, crafts, games, and a Park Ranger program. Movies start at dusk.
Click here for more information!
| | | 2025 Preservation Achievement Awards: Washington Square Guardhouse | | |
Members of the Washington Square Guardhouse project team at the 2025 Preservation Achievement Awards.
Left to Right: Jonathan Burton (Independence Historical Trust), Alex Bruce (Pinemar), Holly Boyer (Independence National Historical Park), Kyle Lissack (Pinemar)
Photo credit: Industry & Commerce Images Works
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The restoration of the Washington Square Guardhouse was recognized at the 2025 Preservation Achievement Awards. This project was made possible through collaboration between Independence Historical Trust, Independence National Historical Park, and the Society Hill Preservation Foundation.
From the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia: In the 1890s, more than 100 of these guard houses dotted the Fairmount Park landscape, strategically located to ensure public safety and remind visitors that nature was indeed being managed. There are not fewer than 20 cottages throughout Fairmount Park; most beyond repair. Fortunately, this house was rescued mid-century and moved to Washington Square. Last year, a thorough restoration replaced the roof tiles with red cedar shingles. Wood surfaces were scraped, sanded, and painted with historically accurate colors. Rusty hardware was cleaned and refinishes. An historically significant cottage now thrives as a charming garden shed in Washington Square.
Learn more about Pinemar's restoration here.
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The Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee presents the second annual 2025 Red, White, & Blue To-Do celebration for July 2, 2025, part of Philadelphia’s 250th celebration!
The annual Red, White, & Blue To-Do celebration will take place on July 2, 2025, commemorating a day of “pomp and parade,” as declared by John Adams in 1776, encouraging visitors to celebrate independence in the place where it all began. A vibrant display of patriotic celebration, Red, White, & Blue To-Do brings together museums, historic sites, and local businesses in America’s most historic square mile to honor the nation’s founding.
| | | Learn more about the Red, White, & Blue To-Do and how you can participate in Decorating Days, the All-American Block Party, and enjoy musical performances and events all around Philadelphia's historic district! | | | | Commerce Street Connector Public Stakeholder Meeting | |
Independence Historical Trust, in cooperation with the Old City District, Old City Green Philadelphia, and
the City of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department, invites you to a Public Stakeholder Meeting for an
update on the design of the Commerce Street Connector Project.
The meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 24th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Neighborhood House (Great Hall) located at 20 N. American Street. RSVP here!
Please direct questions via email to Danielle Baer, AICP at dabaer@urbanengineers.com.
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We can't think of a better place to spend the 4th of July holiday than right here in Philadelphia! Can you?
The Welcome America Festival kicks off on June 19th, showcasing America's birthplace and commemorates both Juneteenth and July 4th.
Enjoy dozens of free events and festivities throughout the city including free museum days, Wawa Hoagie Day, block parties, parades, concerts, fireworks, and more!
See the full schedule of events here.
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Want the latest information about your favorite National Park? Download the NPS App for interactive maps, walking tours, recommendations, events, and the latest alerts for more than 400 national parks, including Independence NHP!
Available for iOS and Android devices.
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