Get Ready for the Summer Season!

May 2026

Save the Date: First Bank Reopening

We are so excited to announce that the First Bank is reopening on July 1, 2026!

Independence National Historical Park and Independence Historical Trust will hold a public ribbon cutting on July 1st to celebrate the multi-year restoration of a historic landmark that housed the nation's first federally chartered bank. The rehabilitation effort reflects a longstanding partnership between the National Park Service and Independence Historical Trust.

Exhibits in the building, on view until February 2027, will highlight the role of art and artifacts in American history and diplomacy. Developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of State and Drexel University, the exhibits feature items from U.S. embassies and the City’s Atwater Kent Collection at Drexel University, including commemorative objects related to Philadelphia’s celebrations of the 1876 Centennial, 1926 Sesquicentennial, and 1976 Bicentennial.

Full news release here.

The First Bank will be open 11:00am to 4:00pm, Thursday through Sunday.

P.S. Don't miss out on other events happening during the First Bank's opening week, including the Red, White, and Blue To-Do and a 52 Weeks of Firsts Firstival!

2026 Summer Programs

Our summer programs are back for 2026! Experience your favorite national park in new ways through free community programs. From guided evening tours and outdoor yoga to family-friendly movie nights and pet-focused events, the 2026 season offers opportunities to explore, unwind, and connect in the heart of historic Philadelphia.

May 16: Yoga at Independence

May 22: Twilight Tours begin!

May 30: BARK Ranger

Explore all the Trust's upcoming events and programs on our website!

52 Weeks of Firsts: May

May's 52 Weeks of Firsts celebrations kicked off with the first American-made piano and sousaphone at the Kimmel Center.

Don't miss out on these other Philly Firsts during the month of May:

First Mother's Day: 1895
First Hospital in America: 1751
First World's Fair in America: 1876
First Steamboat: 1787

Join the celebration for Moms ... Philly-style at Historic St. George's on 5/9, take in the new Pennsylvania Hospital museum on 5/16, explore the Centennial District's enduring and iconic Please Touch Museum on 5/23, and let off some steam and cruise into summer at the Independence Seaport Museum on 5/30.

All 52 Weeks Firstivals take place on Saturdays from 11:00am and 1:00pm.

Independence NHP Updates

We're less than two months away from July 2026! Summer programs and hours are starting up this month in America's most historic square mile and the National Parks of Philadelphia. Plan your visit today and keep up to date on the latest happenings using the Park's calendar.

Park Programs at Independence

(update hours start on Tuesday, May 12)

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, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm

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. No reservations needed. 1 hour.

Where: Meet outside the Liberty Bell Center
Date: Daily
Time: 10:00am

Ranger Talks in Franklin Court

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

Where: Franklin Court
Date: Daily
Time: 2:15pm and 3:15pm

Ranger Talk on Independence Square

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: 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 (Thu-Mon)

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

Visiting Independence Hall & Congress Hall

Independence Hall

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

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

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

Congress Hall

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

10:00am to 4:40pm - Guided Program (no tickets required)

Ranger-led tours every 20 minutes.

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More of Philadelphia's National Parks

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial: 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 Parks Stores

Independence Square East Wing Store: 9:00am to 4:45pm, open daily

Old City Hall Store: 9:00am to 4:45pm, open daily

Benjamin Franklin Museum Store: 9:00am to 4:45pm, open daily

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Opening In June

Free Quaker Meeting House - June 2nd

11:00am to 4:00pm, Tuesday through Saturday

Operated by Historic Philadelphia, Inc.

Second Bank of the United States - June 4th

12:00pm to 5:00pm, Thursday through Sunday

Ranger Talks: 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, and 4:00pm

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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.

2026 David McCullough Prize at Carpenters' Hall

Join the Carpenters’ Company tomorrow on Thursday, May 7th for a very special reception in Franklin Court honoring former Director of the National Park Service and 2026 David McCullough Prize for Excellence in American Public History award winner, Robert G. Stanton.

This will be a unique opportunity to enjoy light refreshments and mingle in Franklin Court, which features ghost structures designed by Carpenters’ Company member Robert Venturi.

This event will precede the awards ceremony for the McCullough Prize at Carpenters’ Hall. More information, and tickets, for both can be found here.

Jonathan Burton and his mom, Loretta, at the Partners in Philanthropy Awards on April 9, 2026.

2026 Faces of Philanthrophy

Last month, our Director of Development, Jonathan Burton, was honored by the Philadelphia Business Journal at the Partners in Philanthropy Awards as one of the 2026 Faces of Philanthropy.

For this milestone year, Jonathan has made sure Independence National Historical Park is ready for the national spotlight as Philadelphia takes center stage for all things 2026. Projects include the rehabilitation of the First Bank of the United States, the creation of a 40+ foot-long Join or Die Sculpture (which will complement the A250 National Time Capsule on Independence Mall) and planting 18 trees around the park!

Join the Trust's Independence 2026 campaign to preserve and enhance our favorite national park. Learn more about how you can be a part of history here.

The Declaration's Journey on WHYY

The Declaration’s Journey traces the story of the Declaration of Independence from Jefferson’s pen to movements for freedom around the world.

In partnership with the Museum of the American Revolution, the series explores how its words inspired revolutions, challenged injustice, and continue to shape our shared pursuit of equality.

You can watch all 10 episodes on WHYY.

(In)Visible Architects of Freedom Digital Archive

Last year, Kelli Barnes joined Independence National Historical Park as a Mellon Humanities Postdoctoral Fellow. During her time at the park, she created (In)Visible Architects of Freedom, a

database designed for students and educators that highlights primary sources about the growth of the Black American community in Lënapehòkink, now called Philadelphia, from the 1600s to the 1800s. It includes petitions, newspaper articles, letters, objects, friendship albums, and more.

Check out her project and other original research projects by emerging scholars on Now & Here.

Access Philly App

Want to keep track of everything happening in Philadelphia this summer? There's an app for that! The City of Philadelphia launched the Access Philly app for all your 2026 needs!

Discover 2026 celebrations, festivals, and more fun things to do across the city all summer long! Use the Access Philly mobile app (available for iOS and Android), or visit the 2026 Events hub for more local resources.

Last Month In Pictures

Left to Right: Karie Diethorn (INDE), Jonathan Burton (INHT), Susan Gillette Meer (DAR), and Steve Sims (INDE).

The Pennsylvania State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented Independence Historical Trust with a donation to fund historically-accurate window treatments in Independence Hall. Read about it here.

Washington Square, a Level One International Arboretum, celebrated Arbor Day with tree tours and fun for the whole family. Visitors got to meet park rangers, Trust staff, and garden volunteers.

Independence National Historical Park and Independence Historical Trust celebrate the First Postmaster during the 52 Weeks of Firsts Firstival at Franklin Court.

During Volunteer Appreciation Month, the Trust and Park said thank you to the many volunteers that help make Independence the Best Park in History! Volunteers and staff enjoyed a fun evening of camaraderie and put their trivia knowledge to the test during Quizzo. Thank you volunteers for all that you do!

The spring weather means Commerce Street construction is full steam ahead. We can't wait until this revitalized pedestrian walkway reopens!

Jonathan Burton joins representatives from the National Park Foundation, National Park Friends Alliance, and park partner groups for Hill Day.

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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