Soaking up Those Final Days of Summer! | |
It's hard to believe that we're well into August! We've had such a wonderful time welcoming the local community and visitors from all over to Philadelphia's National Park. There are still a few things on the calendar before we officially say goodbye to summer. So, come and join us for one of our upcoming programs like Doughnuts and Dogs, Yoga at Independence, Twilight Tours, and a NEW program series with our friends and partners at the Visitor Center... Movies on the Mall! Read more below! | | |
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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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We are excited to partner with our friends at the Visitor Center to bring Movies on the Mall, an outdoor movie night series that will take place on Independence Mall and allow movie fans and history buffs to enjoy a fun, family-friendly night in Philadelphia’s Historic District.
Kicking off on August 30th, join us for a 3-month series that celebrates the themes and history of Independence National Historical Park. Schedule below.
August 30th - National Treasure
September 20th - The Patriot
October 18th - TBD
Screens will be set up outside Independence Visitor Center facing 5th Street between Market Street and Arch Street. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets and chairs to sit on the mall and food and drinks to enjoy during the screenings.
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Enjoy the final days of summer and visit the National Parks of Philadelphia! Summer hours and programming will conclude after Labor Day. Don't miss out! For all the latest on the Park's programs and events, check out the Park's calendar.
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 & 10:30am
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: 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
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August 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 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, Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site.
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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Thank You Independence Week Volunteers! | |
We had a very busy June and July, both leading up to and through the Independence Week festivities!
From the Declaration House Block Party, to the Red, White, and Blue To-Do, to the Salute to Freedom Parade, to the Park's reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8th (and so much more!), our volunteers helped welcome hundreds of visitors who chose to commemorate the holiday at the place where it all began.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this Fourth of July a memorable one!
Interested in volunteering during the year? Fill out this interest form.
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3rd Annual Washington's Farewell at City Tavern | |
Join us for a night of merriment and toasts at Washington's Farewell on Thursday, September 19th in City Tavern Garden.
For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, click the button below!
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Bicentennial Bell at the Benjamin Rush Garden | |
Last month, with our partners at the Park, we officially re-opened the rehabilitated Benjamin Rush Garden on the corner of 3rd and Walnut Streets. The Bicentennial Bell serves as the center piece of this now fully-accessibly garden.
It has been an honor to work with so many creative and collaborative partners to make this project a reality. We are grateful to them for sharing their time and talents.
Many thanks to our distinguished guest speakers, including 2026 Director for the City of Philadelphia, Michael Newmuis, State Senator Nikil Saval (PA-1), and British Consul General-New York, Hannah Young.
This project was made possible, in part, through the generous support of the Landenberger Family Foundation.
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First Continental Congress Forever Stamp | |
On September 5, 1774, the First Continental Congress met in Carpenters' Hall! To mark the 250th anniversary, the U.S. Postal Service is releasing a commemorative Forever stamp. Read more about it here and find our where you can purchase yours.
A first day-of-issue event will take place at Carpenters' Hall on September 5th at 11am. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged!
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Construction on Independence Mall | |
On August 19th, construction work for the Utility Energy Service Contract that is replacing failing HVAC systems throughout the park shifted to a high-profile area of the Park, just north of Chestnut Street.
A 6-foot-high chain link fence installed on either side of the diagonal walkway that separates the first two grass areas north of Chestnut St., running from the public restrooms at 5th and Chestnut to the Liberty Bell Center.
The viewing window at the LBC will remain open and available although visitors will need to approach it from the south as the fencing will run on the north side of the viewing window.
Independence National Historical Park is demonstrating their commitment to a sustainable future by replacing the inefficient, failing HVAC system which services approximately 20 park buildings, with a system that will increase efficiency and decrease carbon emissions.
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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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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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