Fall Fun in Philadelphia! | |
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It's officially fall in Philadelphia! The cooler temperatures and shorter days bring a whole bunch of activity to the Historic District and our favorite national park. Read more about Movies on the Mall, Poetober, and Halloween in the Historic District in this newsletter.
The Trust recently attended the National Convening of States and Partners, hosted by America250PA, to talk about the upcoming semiquincentennial commemoration. Organizations from across the country gathered to discuss their 250th festivities and efforts to tell and uplift the diverse stories and voices that make up our nation.
Leading up to 2026 will be full of events, anniversaries, and commemorations.
Our friends at Carpenters' Hall are celebrating their 300th anniversary this year and welcomed the first Young People's Continental Congress (YPCC) to mark the 250th anniversary of the First Continental Congress. Students and teachers from the 13 original colonies and Philadelphia participated in a week of learning and exploring. Next year, they plan to welcome student-teacher teams from across the country. Applications are open now. Learn more about YPCC in 2025 here!
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October 16: Volunteer + Supporter Appreciation Event | |
We're celebrating the people who help make the National Parks of Philadelphia shine! Whether you're a volunteer, a donor, or support us in some other way, we want to say thank you!
Join the Park and Independence Historical Trust for a fun, social evening where we will recognize volunteer accomplishments and milestones, and present the Trust's Volunteer of the Year Award!
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
5:30pm to 7:30pm
Carpenters' Hall
Refreshments, food stations, and desserts served. Vegetarian and vegan options.
This event is free to attend. Please RSVP by October 11th.
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Please note that only the first floor of Carpenters' Hall is wheelchair accessible.
If you have any questions, please contact us at attn@inht.org.
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Halloween in the Historic District! | |
Join us for a spooky day of family fun in Philadelphia’s Historic District!
On Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the area transforms into a Halloween wonderland perfect for all ages.
Start your adventure at the Independence Visitor Center, where we’ll be handing out bags and maps for all trick-or-treaters. The map will guide you to participating organizations throughout the district, some offering special events, programs, and of course, candy! More information here.
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Plus, enjoy a fun hayride experience on Independence Mall with the Trust and the National Park Service! Hayrides will run from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. | |
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Hello Fall! As the leaves start to turn, these crisp autumn days are perfect for visiting the National Parks of Philadelphia. Plan your visit and find out the latest on all Park programs and events using the Park's calendar.
October Programs at Independence
Walking Tour: Connections
How does the American Revolution connect with your life today? Join a Park Ranger to explore America’s history through the diverse people who founded a new nation during this 45 minute walking tour. The tour is accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
- Where: Meet outside the Independence Visitor Center, east entrance of building
- Date: Daily
- Time: 10:30am
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 National Historical Park. Enjoy casual conversation and hands-on activities for people of all ages.
- Where: Liberty Bell Center
- Date: Daily
- Time: 3:30pm
Partner Program: Family Fun Day
Enjoy hands-on activities for the whole family at the APS Museum's Family Fun Day. This free afternoon event is appropriate for children and guests of all ages. The exhibition Sketching Splendor: American Natural History, 1750-1850, This program is brought to you by the American Philosophical Society, Wyck Historic House, Independence National Historical Park, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (from 12pm to 2pm), and the Museum for Art in Wood. More information.
- Where: Jefferson Garden, 105 South 5th Street
- Date: October 13
- Time: 12:00pm to 4:00pm
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October 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
Great Essentials Exhibit, West Wing: 9am to 5pm
Supreme Court Chamber, Old City Hall: 9am to 5pm
Ben Franklin Museum: 9am to 5pm
Franklin Printing Office: 10am to 5pm (Fri-Mon)
Carpenters' Hall: 10am to 4pm (Tue-Sun)
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The following buildings are closed: 318 Market Street, City Tavern, Declaration House, Edgar Allan Poe NHS, Free Quaker Meeting House, Germantown White House, New Hall Military Museum, Second Bank Portrait Gallery, Todd and Bishop White Houses.
Visiting Independence Hall & Congress Hall
Independence Hall
9:00am to 10:30am - Open House (no tickets required)
10:40am to 4:20pm - Guided Tours (tickets required)
Congress Hall
9:00am to 10:30am - Open House
10:40am to 4:00pm - Guided Tours (every 20 minutes)
4:20pm to 5:00pm - Open House
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More of Philadelphia's National Parks
Thaddeus Kosciuszko NM: 12pm to 4pm, Saturday & Sunday
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: 10am to 4pm, open daily
Benjamin Franklin Museum Store: 9am to 5pm, 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.
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Movies on the Mall + Poetober | |
Spooky season is here and we've got a double-header on October 18th!
Join us at Movies on the Mall for a classic thriller, The Sixth Sense, which was filmed right here in Philadelphia! Bring a blanket, chair, and food for a movie night under the stars. Presented, in partnership with our friends at the Philadelphia Visitor Center.
And, before the movie starts, we're celebrating Poetober with the National Park Service! Enjoy family-friendly games and activities starting at 5:00pm inspired by the master of macabre, Edgar Allan Poe!
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Movie screening begins at 6:30pm. This is a *FREE* program. We kindly ask that you RSVP. Walk-ups welcome! | |
History on the Street Block Party | |
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The Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP) commemorates its 200th birthday in 2024! Join our friends on Locust Street to connect with the past and make meaningful discoveries about who you are and who we are together.
When: October 5, 12 PM to 4 PM (ET)
Where: 1300 Block of Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free Entry, Pay-As-You-Go Vendors
Cultural organizations will have activities, tours, and demonstrations that will share American history in exciting ways. Music, vendors, and food will bring a street party vibe. Find more information here.
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What a fun and sun-soaked summer at the National Parks of Philadelphia! This year, we brought back a couple favorites like Twilight Tours, Pawtriot Yappy Hour, and Washington's Farewell and introduced a couple new things, including Doughnuts and Dogs and Yoga at Independence!
We strive to make these public lands - your national parks - accessible and enjoyable for everyone. No matter what your interests are, there's a way to connect with the park and find your story here in Philadelphia.
Thank you for joining us this summer and we can't wait to welcome even more community members and visitors next year!
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Thank You Twilight Tour Guides! | |
Our 2024 Twilight Tour season wrapped up at the end of September. This year, thanks to our amazing and dedicated guides, we were able to offer an extended tour season after Labor Day!
Over the last 4 months, our Twilight Tour Guides welcomed over 2,595 visitors from around the world --- including 41 states and 54 countries! Thank you for sharing your love of Philadelphia's National Park with visitors and locals!
Photo by Twilight Guide Noel Abejo.
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Save the Date: 2024 Legacy Award Gala | |
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Save the date for Independence Historical Trust's Legacy Award Gala! On December 12, 2024, we will be presenting the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial with our Legacy Award for their inspiring philanthropic leadership as the city prepares for 2026.
Join us for a featured conversation between Chris Levenick of the Philadelphia Fund Collaborative, Michael Newmuis, 2026 Director for the City of Philadelphia, and Angela Val, President & CEO of Visit Philadelphia. Our moderator for the evening will be award-winning journalist Tracey Matisak of WHYY.
For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, please visit our website.
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Hamilton Comes to Philadelphia | |
Experience the story of Alexander Hamilton, the visionary behind the First Bank of the United States, in HAMILTON at the Academy of Music, and Ensemble Arts Philly venue.
Academy of Music
October 29 - November 23
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HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. HAMILTON features book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire. In addition to its 11 Tony Awards, it has won Grammy®, Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. | | |
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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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