Spring Fever at Independence

March 2026

We Have Spring Fever!

The snow has melted, temperatures are slowly on the rise, and signs of Spring are popping up all around Philadelphia!

From the Philadelphia Flower Show being highlighted in this week's 52 Weeks of Firsts to updated hours and programs at the Independence National Historical Park, to Service Saturday work prepping the grounds for plantings and visitors, we can't help but welcome a new season with open arms! Read more about these Spring updates and 2026 preparations below.

Speaking of getting ready for 2026, Congress Hall is temporarily closed through Friday, April 24th. During this time, fire alarms and security systems to ensure that visitors and resources are protected by up-to-date equipment.

52 Weeks of Firsts: March

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 in March:

First Flower Show: 1829
First Women's Medical College: 1850
First Match Folder: 1892
First Medical School in America: 1765

Join the celebration for the Flower Show on 3/7 at the Downtown Marriot, Drexel University College of Medicine on 3/14, the Science History Institute on 3/21, and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania on 3/28.

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

Independence NHP Updates

Don't forget to Spring Forward on Sunday, March 8th... take advantage of the extra hour of daylight to enjoy the National Parks of Philadelphia and America's most historic square mile! Plan your visit and find out the latest on Park programs and special events Park's calendar.

Park Programs at Independence

(starting March 7)

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..

Where: Meet outside the Liberty Bell Center
Date: Daily
Time: 11:00am

Independence Square Ranger Talks

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 5pm

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.

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

Independence Square East Wing Store: 9:30am to 4:30pm, open daily

Old City Hall Store: 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.

Join the Team: We are Hiring!!!

Independence Historical Trust is hiring an Operations Assistant!

Do you have a passion for Philadelphia, history, and the National Parks? If that resonates with you, consider joining our dedicated team as an Operations Assistant. In this vital role, you will be instrumental in supporting our administrative tasks and advancing our program initiatives.

As part of our organization, you will contribute significantly to our mission by helping preserve and promote the rich heritage of the National Parks of Philadelphia and the surrounding gateway communities while engaging the public in meaningful ways. Visit our job listing for more info. Applications close March 23rd.

Leave A Legacy with our Rising Sun Society

The Rising Sun Society is our way of recognizing friends of the Independence Historical Trust who have chosen to leave a lasting legacy through a planned gift from their estate.

The name is inspired by the rising sun carved into George Washington’s chair at the Constitutional Convention, where Ben Franklin reflected on it as a symbol of hope for the young nation and confidence in its future. By including the Trust in your estate plans, you help ensure that Independence NHP continues to inspire generations to come.

Our own Jonathan Burton just joined the Society by naming the Trust as one of the beneficiaries of his 403(b) and filled out the paperwork to notify us. Consider making the Trust part of your future plans today!

Become a Twilight Tour Guide

Interested in being a Twilight Tour Guide for the 2026 Season? Be part of a nearly 50-year program that has welcomed thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Twilight Tours are free evening walking tours around Independence National Historical Park. They are run entirely by our wonderful volunteers, who design their own route and tour topic - no two are alike!

Want to learn more? RSVP Here for a virtual info session on March 18th!

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 March for Leaf Removal and in April for Wayside Cleaning. 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!

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.

To mark this milestone, Carpenters' Hall, in partnership with PA Humanities, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation, America250PA, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, the Public Interest Law Center, the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University, and more, will be hosting programs throughout the year like virtual lectures, in-person town halls, and public programs starting this month.

Learn more here!

July 1776: The Contentious Vote for Independence

Think the vote for American independence was straight forward? Think again. In 1776 support for a revolution was anything but a sure thing.

Join friend of the Trust and author of The Banker Who Made America, Richard Vague, on Wednesday, March 18th to learn about how dramatic behind-the-scenes machinations turned resistance into a July 4th vote.

This event is hosted by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and is part of their semiquincentennial programming. Learn more and register here.

Save the Date: Arbor Day Celebration at Washington Square

Celebrate Arbor Day at Washington Square with the Trust, the National Park Service, and Society Hill Civic Association's Washington Square Committee on Saturday, April 18th!

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

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!

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