National Treasure Weekend | | |
Independence Historical Trust, Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, and National Treasure Hunt Podcast are thrilled to present National Treasure Weekend!
Join us August 20-22, 2026 for 3 days of National Treasure fun and adventures featuring free movie screenings, a live podcast recording with National Treasure director Jon Turteltaub, tours, and two very special HEIST NIGHTS! Learn more here.
What is HEIST NIGHT? If you like National Treasure, puzzles, and fun - this is for you! Team up with friends to crack clues and solve ciphers that will test your skills in history, science, logic, trivia as you work together to solve a series of written and escape room-style puzzles in a character-driven quest. Heist Masters, Aubrey Paris and Emily Black, creators of the National Treasure Hunt podcast, book, and tour lead this one-of-a-kind adventure.
Get your tickets today!
| | All 52 Weeks Firstivals take place on Saturdays from 11:00am and 1:00pm. | | |
The Philly fun doesn't stop after July Fourth... anytime is a great time to visit Independence National Historical Park. Plan your visit today and keep up to date on the latest happenings using the Park's calendar.
Park Programs at Independence
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, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm
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. 1 hour.
- Where: Meet outside the Liberty Bell Center
- Date: Daily
- Time: 10:00am
Ranger Talks at the Second Bank
Join a ranger for a 15-minute tour of the Second Bank of America; consider banking in the early republic, discover portraits of 18th-century notables, or notice geological evidence from eons before the country was founded.
- Where: Second Bank of the United States
- Date: Daily
- Time: 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, and 4:00pm
Ranger Talks in Franklin Court
Join a Park Ranger and discuss the life and times of Philadelphia's most famous founder - Benjamin Franklin.
- Where: Franklin Court
- Date: Daily
- Time: 2:15pm and 3:15pm
Ranger Talk on Independence Square
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
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Building 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
Old City Hall: 9am to 5pm
First Bank: 11am to 4pm (Thu-Mon)
Second Bank: 12pm to 5pm (Thu-Mon)
Benjamin Franklin Museum: 9am to 5pm
Franklin Printing Office: 10am to 5pm (Thu-Mon)
Free Quaker Meeting House: 11am to 4pm (Tue-Sat)
Carpenters' Hall: 10am to 4pm (Tue-Sun)
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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
9:00am to 10:00am - Open House (no tickets required)
10:00am to 4:40pm - Guided Program (no tickets required)
Ranger-led tours every 20 minutes.
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More of Philadelphia's National Parks
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial: 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 Parks Stores
Independence Square East Wing Store: 9:00am to 4:45pm, open daily
Old City Hall Store: 9:00am to 4:45pm, open daily
Benjamin Franklin Museum Store: 9:00am to 4:45pm, 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's Farewell: A Constitutional Convention Send-Off! | |
Hip hip huzzah! You’re invited to raise a glass and toast General Washington!
On September 17th (ahem, Constitution Day), we’re hosting our 5th Annual Washington’s Farewell event. During this night of toasts, drinks, and comradery, we loosely re-create a farewell event for George Washington that happened at City Tavern following the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
Days before the famous document was signed, First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry racked up a +89 pound bar tab (more than $16,000 in today’s money) celebrating General Washington.
Don’t miss out on the fun! Early bird tickets are available through August 20th.
| | | | New Signage at the Benjamin Rush Garden | |
Have you been to the Benjamin Rush Garden recently? This spot on the corner of 3rd and Walnut Streets is the former home of Dr. Benjamin Rush --- a physician, abolitionist, and signatory of the Declaration of Independence.
The recently rehabilitated garden now has interpretive and informational signage highlighting the Bicentennial Bell, Dr. Rush, and encourages visitors to take in all the benefits of public green space.
Signage for the Benjamin Rush Garden is part of Independence Historical Trust’s Independence2026 Campaign.
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Celebrate all things “National Parks” from August 22 to 30, 2026! Wrap up summer by coming out to explore nature and history, join ranger programs, earn your Junior Ranger badge, and more.
This year’s theme is Celebrate America’s Story. Come visit where many of America’s important stories are shared and make your own stories exploring stunning natural landscapes, reflecting on our nation's inspiring history and rich culture, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Learn more!
| | | P.S. Enjoy a Fee-Free Day on August 25 to celebrate the National Park Service’s 110th birthday! | | | | August & September Volunteers | |
Just because we are past the Fourth, doesn’t mean we’re slowing down!
Check out the August and September volunteer opportunities at the Trust! We have community programs, National Treasure Weekend, Junior Ranger Days, and more!
Get more info and sign-up here.
| | Philadelphia Cultural Fund Grant | |
Art and culture connect us all! We’re proud to be among the 322 organizations supported by the Philadelphia Cultural Fund this year. This grant provides essential unrestricted support that allows us to serve the Philadelphians we love!
This support means so much to our team as we work to preserve and share the incredible history right here in our backyard.
A huge thank you to the Mayor and City Council for championing the local history, arts, and culture that make Philly such an amazing place to live and visit. We are excited to put these funds to great use.
| | | Tom Caramanico, Executive Director of Independence Historical Trust, spoke at the burial of America’s Time Capsule. The time capsule contains items from all U.S. States and Territories and is set to be opened in 2276! | | Independence Historical Trust staff and volunteers marched in the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp and Parade --- just like John Adams would have wanted! | | Did you know that the First Bank of the United States is right here in Philly? On July 4th, we hosted a Firstival as part of Philadelphia’s 52 Weeks of Firsts! | | In an event 250 years in the making, Independence NHP had their annual re-enactment of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Trust staff and volunteers helped distribute copies of the famous document for visitors to follow along. | | The 2026 Annual Symposium for ICOMOS-USA and World Heritage USA was held last month in Philadelphia. During the event, former Independence NHP employees sat on a panel to talk about Independence Hall. | | If you thought the park would quiet down after July 4th, you’d be wrong. On July 14th, the best of the best in Major League Baseball strutted their stuff in front of Independence Hall ahead of the All-Star Game. | | Sadly, we said goodbye to Community Volunteer Ambassador Isabel Gonzalez. The CVA Program through AmeriCorps builds lasting connections between National Parks and local communities. During her internship, Isabel supported the Park’s volunteer program and built connections throughout Philadelphia with the park to strengthen awareness and outreach. Good luck, Isabel and thank you for all your hard work this year! | | | | |
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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