Eagles Soar in the National Parks of Philadelphia

February 2025

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!

We're still flying high with the Philadelphia Eagles' victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX! If you're like us and can't get enough of these birds, the National Parks of Philadelphia has you covered.

As the birthplace of the nation and former capital of the United States, there's no shortage of patriotic symbols around Independence Square and the rest of the National Park, including the eagle. The bald eagle officially became a national symbol in 1782 when Congress adopted The Great Seal of the United States.

So, where can eagle-eyed visitors see more of these formidable birds of prey? Here are just a few places around the Park to check out during your next visit:

Pennsylvania Coat of Arms in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chamber of Independence Hall
Carpet in the U.S. Senate Chamber in Congress Hall
Ceiling motif in the U.S. Senate Chamber in Congress Hall
Flag pole finial on Independence Square
Tympanum sculpture on the First Bank

Share your pictures of these eagles and others you might find with us on social media!

Independence NHP Updates

Pennsylvania's famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, might have predicted 6 more weeks of winter, but the National Parks of Philadelphia are great no matter the season. Come experience America's most historic square mile this winter. Plan your visit and find out the latest on Park programs and special events Park's calendar.

Winter Programs at Independence

Washington's Birthday Wreath Laying

Celebrate George Washington's birthday with the Sons of the American Revolution's annual wreath laying at Independence National Historical Park.

Where: Washington Square, followed by Independence Hall
Date: February 22
Time: 11:00am

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: 3:30pm

February 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 (Fri-Sun)

Carpenters' Hall: 10am to 4pm (Wed-Sun)

The following buildings are closed: 318 Market Street, City Tavern, Declaration House, Edgar Allan Poe NHS, First Bank of the United States, Free Quaker Meeting House, Germantown White House, New Hall Military Museum, Second Bank Portrait Gallery, Thaddeus Kosciuszko NM, Todd and Bishop White Houses.

Visiting Independence Hall & Congress Hall

Independence Hall

9:00am to 10:30am - Open House

10:40am to 4:00pm - Guided Tours (tickets required)

4:20pm - 40 min. Expanded Tour (tickets required)

Congress Hall

9:00am to 4:00pm - Guided Tours

Tours every 20 minutes; no tickets required

4:20pm to 5:00pm - Open House

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More of Philadelphia's National Parks

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 4:30pm, 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.

National Freedom Day

On February 1st, the National Freedom Day Association held its annual wreath laying ceremony at the Liberty Bell in Independence National Historical Park.

National Freedom Day commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by President Abraham Lincoln. The amendment outlaws slavery and involuntary servitude.

How did the Liberty Bell get its name? Abolitionists seeking to end slavery in America were inspired by the bell's inscription: Proclaim Liberty Through All the Land Unto All Inhabitants thereof. The State House bell was first referred to as the "Liberty Bell" in The Anti-Slavery Record, an abolitionist publication in 1835. The name later became widely adopted.

Volunteers at United for Independence (2024).

Volunteer with the Trust

Looking for an opportunity to give back to your community and share your love of National Parks? Come volunteer with Independence Historical Trust, the philanthropic partner to the National Parks of Philadelphia.

We are actively recruiting guides for our 2025 Twilight Tour Season, which kicks-off on Memorial Day Weekend. If you have an interest in history and talking to visitors from near and far, consider being a Twilight Tour Guide.

Additional volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year for programs, events, office support, and more. Fill out a volunteer interest form here!

Earth Day event with volunteers and Park Rangers at the National Parks of Philadelphia (2024).

Did you make a donation in 2024?

"... nothing is certain except death and taxes." ~ Benjamin Franklin (1789)

It's officially tax season! Independence Historical Trust is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. If you made donation to the Trust in 2024, you maybe be able to list your gift as a charitable contribution on your taxes. Please consult your financial advisor or a tax professional when filing.

Have a question about your 2024 donation to Independence Historical Trust or need a record of your gift? Contact us by phone (215-861-4971) or e-mail us at attn@inht.org.

Visiting Independence Hall

Through March 7th, Independence Hall is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm with three different visitor experiences! Explore at your own place during the Hall's open house or choose from two guided tour options with Park staff.

Visitors are welcome to explore a self-guided experience of Independence Hall from 9:00am to 10:30am. Park Rangers will be in the building to answer questions.

20-minute guided tours are offered between 10:40am and 4:00pm. There is a 40-minute expanded tour at 4:20pm. Tours must be reserved ahead of time. Tickets are available on recreation.gov.

Last Call: Tuesday Tea at Carpenters' Hall

Don't miss the last Afternoon Tea at Carpenters' Hall on Tuesday, February 25th at 3:30pm! Enjoy an elegant and relaxing afternoon with your charming hostess, Dolley Todd Madison, as she talks about the importance of tea in the colonial economy and, of course, its role the American Revolution.

Click here to book your tickets today!

This program is presented by Carpenters' Hall and Historic Philadelphia Inc.

Addie-Lou and Hobie Cawood (Superintendent of Independence National Historical Park) show off their 1976 Philadelphia Bicentennial t-shirts.

Remembering Addie-Lou Cawood

Last month, founding member of Independence Historical Trust (formerly the Friends of Independence National Historical Park) Adelaide "Addie-Lou" Wahlert Cawood, passed away.

Addie-Lou was passionate about Independence NHP, and was a longtime volunteer guide before helping create the Trust. In 2012, Addie-Lou, and her husband Hobie, were honored with the Trust's inaugural Founders' Award.

We will be forever grateful for all that Addie-Lou has done for our organization and her continued support and advocacy for our national park. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.

Read Addie-Lou's full obituary here.

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