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Our summer programming is well underway! We're excited to have already welcomed so many B.A.R.K. Rangers and visitors at our Pawtriot Programs, Yoga at Independence, and Twilight Tours! We still have lots more on the schedule, so mark your calendars and come enjoy your national park, right in the heart of historic Philadelphia.
June and July are busy months and we have many volunteer opportunities available. Read more below and sign up to be a part of the celebrations and commemorations here at Philadelphia's National Park!
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Yoga at Independence
2nd Saturday of the Month
May thru September
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Pawtriot Yappy Hour
2nd Tuesday of the Month
June thru August
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Twilight Tours
Daily Tours
May thru September
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Volunteers Needed for June & July Events | |
Hello (almost) Summer! It's a busy time of year at Independence and there are so many programs, celebrations, and commemorations going on in June and July.
We are looking for volunteers to help with Wawa Welcome America concerts, the Red, White, & Blue To-Do, and the Park's re-enactment of the First Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Interested in joining us? Sign-up to volunteer with the Trust here!
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There is lots of daily summer fun at Philadelphia's National Park! Join NPS Rangers, history makers from Historic Philadelphia, and many more as we say hello to summer at the Best Park in History! 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 & 10:00am
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
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June 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.
More of Philadelphia's National Parks
Edgar Allan Poe NHS: 9am to 5pm (closed 12pm-1pm), Friday thru Sunday
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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National Treasure Hunt: LIVE! | |
Join Independence NHP and the Trust on Saturday, July 6th at 1:00pm at Congress Hall as we host National Treasure experts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black for an interactive lecture about the beloved Nicolas Cage film, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year!
Learn the history behind the film's infamous plotlines, understand the science underpinning the characters' heists, and discover behind-the-scenes secrets from filming at Independence Hall and throughout Philadelphia.
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Following their lecture, Paris and Black will sign copies of their book, National Treasure Hunt: One Step Short of Crazy, which will be available for purchase through our friends at Eastern National.
This event is FREE and open to the public. Reservations required. Save your spot today!
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Juneteenth Block Party with AAMP | |
Culture, history, liberation, and celebration take center stage at the 2024 Juneteenth Block Party with the African American Museum in Philadelphia!
Join AAMP as they continue the legacy of Juneteenth and celebrate their 48th anniversary as one of the first institutions funded and built by a major municipality to preserve, interpret, and exhibit the heritage of African Americans. The all-day, outdoor festival is family-friendly with games, activities, entertainment, and education for all to enjoy!
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July 2nd: Red, White, & Blue To-Do! | |
We're joining Philadelphia's Historic District to celebrate the first annual Red, White, & Blue To-Do! On Tuesday, July 2nd, America's most historic square mile will host the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, musical performances, special extended hours at neighborhood museums and historic sites, restaurant specials, and so much more!
Get in on the action and sign-up for Decorating Days! Plus, join the Trust for some 18th Century Games on Independence Mall.
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Save the Date: NPS Bicentennial Reunion on September 17th! | |
Calling all Independence NHP Bicentennial staff and volunteers!
Did you work, volunteer at, or support Independence between 1974 and 1976? INDE alum, Susan Davenport, recently reached out to us and is organizing a reunion on September 17th at the Visitor Center!
About 600 hundred people were at the park from 1974-1976 as employees, volunteers, and members of the Friends of Independence (now the Trust). We are helping Sue collect contact information, so please spread the word!
More information coming soon!
(And, yes, Hobie Cawood is #1 on the list!)
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Benjamin Rush Garden Update | |
The rehabilitation of the Benjamin Rush Garden -- the new home of the Bicentennial Bell -- is quickly moving along. Earlier this month, the team started installing trees, shrubs and flowers. The plants selected for this garden are ones that would have been traded between Great Britain and the American colonies during the 1700s and 1800s.
We are looking forward to re-opening the garden soon! Follow us on social media and keep an eye on your e-mail for more details in the weeks to come! In the meantime, our friends at Urban Engineers have put together an amazing preview of the project.
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On Friday, June 7th, museums and cultural institutions from across Philadelphia's Historic District joined together for United for Independence, a day of service and advocacy for our favorite national park!
Over 100 volunteers worked side-by-side with NPS Rangers and Staff to plant flower beds, move planting materials, mulch, weed, pick-up trash, and more!
The day not only enhanced the physical spaces of Philadelphia's National Park, but highlighted the need for support from the public, businesses, and elected officials at all levels.
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Many thanks to the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation for taking the lead on this event as well as Subaru of America for their generous support!
A huge shout out to all the organizations who volunteered: Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust, Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides, Carpenters' Hall, Elfreth's Alley, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Historic Philadelphia Inc., Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Independence Historical Trust, Museum of the American Revolution, National Constitution Center, National Liberty Museum, NPS Volunteers In Parks, Office of Congressman Brendan Boyle, Philadelphia Visitor Center, Subaru, Visit Philadelphia, and WHYY.
And, of course, thank you to our friends at Independence National Historical Park!
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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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