March in Review

March 2025

Hello Spring!

Everywhere you look, Philadelphia is shaking off wintertime blues and blossoming into spring. The National Parks of Philadelphia are no exception! From the fragrant Magnolia Garden to the sunny daffodils at Franklin Courtyard to the budding trees in Washington Square, there are tell-tale signs of spring at every turn.

Take a few moments to enjoy the beauty of a National Park in the heart of Philadelphia!

We Heart Our Parks!

Show your love for our National Parks and the wonderful park staff who help protect and preserve our nation's cultural and historical treasures. It's easy!

Use this form to write a note online.

Or, if snail mail is more your style, send a letter or card to:

Independence Historical Trust

143 S. 3rd Street

Philadelphia, PA 19106

The Trust will also hold pop-up events throughout the year for you to make cards and write notes in person.

Independence NHP Updates

Take advantage of the warmer weather and experience America's most historic square mile this spring. Plan your visit and find out the latest on Park programs and special events Park's calendar.

Spring Programs at Independence

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 fo the most iconic city blocks in the United States. 1 hour.

Where: Meet at the Liberty Bell Center viewing window
Date: Daily
Time: 9:30am

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 NHP. Enjoy casual conversation and hands-on activities for people of all ages.

Where: Liberty Bell Center
Date: Daily
Time: 10:30am and 3:00pm

Spring 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

West Wing: 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)

The following buildings are closed: 318 Market Street, City Tavern, Declaration House, Edgar Allan Poe NHS, First Bank of the United States, Free Quaker Meeting House, Germantown White House, New Hall Military Museum, Second Bank Portrait Gallery, Thaddeus Kosciuszko NM, Todd and Bishop White Houses.

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

9:15am to 4:15pm - Guided Program (no tickets required)

Every 15 and 45 minutes past the hour

4:40pm to 5:00pm - Open House

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More of Philadelphia's National Parks

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.

Washington Square Guardhouse Preservation Award

The recent restoration of the Washington Square Guardhouse has been selected for a Grand Jury Award by the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia at their 2025 Preservation Achievement Awards! Restoration work included a new roof, exterior wood repairs, and exterior painting.

Congratulations to everyone involved!

It's Tax Season!

Did you make a donation to Independence Historical Trust in 2024? You may be able to list your gift as a charitable contribution on your taxes. Please consult your financial advisor or a tax professional when filing.

Have a question about your 2024 donation or need a record of your gift? Contact us by phone (215-861-4971) or e-mail us at attn@inht.org.

Get Ready for National Park Week!

National Park Week 2025 is April 19-27! Find a National Park near you and celebrate everything Parks!

Join the Park and the Trust on Saturday, April 19th as we start National Park Week with Junior Ranger Day at the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Learn all about great ideas --- from Franklin's inventions to National Parks --- and earn a Junior Ranger Badge. Be sure to celebrate all week long with our Park Rangers and enjoy activities that will expand your love and appreciation for our National Parks.

We're Hyped for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup might be more than a year away, but host cities are hyping soccer fans up with Sonic IDs that reflect the spirit of the city. Philadelphia's version was produced by our own DJ Jazzy Jeff!

The video takes you on a tour of Philadelphia, featuring places like Independence National Historical Park, 9th Street Italian Market, Schuylkill River, Reading Terminal Market, and more!

Independence NHP Featured in March "Object Share"

Curious about all the Bells and Clocks of Independence? Park curator, Karie Diethorn and the 1876 clock by the Seth Thomas Clock Company were featured in the Decorative Arts Trust's March Object Share. The clock was gifted to Philadelphia in for the nation's centennial. Watch the full video here!

Director of Development, Jonathan Burton, with a few supporters of Independence Historical Trust and First Lady Dolley Todd Madison.

Afternoon Tea at Carpenters' Hall with Friends

Last month, the Trust enjoyed an elegant Afternoon Tea at Carpenters' Hall with a small group of supporters and Rising Sun Society members.

The tea was hosted by First Lady Dolley Todd Madison, who gave a few tips on hosting and etiquette during her time in Washington. Afterwards, the group enjoyed a fascinating, hands-on program by Park curators Karie Diethorn and Debbie Miller on select tea-themed collections at the National Park.

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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