Happy National Volunteer Month

April 2026

Happy National Volunteer Month!

April is National Volunteer Month!

All year round, but especially this month, we are so grateful for the many volunteers who help make our national park the best park in history! Volunteers do so much around the park including gardening and grounds maintenance, patrolling for trash, archives and library research, administrative tasks, interpretation around the park, and more! Together with Park and Trust staff, these dedicated individuals help preserve, promote, and enhance the National Parks of Philadelphia.

Thank you!

52 Weeks of Firsts: April

The 52 Weeks of Firsts, hosted by the Philadelphia Historic District continues this month with more history, fun, and --- of course --- Firstivals!

Don't miss out on these upcoming Firsts during the month of April:

First Stadium in America: 1895
First Circus Performance in America: 1793
First Botanical Garden: 1728
First Postmaster: 1737

Join the celebration for Franklin Field on 4/4, the First Circus and Philadelphia School of Circus Arts on 4/11, Bartram's Garden on 4/18, and the First Postmaster with the National Park Service and Independence Historical Trust on 4/25.

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

Independence NHP Updates

Hello Springtime! April means warmer temps, more tour groups and visitors... and that we are one month closer to July 2026! There is plenty happening in the National Parks of Philadelphia and America's most historic square mile leading up to the busy summer months, so take some time to explore! Plan your visit and find out the latest on Park programs and special events Park's calendar.

Park Programs at Independence

Junior Ranger Scavenger Hunt

Looking for an adventure? Test your skill with a fun Junior Ranger scavenger hunt! Pick up your booklet at the Independence Visitor Center!

Where: Independence Visitor Center
Date: Saturday, April 18th
Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm

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 3:00pm

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: 11:00am

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

Old City Hall: 9am to 5pm

Ben Franklin Museum: 9am to 5pm

Franklin Printing Office: 10am to 5pm (Mon-Fri)

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

Temporary closure through April 24th to replace fire alarm and security systems.

Please visit the Park's website for more information.

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: 9:30am to 4:30pm, open daily

Old City Hall Store: 9:00am to 5:00pm, 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.

Celebrate Arbor Day in Washington Square

Celebrate Arbor Day in Washington Square with Independence Historical Trust, the Washington Square Committee, and the National Park Service on Saturday, April 18th from 11am to 1pm!

Come relax, picnic, and enjoy the flowers and trees in the Washington Square Arboretum. Plus, meet the Washington Square Committee, Independence Historical Trust, and learn about how you can volunteer with the National Park Service to keep this place looking beautiful!

The event will feature free family-friendly fun like arboretum tours, hands-on activities, a tree-sure hunt, and more!

Firstival: The First Postmaster

Before there was email, there was Ben! Franklin became America's first postmaster, creating a system that did more than deliver mail, it brought people together. See how one man's mail shaped a new nation.

Join us on Saturday, April 25th from 11am to 1pm at Franklin Court for a Firstival all about Ben Franklin! Enjoy fun, family-friendly activities, stories and more!

About the ONE Sculpture, created by artist Caresh Walker: Ben Franklin, a man of many firsts, established the nation’s initial postal routes as the first Postmaster General of the United States. This piece celebrates the creation of the American postal service, honoring the beginnings of couriers across the country and the enduring motto—“Nor snow, nor rain, nor heat…”—that Franklin helped establish, symbolizing dedication, reliability, and the vital role of communication in a growing nation.

These Truths: The Declarations of Independence at the American Philosophical Society

The American Philosophical Society's new exhibit These Truths: The Declarations of Independence, will open on Friday, April 10th! The exhibit tells the story of America's founding through early Declaration printings (1776-1826) along with dozens of artifacts. 19 rare Declaration of Independence printings will be on view next to Independence Hall at the APS Museum, including one handwritten by Thomas Jefferson.

These Truths explores the document’s roles in its first 50 years – as a pronouncement of news, a political tool, and a national symbol – and considers how it continues to evolve and shape the nation.

Pennsylvania at 250!

Did you know that in June 1776, the Pennsylvania Provincial Conference was held at Carpenters' Hall

During the conference, delegates declared Pennsylvania's independence from the British Empire, mobilized the state's militia to support the American Revolutionary War, and set the stage for creating the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776.

Join Carpenters' Hall and their partners for events throughout the year like virtual lectures, in-person town halls, and public programs. Learn more here!

Volunteer at Independence with the National Park Service

Celebrate 250 years of independence by volunteering with the National Park Service! Volunteers are needed for monthly Service Saturday Projects and Trash Brigade. These outdoor projects will help maintain and improve green spaces with the national park sites of Philadelphia.

Join us in April for Wayside Cleaning in preparation for National Historic Marker Weekend starting April 24th. No experience necessary to volunteer!

Get involved by visiting the NPS Volunteer Website or contact Isabel Gonzalez at Isabel_Gonzalez@nps.gov to learn more!

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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