Winter at Independence

February 2026

6 More Weeks of Winter at Independence

Brrr... winter is here at the National Parks of Philadelphia and it looks like it's going to stick around for a little while longer. A huge shout out to the grounds team at Independence NHP for their hard work and long hours clearing sidewalks and pathways around the park following January's snowstorm!

But, even with snow lingering around the city, 2026 programming is moving full steam ahead. The 52 Weeks of Firsts highlights select Philadelphia "Firsts," demonstrating that Philadelphia is not only the birthday of the nation, but a legacy in innovation. Follow along for a citywide, yearlong celebration of historical firsts, groundbreaking inventions, and cultural milestones!

52 Weeks of Firsts: February

Philly's 52 Weeks of Firsts continues with even more history, fun, and Firstivals! On Saturday, February 7th, we celebrated the Frist African Methodist Episcopal Congregation with Mother Bethel AME.

Don't miss out on these upcoming February Firsts:

First Abolitionist Society in America: 1775
First Authentic Chinese Gate Built in America: 1984
First Public Protest Against Slavery in America: 1688

Join the African American Museum in Philadelphia on 2/14, Chinatown's Crane Community Center on 2/21, and Historic Germantown at the Germantown Mennonite Meetinghouse on 2/28.

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

Independence NHP Updates

Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil might have predicted 6 more weeks of winter, but a trip to the National Parks of Philadelphia is a great idea for any season! Cure your winter blues with a visit of 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

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: 1:30pm (thru February 13); 10:30am and 3:00pm (starting February 14)

Building Hours at Independence

Independence Visitor Center: 9am to 5pm

Liberty Bell Center: 9am to 5pm

Congress Hall: 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 (Wed-Sun)

Visiting Independence Hall & Congress Hall

Through Friday, February 13th:

Independence Hall

9:30am to 4:30am - Guided Tours every 30 min. (no tickets required)

Congress Hall

9:00am to 5:00pm - Open House (no tickets required)

Starting Saturday, February 14th:

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

9:15am to 4:15pm - Guided Program (no tickets required; first come, first serve)

Every 15 and 45 minutes past the hour

4:40pm to 5:00pm - Open House (no tickets required)

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.

Black History Month Events in Philadelphia's Historic District

February is Black History Month and there is a lot going on in Philadelphia's Historic District! Looking for fun events and educational programs in the neighborhood?

Check out a few of our favorite places:

African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP)

Richard Allen Museum at Mother Bethel AME

National Constitution Center

Museum of the American Revolution

And so much more... Happy exploring!

Speaker Event: The Global Legacy of the Declaration of Independence

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the nation, Independence National Historical Park and Independence Historical Trust are co-hosting a 4-part speaker series: Legacies of the American Revolution!

The first installment, The Global Legacy of the Declaration of Independence, is presented in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia. The program will feature a panel led by Harvard historian David Armitage and will examine how the Declaration inspired independence movements across the world. More information, including registration, here.

Thank you, Volunteers!

On January 29th, Independence Historical Trust and the National Parks of Philadelphia celebrated all the hardworking people who help make our national parks shine through their volunteer work!

As the first Friends group to the National Park Service, the Trust has the honor of standing shoulder to shoulder with our partners at the Park to preserve, promote, and enhance our national parks for future generations. Volunteers help us with everything from stuffing envelopes to serving on our Programs Committee and our impact on the community is strengthened through them. Thank you, volunteers!

During the evening, the Trust recognized volunteer milestones from several Twilight Tour Guides:

Alan Kober - 20 years
Craig Brody - 10 years
Charlie Krueger - 10 years
David Soltesz - 5 years

The National Park Service also recognized volunteer service hour achievements from their VIP (Volunteers-in-Parks) Program.

This year, the Trust was proud to honor Oliver St. Clair Franklin, OBE as our 2025 Volunteer of the Year! Oliver served as Honorary British Consul to Philadelphia from 1998 to 2025 and was instrumental in making last year's visit by HRH Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburg, for the Benjamin Rush Garden and Bicentennial Bell dedication a huge success. We are honored to have Oliver serve on our Board of Directors, but even more grateful to call him a friend and dedicated leader. Congratulations, Oliver!

Oliver St. Clair Franklin, OBE (center) with INHT Executive Director Tom Caramanico and Board Chair, Bill Marrazzo.

Volunteer with the Trust in 2026

We loved meeting so many folks at the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides' job fair last month! 2026 is a big year and the Trust is actively looking for volunteers to help with programs, events, office work, and Twilight Tours.

From helping with mailings, to providing support for major events, or joining in on fun community programs, there's something for everyone!

Want to learn more about volunteering with the Trust? Fill out our interest form.

America 250th Service Saturdays

Celebrate 250 years of independence by volunteering with the National Park Service! Volunteers are needed for monthly service projects on select Saturdays between February and December 2026. These outdoor projects will help maintain and improve green spaces with the national park sites of Philadelphia. No experience necessary to volunteer! Service Saturday projects will be advertised at least one month in advance.

Get involved by visiting the NPS Volunteer Website or contact Isabel Gonzalez at Isabel_Gonzalez@nps.gov to learn more!

Highlighting Legacy Restoration Fund Successes with NPF

In January, Jonathan Burton, our Director of Development, joined the National Park Foundation (NPF) for a lunch briefing on Capitol Hill to discuss the Great American Outdoors Act and the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF). A panel, moderated by NPF CEO Jeff Reinbold, showcased how public-private partnerships are strengthening parks nationwide. Jonathan shared how LRF investments supported the rehabilitation of the First Bank and the Utility Energy Savings Project at Independence National Historical Park. It was a tremendous opportunity to spotlight how strategic federal funding keeps our parks resilient and accessible as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.

First Bank Highlight by NPFA

The National Park Friends Alliance (NPFA), a group that enhances support for national park sites through collaboration and partnership, recently highlighted Independence Historical Trust and our work on the First Bank in their Membership Spotlight.

Read Reviving a Landmark and find out how the Trust is leading the way to reopen this National Historic Landmark in 2026.

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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