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It's the final few days of summer and we are wrapping up our seasonal programming: B.A.R.K. Ranger Doughnuts and Dogs, Yoga at Independence, and Twilight Tours. You won't want to miss these last couple warm weather events and a chance to enjoy some beautiful September days at the Best Park in History!
Recently, we kicked off a new series in partnership with our friends at the Philadelphia Visitor Center: Movies on the Mall, an outdoor movie night held on Independence Mall. Over 800 folks joined us last week to watch National Treasure, steps away from Independence Hall where some of its iconic scenes were filmed. We have two more movie nights in September and October.
And, as we transition to Fall, we are looking forward to welcoming back General George Washington at City Tavern Garden as we re-create a memorable night that took place at the close of the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
Read more about Washington's Farewell and Movies on the Mall in this newsletter.
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Thursday, September 19th: Washington's Farewell | |
Join Independence Historical Trust for our 3rd Annual Washington's Farewell event! During this night of toasts, drinks, and comradery, we'll loosely re-create a farewell event for General George Washington held at the historic City Tavern.
Following the Constitutional Convention, before the famous document was signed, the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry hosted a goodbye party for the General and racked up a hefty bar tab over 89 pounds --- or $15,400+ in today's money!
The evening will feature beverage partners Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey, Philadelphia Mead Company, Yards Brewing Company, and Tom the Grog Guy.
Come celebrate with refreshments and merriment! Get your tickets today!
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Tickets include food and drink, plus beverage tastings. | | |
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Doughnuts and Dogs
September 7
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Yoga at Independence
September 14
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Twilight Tours
Extended Season thru September
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Fall is just around the corner and there's no better place to spend these cooler days than at the National Parks of Philadelphia. For all the latest on the Park's programs and events, check out the Park's calendar.
September 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
"How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons from Our Top Presidents," A Conversation with author Boston Talmage
Join Independence National Historical Park and the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia in a special after-hours exploration of how the best Presidents did it in the building where our first two made history, Congress Hall. Leadership skills will be of the utmost importance as Americans consider electing a new president this fall. Author Talmage Boston, in his latest book, "How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons from Our Top Presidents." shares the most important leadership traits of eight of America's presidents. Registration is Required.
- Where: Congress Hall
- Date: September 18
- Time: 6:00pm
Fee-Free Day at the Benjamin Franklin Museum
Celebrate National Public Lands Day with free admission to the Benjamin Franklin Museum! The museum features artifacts, computer animations, and interactive displays about Franklin's life and character.
- Where: Benjamin Franklin Museum
- Date: September 28
- Time: 9:00am to 5:00pm
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September 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 (Thu-Mon)
Free Quaker Meeting House: 11am to 4pm (Sat-Sun)
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, 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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Join us on September 20th for The Patriot (an edited version suitable for most audiences). Bring a blanket or chair and food to enjoy during this outdoor movie night, part of our Movies on the Mall series with the Philadelphia Visitor Center.
Family-friendly activities start at 5:00pm. Movie screening begins at 7:30pm. This is a *FREE* program. We kindly ask that you RSVP. Walk-ups welcome!
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National Parks of Philadelphia Selects New Chief Ranger | |
Independence National Historical Park recently selected Adrian Fernandez as the new Chief Ranger for the National Parks of Philadelphia! Adrian has worked in the National Park Service for 17 years with assignments at Christiansted NHS, Virgin Islands National Park, Great Smokey Mountains National Park and more.
The Chief Ranger leads and manages the Visitor & Resource Protection (VRP) division which encompasses 24-hour dispatch, law enforcement, and physical security. Congratulations, Adrian!
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Independence NHP Job Fair | |
Come work at the Best Park in History and explore your career at Independence NHP.
Wednesday, September 18th
9:30am to 4pm
Independence Visitor Center
Liberty View Ballroom
At the job fair, you'll be able to meet with hiring managers and HR specialists, learn how to build a federal resume and where to find job listings, plus, learn all about the National Park Service and Philadelphia's National Parks!
Join a team of passionate individuals dedicated to preserving America's history. Uniformed and non-uniformed positions available! Learn more.
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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. | |
Save the Date: Volunteer & Supporter Appreciation Event | |
We've been able to do so much this year thanks to our volunteers and supporters. To show our gratitude, the Trust and Park are co-hosting an appreciation event on Wednesday, October 16th at Carpenters' Hall from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
If you're a VIP (Volunteer-In-Parks), a Trust volunteer, a Twilight Tour Guide, or a donor, we invite you to attend this October event. We will also be honoring our Volunteer of the Year! More details coming soon!
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2023 was a year full of milestones and celebrations. The Trust wrapped up our 50th anniversary year just in time for Independence National Historical Park's 75th anniversary year.
Read our 2023 Impact Report to learn about everything we accomplished last year with your support. Highlights include educational programs, capital projects, park support, volunteering, community engagement programs, and more!
Independence Historical Trust is committed to being a trusted and transparent non-profit organization. Copies of the Trust's 990s and audited financial statements are available on our website.
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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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