Fall at Independence!

October 2025

Fall at Independence

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall! Thank you to everyone who attended our 2025 Summer Programs. Whether you joined us for Movies on the Mall, became a B.A.R.K. Ranger, enjoyed some Saturday morning yoga flows at the Second Bank, or were one of the thousands of Twilight Tour visitors, we can't thank you enough for spending time with us in our favorite National Park!

With cooler weather and shorter days, we turn our attention to fun things like Homecoming 250 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy and Marine Corps --- both founded right here in Philadelphia --- and Halloween fun!

Read more about what we have planned this month in our newsletter below!

Halloween in the Historic District

Calling all ghouls and goblins! On Sunday, October 19, 2025, bring the family to Philly’s Historic District for Halloween in the Historic District, a day of trick-or-treating fun! Pick up your map and treat bag from the Independence Visitor Center and explore historic locations offering candy, special programs, and more from 11am to 3pm.

*** Volunteers Needed ***

The Trust is looking for volunteers to assist with activities and distribute candy during our Halloween event in the Historic District. Help us spread some Halloween cheer this spooky season.

Learn more and sign up here!!!

Independence NHP Updates

INFORMATION REGARDING THE CURRENT GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

Hello Everyone! As of midnight on October 1st, there has been a lapse in federal appropriations resulting in a "Government Shutdown." During this time, we are working closely with our partners at the National Parks of Philadelphia on what things will look like moving forward.

Per the Department of Interior: National parks remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown. However, some services may be limited or unavailable.

What does this mean for Independence NHP? The Independence Visitor Center remains open. You can still get great visitor services and recommendations on all things Philly from the awesome folks at the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation.

Buildings like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum are closed. Programs run by NPS staff is cancelled during this time. Non-NPS entities such as Carpenters' Hall and the National Constitution Center are open.

The grounds of Independence National Historical Park will largely remain open... this means you can still walk around Independence Square and Washington Square, enjoy Independence Mall, and visit the President's House Site. Any gardens or greenspaces behind a locked gate will remain closed.

We appreciate your support and patience during this time. If you have any questions, please reach out to Independence Historical Trust staff at attn@inht.org.

Stay well,

INHT Staff

***

Crisp air and cool fall days are made for visiting 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

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.

At Ease: Quick Military History

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in Philadelphia, Independence Historical Trust and the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides are hosting a special program on all things early American military!

Stop by October 9-19 and November 8-11 from 12pm to 1pm and 5pm to 6pm. Our wonderful volunteers will be at the John Barry Statue on the south side of Independence Square for all military history enthusiasts. Learn More Here!!!

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.

The Story of America: A Rebooted Civic National Narrative

Explore the Nationhood Lab’s provocative research project “The Story of America” through a lecture, discussion, with an audience Q&A session following the program.

Join Philadelphia's Historic District Partners and Histories Collaborative of Philadelphia on Thursday, October 16th at 5:30pm at the Independence Visitor Center.

Event Info + Registration

B.A.R.K. Ranger Howl-o-ween

Get ready for spooky season! Join Independence Historical Trust for a B.A.R.K. Ranger Program on Saturday, October 25th from 8am to 9am.

This special Howl-o-ween edition will feature fun Halloween activities, a pet costume contest, and treats for both humans and four-legged friends. Plus, pups can get sworn in as an official B.A.R.K. Ranger at Independence National Historical Park!

Don't miss out on the fun! More info here.

You're Invited: Volunteer & Supporter Appreciation Party

Calling all NPS Volunteers-In-Parks, INHT Volunteers, and our supporters of all types... Join Independence Historical Trust and the National Park Service for our annual Volunteer and Supporter Appreciation Event!

We'll be celebrating volunteer milestones, recognizing the Independence Historical Trust's Volunteer of the Year, and enjoying food, refreshments, and comradery. This is our opportunity to express gratitude to all our wonderful volunteers and supporters for their generous contributions throughout the year. Your time, talents, dedication, and support help keep our mission going and make the Park a better place!

This year, our appreciation event will be held in Riverside Hall at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes) National Historic Site on Wednesday, November 5th, at 5:30 pm.

RSVP Here

Please RSVP by October 24th. We hope to see you there!

INHT Attends the National Park Friends Alliance Conference

Last month, Maiti Gallen and Jonathan Burton attended the annual National Park Friends Alliance conference at Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis.

As part of the conference, Jonathan presented on a panel to discuss the upcoming 2026 commemorations and celebrations. Jonathan was joined by Natalie Britt, CEO of Zion National Park Forever Project, Amy Sovocool, President and CEO of Conservancy Legacy, and Rosie Rios, Chair of the America 250 Commission. Maiti co-chairs the Historic Sites Affinity Group, which was recently launched to share resources and discuss collaborative opportunities for historic sites in the National Park Service.

A huge shout out to Maiti and Jonathan for representing the Trust and for always advocating for our friends at Independence!

4th Annual Washington's Farewell

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 4th annual Washington Farewell: A Constitutional Convention Send Off! This year, we took the party to the historic Carpenters' Hall, the perfect backdrop for reliving Washington's legendary 1787 bar bill!

Several hearty huzzahs to our amazing vendor partners: Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey, Philadelphia Mead Company, Yards Brewing Co., Manoff Market Cidery, Millstone Spirits, and Spotted Horse Provisions. Your delicious provisions made the night a total hit!

And a special round of applause for the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry! These guys were the original hosts back in 1787 and might just be the reason that bar bill got so high at the end of the night!

Mark your calendars for September 2026 and get ready to raise a glass with us next year for even more fun at this annual bash! Huzzah!

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