Independence Day at Philadelphia's National Park

July 2024

Happy Fourth of July!

How do you celebrate Independence Day? Founding Father, John Adams wrote:

"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival... it ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

While the big celebrations and fireworks might be happening on July 4th, the Trust and our friends in Philadelphia's Historic District got the party started with the inaugural Red, White, & Blue To-Do on July 2nd ... just like John Adams would have wanted! We had so much fun with the Pomp & Parade, Go Fourth and Learn at Carpenters' Hall, and playing 18th Century Games with visitors and Park Rangers on Independence Mall.

There's no place like Philadelphia in July! Be sure to check out all this historic city has to offer and, of course, the place where it all began at Philadelphia's National Park. Read more about what's going on that below...

We hope you have a safe and happy July 4th holiday!

Yoga at Independence

2nd Saturday of the Month

May thru September

Pawtriot Yappy Hour

2nd Tuesday of the Month

June thru August

More Info

Twilight Tours

Daily Tours

May thru September

More Info

You're Invited: Benjamin Rush Garden Re-Opening

- Home of the Bicentennial Bell -

All are invited to join Independence Historical Trust and Independence National Historical Park as we officially re-open the newly rehabilitated Benjamin Rush Garden - the new home of the Bicentennial Bell!

Friday, July 12th at 10:00am

RSVP

Remarks followed by ribbon cutting. Light refreshments available before the program.

Independence NHP Updates

We love July at Philadelphia's National Park. Come visit the place where it all began and at the Best Park in History! For all the latest on the Park's programs and events, check out the Park's calendar.

July Programs at Independence

The Promises and Paradoxes of the Declaration of Independence

Cool off in the Independence Visitor Center NPS theater with a park ranger for a short discussion about how the Declaration of Independence has inspired generations to demand their rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 45 minutes.

Where: Independence Visitor Center
Date: July 4
Time: 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm & 4:00pm

248th Anniversary of the July 8th Reading of the Declaration

Join park staff on Independence Square for a commemoration of the 248th anniversary of the first advertised public reading of the Declaration of Independence! Come to join the Revolution or come to defend your King and his honor! Free Declarations will be available for visitors to follow along. All are welcome.

Where: Independence Square, behind Independence Hall
Date: July 8
Time: 11:45am

(Note: All visitors and their belongings are required to undergo screening to enter Independence Square. The screening area is located next to Old City Hall, near the corner of 5th and Chestnut Street. Visitors should arrive at least 20 minutes early to allow time for security screening.)

Summer 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: 9:30am & 10:00am

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: 2:30pm & 3:30pm

Storytelling: Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches

Hear riveting stories of our nation’s history in the places where they actually happened! Visit all eight benches to be entertained with short tales sharing little-known secrets from history. Presented in cooperation with Historic Philadelphia, Inc. More information.

Where: Various locations throughout the Historic District
Date: Tuesdays thru Saturdays
Time: 11:00am to 4:00pm

Family Program: Kids' Colonial Muster

The Continental Army is looking for a few good kids! Learn to march and drill and find out from a Revolutionary War soldier what life was like with Washington’s troops. This is a high-energy, interactive activity for adults AND children. Presented in cooperation with Historic Philadelphia, Inc. More information.

Where: Signers' Garden at 5th & Chestnut Streets
Date: Tuesdays thru Saturdays
Time: 2:00pm & 3:00pm

Children's Program: Colonial Kids Quest

A copy of the Declaration is missing! Fun puppets guide the action and kids of all ages are invited to help find it. Presented in cooperation with Historic Philadelphia, Inc. More information.

Where: 18th Century Garden, Walnut Street near 4th Street
Date: Fridays and Saturdays
Time: 11:30am

July 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)

The following buildings at Independence NHP are closed: 318 Market Street, City Tavern, Declaration House, Germantown White House, New Hall Military Museum, Second Bank Portrait Gallery, Todd and Bishop White Houses.

More of Philadelphia's National Parks

*Edgar Allan Poe NHS: 9am to 5pm (closed 12pm-1pm), Friday thru Sunday

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)

*Note: The Poe House will close on July 8th for a major HVAC project. Re-opening TDB.

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.

July 4th at Independence NHP

Celebrate July 4th at Independence Hall! The Celebration of Freedom Ceremony will take place at Independence Hall on July 4th at 10:00am with remarks by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and other notable guest speakers.

And, of course, there's a parade!

At 11:00am, the Salute to Independence Parade will make it's way down Market Street, stepping off at 2nd Street towards City Hall. Celebrate the history and culture of our rich and diverse country with all the July 4th pomp and pageantry!

National Treasure Hunt: LIVE!

Join Independence NHP and the Trust on Saturday, July 6th at 1:00pm at Congress Hall as we host National Treasure experts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black for an interactive lecture about the beloved Nicolas Cage film, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year!

Learn the history behind the film's infamous plotlines, understand the science underpinning the characters' heists, and discover behind-the-scenes secrets from filming at Independence Hall and throughout Philadelphia.

Following their lecture, Paris and Black will sign copies of their book, National Treasure Hunt: One Step Short of Crazy, which will be available for purchase through our friends at Eastern National.

This event is FREE and open to the public. Reservations required. Save your spot today!

Greetings from London!

Last month, one of our wonderful Twilight Tour Guides (and docent at Carpenters' Hall!), went to London. While there, not only saw the Phillies play the Mets, he also visited London's Carpenters' Hall! Thanks for sharing, Dan!

Philadelphia's own Carpenters' Company was modeled off the Worshipful Company of Carpenters in London 300 years ago!

Thank You, Philadelphia Cultural Fund!

We're a 2024 Art and Culture Grantee! Thank you to the Philadelphia Cultural Fund for supporting Independence Historical Trust and the arts community of Philly!

This grant allows the Trust to continue to serve our community through art and culture in Philadelphia's National Park and its vibrant gateway communities. Together, we make Philly a better place for all!

Save the Date: NPS Bicentennial Reunion on September 17th!

Did you or someone you know work at Independence between 1974 and 1976?

INDE alum Susan Davenport is organizing a reunion for people who worked, volunteered, or supported the Park through the Trust (then known as the Friends of Independence National Historical Park) during that time.

About 600 hundred people were at the park during the Bicentennial years as employees, volunteers, and members of the Friends of Independence. We are helping Sue collect contact information, so spread the word!

The reunion will be held on September 17th at the Independence Visitor Center. More information coming soon!

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