Enjoy your Public Lands!

September 2025

National Parks 🤝 Public Lands

There's always something happening at the National Parks of Philadelphia! Earlier this month, visitors were able to see some Park Rangers participate in historic weapons training. These fun and informative demonstrations are just one way the folks at Independence make history come to life!

In honor of our National Parks and Public Lands, join thousands of outdoor enthusiasts across the nation in celebrating National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 27th. How can you participate? Take advantage of the fee-free day and visit a national park, enjoy being outdoors, practice Leave No Trace principles to protect public lands, share your favorite outdoor activity with a friends, and volunteer!

Independence National Historical Park will be hosting a National Public Lands Day volunteer event on Friday, September 26th. Sign-up to be a part of it!

P.S. Show your love for your National Parks and Public Lands by writing a note of thanks and appreciation. As part of our We Heart Our Parks project, we'll share these messages with the hard-working staff at Independence!

Last Call: Summer Programs with Independence Historical Trust

Enjoy the last of the summer season with free community programs at the National Parks of Philadelphia!

September 19: Movies on the Mall

September 20: Yoga at Independence

Daily thru September 30th: Twilight Tours

Visit our website for more details and to see all upcoming dates or download our Last Call: Summer Programs flyer!

Independence NHP Updates

Whether you're celebrating the end of summer, the beginning of fall, or back to school season, anytime is the perfect time to visit the National Parks of Philadelphia and 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. 45 minutes.

Where: Meet at the Liberty Bell Center viewing window
Date: Daily
Time: 10:30am

History Hang-Out at the Liberty Bell

Take a break, drop-in, and hangout with a Park Ranger in the Liberty Bell Center as they dive 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: 10:00am and 1:00pm

Franklin Court Park Ranger Talk

It's all about the Benjamins! Join a Park Ranger and discuss the life and times of Philadelphia's most famous founder - Benjamin Franklin.

Where: Franklin Court
Date: Daily
Time: 11:30am and 4:00pm

Independence Square Park Ranger Talk

Join a Park Ranger for a lively short conversation about the significant events that have taken place on Independence Square.

Where: Behind Independence Hall
Date: Daily
Time: 3:00pm and 4:30pm

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)

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

Visiting Independence Hall & Congress Hall

Independence Hall

9:00am to 10:30am - Open House (no tickets required)

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

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

Congress Hall

9:15am to 3:45pm - Guided Program (no tickets required)

Every 15 and 45 minutes past the hour

4:15pm to 5:00pm - Open House (no tickets required)

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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.

You're Invited: Washington's Farewell on September 25th!

Join us on Thursday, September 25th for Washington's Farewell! Back for a fourth year, we're excited to pay homage to this historic event!!!

During this night of toasts, drinks, and comradery, we loosely re-create a farewell event for George Washington that happened at City Tavern following the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention in 1787.

What's the history? Before the famous document was signed, Washington and some friends headed over to City Tavern for a party hosted by the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry. The bar tab came to 89+ pounds - or $15,400 in today's money!

This year, we will be hosting Washington's Farewell at Carpenters' Hall. Come celebrate with refreshments and merriment!

Tickets

We're proud to once again feature Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey, Philadelphia Mead Company, and Yards Brewing Co.

And welcome **new** vendors: Manoff Market Cidery, Millstone Spirits, and Spotted Horse Provisions.

Plus, back for another year, Tom the Grog Man!

Celebrate 250 years of the Navy and Marine Corps!

Homecoming 250 is celebrating the 250th birthdays of the Navy and Marine Corps October 9-16 and November 7-11! Events include concerts, parades, an All Veterans Reunion Picnic, as well as silent drill platoons, ships and aircraft. Most are free of charge, and many are held at Independence National Historical Park. Celebrate with us in the city where the two services were founded!

For more information, please visit: www.homecoming250.org

The American Revolution - A film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein & David Schmidt

Join WHYY on Thursday, October 9th at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, NJ for a preview screening of Ken Burns' upcoming documentary series, The American Revolution, followed by an exclusive interview by Terry Gross, co-host of WHYY's "Fresh Air with Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley".

The program begins at 7 PM, and doors open at 5:30 PM. This event is free but requires registration.

Event Information and Registration.

Make Your Mark!

250 years ago, Philly launched a revolution. In 20206, we're launching a yearlong celebration --- and it starts with this: the official, customizable mark of the semiquincentennial.

The Trust's custom 2026 mark features our biggest project to date, the First Bank of the United States. We're so excited for what's to come!

A historic year deserves a mark that can truly do it all. Create your own custom badge today and get ready for 2026!

Support Independence 2026!

Big things are happening for the 250th anniversary of our nation's Declaration of Independence, and we'd love for you to be part of it! The Independence 2026 campaign will provide essential funding to enhance the visitor experience and support important projects around Independence National Historical Park. Donate today!

We’re excited to showcase projects focused on Preservation and Education, Parks and Public Green Spaces, and enhancing Safety and Security at the national park. Together, we can preserve and enhance this cherished piece of our history for generations to come! For examples of your how your impact helps fund projects at the park, please visit www.inht.org/independence2026 to see what's underway.

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!

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