Fall is officially underway here at Philadelphia's National Park.

We started the month, like many of you, we were anxiously awaiting news of a possible lapse in appropriations. From a national park perspective, a government shutdown would mean the complete closure of Independence National Historical Park and have a profound impact on the community. Two of Philadelphia's most iconic landmarks, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall would have closed to visitors, many of our Park staff would be furloughed, and projects like the First Bank, Bicentennial Bell Garden, and countless others around the Park would be put on hold. We were relieved that Congress was able to pass a 45-day continuing resolution which allowed Independence to stay open and hopeful that a full budget will be passed in the future.

Now that things are relatively stable, we are excited to say hello to fall and welcome October --- or as we like to call it, Poe-tober! This month we are celebrating two of Philadelphia's most famous adopted sons: Benjamin Franklin and Edgar Allan Poe. The Trust, with our friends, will be commemorating the 300th anniversary of Ben Franklin's arrival to Philadelphia after he left Boston at just 17 years of age. And, what better way to enjoy the spookiest time of the year than with the master of macabre, Edgar Allan Poe. More details on each below. We look forward to seeing you this month!

Many thanks to all the partners who helped make this possible: The American Philosophical Society, Carpenters' Hall, Christ Church, High Street Philly, Historic Philadelphia, Inc., Independence Seaport Museum, Independence Historical Trust, King & Cabouli Direct Marketing, Inc., The Library Company of Philadelphia, and the National Park Service

Author and tour guide Jim Murphy will lead William Penn Jane's Walk on Saturday, October 14 at noon - the Philadelphia founder's birthday! The tour starts in front of the National Constitution Center and runs two to three hours, but you are welcome to leave whenever you wish. This is a free tour, no registration required. Rain or shine.

Jim Murphy is a certified tour guide and author of Real Philly History, Real Fast. The fun and interactive "Jane's Walks" are named in honor of Jane Jacobs, a writer and urban activist.

Congratulations to Jeff Pollock on being named our 2023 Volunteer of the Year! Jeff first joined the Trust as a supporter in 2009 and started volunteering as a Twilight Tour Guide in 2013. After retiring as an elementary school principal, Jeff asked how he could help out more. He joined our 50th Anniversary Programs Committee and made a huge impact. Not only has Jeff been at every event helping with set up and take down, he even led a few of our Trivia Nights! We are so grateful for all his support. And, we also want to congratulate Jeff on his 10 years as a Twilight Tour Guide!

Our Executive Director, Tom Caramanico, was recently honored by the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia with the Mary Werner DeNadai Award. The award is given to a civic leader who has made a lasting impact on historic preservation. Tom has been involved with the Trust for over 20 years and is a driving force in our First Bank project. Congratulations, Tom!

Construction is officially underway at the First Bank of the United States!

Fencing has gone up around the historic building and adjacent lawns, the ornamental gate posts have been carefully boxed up, and crews are methodically disassembling some of the nearby brick wall, which will be reinstalled once construction is finished.

Contractors are renovating the building so that it can safely reopen to visitors as a new museum. Exhibits will explore the impact of the central bank on the growth of America through first-person narratives.

Learn more about the project here.

The 18th Century Garden is closed until mid November as it undergoes rehabilitation. Work includes planter boxes, tree work and plantings.

The 18th Century Garden was dedicated in 1966 by Lady Bird Johnson, wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The space echoes the formal landscaping designs that were popular during colonial times.

We had a great time commemorating the signing of the Constitution, which took place on September 17, 1787 at Independence Hall.

The Trust hosted a virtual field trip led by Ranger Renee and Ranger Mike to see some of the finer details in the Assembly Room including the famous Rising Sun Chair. You can check out the video here.

Want to commemorate Independence National Historical Park's 75th anniversary? Special 75th items like t-shirts, sweatshirts, water bottles, and coffee mugs are now available at Eastern National stores in Old City Hall and the Benjamin Franklin Museum. For more information on the Park's 75th anniversary, visit the Park's website.