Getting ready for 2026!

November 2025

Getting Ready for 2026!

The countdown to 2026 is on! We are less than 2 months away from the start of the semiquincentennial, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation. From sporting events like the PGA Tour, FIFA World Cup, and MLB All-Star Game to historic happens, special exhibits, and the local-focused Block Party Bonanza, Philadelphia is the place to be.

Recently, INHT staff attended the launch of 52 Weeks of Firsts, an initiative by Philadelphia's Historic District to celebrate all the fantastic Philly firsts! Find out about the historic firsts that Philly holds bragging rights to and how we're joining the celebration.

Want more Philly-centric history and can't wait for 2026? Join us on November 13th for a book launch of Greater Philadelphia: A New History for the Twenty-First Century. This three-volume sets highlights Philadelphia's role in the region, the nation, and the world. More information below!

Postponed: Volunteer and Supporter Appreciation Party

Our annual Volunteer and Supporter Appreciation Event, originally scheduled for Wednesday, November 5th, has been postponed due to ongoing lapse in federal appropriations.

Your time, talents, dedication, and support help keep our mission going and make the Park a better place --- and we can't imagine holding this event without our amazing partners at Independence National Historical Park. We look forward to celebrating volunteer milestones and enjoying each other's company at a future date.

Thank you for your understanding.

Independence NHP Updates

INFORMATION REGARDING THE CONTINUING GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

Hello Friends! The lapse in federal appropriations remains ongoing and so does the Government Shutdown. We continue to work closely with our partners at the National Parks of Philadelphia on what things 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 continued support and patience during this time. If you have any questions, please reach out to Independence Historical Trust staff at attn@inht.org.

With Gratitude,

INHT Staff

P.S. During the shutdown, the Museum Store at Old City Hall -- operated by the folks at Eastern National, is still open! Your purchase helps support Independence National Historical Park. Stop in and get some national park and 2026 goodies like t-shirts, books, stickers, games, and more!

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.

Book Launch for Greater Philadelphia: A New History for the 21st Century

Join us and the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation for a special evening celebrating Greater Philadelphia: A New History for the Twenty-First Century, a landmark three-volume publication from the University of Pennsylvania Press that redefines the story of the region and its role in shaping the nation.

Editors Charlene Mires and Howard Gillette will discuss the making of this ambitious project, share surprising discoveries about the city and region, and reflect on how Philadelphia continues to influence the world as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Books will be available for purchase and signing immediately following an audience Q&A.

This event is free and open to the public. RSVP here!

At Ease: Quick Military History

We're commemorating the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps! In honor of this anniversary, Independence Historical Trust and the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides are once again hosting a special program on all things early American military!

Stop by 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 United States Marine Corps!

The Homecoming 250 celebrations continue with the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps from November 7-11! Events include tours, exhibits, festivals, parades, and more! Most are free of charge, and many are held at Independence National Historical Park. Celebrate with us in the city where the Marines were founded!

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

52 Weeks of Firsts!

What do the hot air balloon, Slinky, and the signing of the U.S. Constitution have in common? Philly did it first!

Starting January 2026, the Philadelphia Historic District is celebrating one historic “First” every week, with weekly Saturday First-ivals, giveaways, and more.

The Trust is excited to help host:

First Postmaster
First Bank of the United States
First Naming of the United States
First Modern Detective Story

Learn more about the Philadelphia firsts on the interactive 52 Weeks of Firsts website and follow along on social media!

We Heart Our Parks and Park Staff!

We are thinking about the National Park Service staff and especially our partners at the National Parks of Philadelphia during the ongoing government shutdown. The staff works tirelessly to ensure that cultural and historical resources are preserved and protected for all to enjoy. They are keepers of America's diverse stories and stewards of our public lands.

If you'd like to leave a message of support or encouragement, please use this online form. We'll make sure it gets to them. Thank you for your kindness!

Summer Program Surveys

Did you attend Movies on the Mall or Yoga with us this summer? We want to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to complete a quick survey and let us know about your experience.

We're looking forward to bringing back these programs for the 2026 season!

Movies on the Mall Survey

Yoga Survey

Halloween in the Historic District 🎃

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Halloween in the Historic District! We hope you had a spook-tacular time exploring the neighborhood and trick-or-treating around historic Philadelphia. Many, many thanks to all the museums, cultural institutions, organizations, businesses, and volunteers who made Old City a fa-boo-lous place for all the ghosties, ghouls, and goblins.

We'll see you all again, same time next year!

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