Ease into Fall at Independence

September 2026

As the summer season winds down and schools start back up, we can't help but reflect on the AMAZING summer we had at the National Parks of Philadelphia! Over the past few months, we celebrated the nation's 250th birthday all over the city. We opened the newly-rehabilitated First Bank of the United States, buried America's Time Capsule on Independence Mall, cheered on our favorite teams, hosted fun, free community programs like outdoor yoga and Movies on the Mall, and welcomed thousands of visitors from around the corner and across the globe.

... But the fun isn't over yet!

Come join us in September and October for a few more seasonal programs! From an extended season of free Twilight Tours, to a final outdoor yoga session as we welcome the equinox to annual events like Washington's Farewell and Halloween in the Historic District, there is plenty going on in and around our favorite national park.

Find out more below!

Last Call: Summer Programs

Don't miss out on the nice weather and the last of our seasonal programming!

Twilight Tours have been extended through the entire month of September. Enjoy a free after-hours walking tour of our favorite national park.

Plus, enjoy a movie or two (Hamilton and Hocus Pocus) on Independence Mall, take a beat with outdoor yoga, and bring along your furry friend to our Howl-o-ween BARK Ranger Program:

Daily: Twilight Tours
September 18: Movies on the Mall
September 19: Yoga
October 16: Movies on the Mall
October 24: B.A.R.K. Ranger

52 Weeks of Firsts: September

The Philly Firsts continue through September!

First Signing of the Constitution: 1787
First Continental Congress: 1774
First Naming of the United States: 1776
First Ronald McDonald House: 1974

The Historic District kicked things off over Labor Day Weekend at the National Constitution Center; find out how Carpenters' Hall became known as the acorn of democracy on 9/12; join the Trust and Park at Independence Hall on 9/19 to discover what's in a name; and celebrate the legacy of the Ronald McDonald House, which started right here in Philadelphia, on 9/26.

Independence NHP Updates

Cooler weather is on its way and now is the perfect time to check out Independence National Historical Park and America's most historic square mile. Plan your visit today and keep up to date on the latest happenings using the Park's calendar.

Park Programs at Independence

(Beginning Monday, September 21)

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 First Bank

Join a ranger for a 15-minute tour of the First Bank of America; consider Hamilton's influence on banking in the early republic, discover stories from the State Department and Drexel University, or learn how the NPS worked to preserve and restore the 229-year-old building.

Where: First Bank of the United States
Date: Daily, during opening hours
Time: 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm

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

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

West Wing Exhibit: 9am to 5pm

Old City Hall: 9am to 5pm

Benjamin Franklin Museum: 9am to 5pm

Franklin Printing Office: 10am to 5pm (Thu-Mon)

First Bank: 11am to 4pm (Thu-Mon)

Second Bank: 12pm to 5pm (Thu-Mon)

Carpenters' Hall: 10am to 4pm (Tue-Sun)

Visiting Independence Hall & Congress Hall

(Beginning Monday, September 21)

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

9:00am to 10:30am - Open House (no tickets required)

10:40am 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

(closes for the season on Saturday, October 31)

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.

Get Tickets!

Featured vendors include returning favorites like Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey, Millstone Spirits, Spotted Horse Provisions, Philadelphia Mead Company, and Tom the Grog Man, and Yards Brewing Co. and new friends, Attic Brewing Company, Cutter & Cannon, and Old Stone Cider!

Many Declarations: The Declaration as Inspiration

Join the Park and Independence Historical Trust on Wednesday, September 23rd at the First Bank for the next installment of this twenty-first century speaker series that explores the enduring legacy of the American Revolution.

Many Declarations will address how the Declaration's words "... that all men are created equal..." have inspired generations to fight for basic human rights that address the abolition of slavery, women's suffrage, Civil Rights, LGBTQ rights, and rights for the disabled.

This event is free to attend. Register here.

Are You Smarter Than a Tour Guide?

Round up your brainiest history friends and bring them to Pub Trivia to compete for bragging rights and prizes against members of the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT).

Doors open at noon on Sunday, September 27th at Ladder 15 (1528 Sansom Street). Admission is free, and you can purchase food and beverages inside. Play begins at 1 PM.

It’s a battle to brag, have fun, see how smart you are and win fun Philly- and history-themed prizes. Bring a team or come alone and join one. Teams can be up to five people.

Seats are limited and you must RSVP to enter. Register now at phillyguides.org/events.

This pub trivia game is part of We Want More History, a national weekend of history events.

Annual Volunteer and Supporter Appreciation Event: October 7th

We could not have had the fun and celebratory summer we did without the help and support of our many volunteers!

Our volunteers helped us prepare for the opening of the First Bank, stuffed hundred of envelopes, gave free walking tours, engaged with community members exploring their national park, and made sure that visitors from all over had a fun, memorable, and safe experience at the National Parks of Philadelphia.

The Trust and the Park will be holding our annual Volunteer & Supporter Appreciation Event on Wednesday, October 7th at the First Bank to recognize volunteer milestones, reflect on the year's activities, and say thank you!

This event is open to all Trust and Park volunteers and supporters!

Please RSVP by September 23rd.

Our Office Has Moved to First Bank

Following the rehabilitation of the First Bank of the United States and its successful reopening, Independence Historical Trust has moved offices to the third floor of the historic landmark!

Our mailing address remains the same:

Independence Historical Trust

143 S. Third Street

Philadelphia, PA 19106

If you have any questions about our move or how to get in touch with us at our new location, please e-mail attn@inht.org or call us at 215-861-4971.

Last Month In Pictures

We welcomed thousands to Independence National Historical Park during Philadelphia's National Treasure Weekend. Visitors enjoyed a live podcast recording of National Treasure Hunt Podcast with special guest, director Jon Turteltaub, outdoor movie screenings of National Treasure and National Treasure: Book of Secrets, HEIST NIGHT, and more! Thank you to everyone who came out!!!

National Treasure Hunt live podcast recording with hosts Aubrey Paris and Emily Black, and special guest Jon Turteltaub, director of the National Treasure movies.

During National Treasure Hunt's HEIST NIGHT, guests worked together to solve puzzles and crack codes in a race to unlock a 20-year old secret!

National Treasure Weekend was capped off by an outdoor screening of National Treasure: Book of Secrets. During the weekend's events, Director Jon Turteltaub gave Philly the scoop and revealed that National Treasure 3 is officially happening!

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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