Fact Sheet

ONCE UPON A NATION FACT SHEET

Storytelling Bench at Independence Hall

Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC

DESCRIPTION:

Once Upon A Nation is Philadelphia’s unique program for bringing history to life, featuring Adventure Tours (paid walking and bus tours), evening performances such as interactive “1776” The Movie-Musical and storytelling by historical heroes, Harmony Lane (Colonial characters and children’s games), and free storytelling benches throughout the historic district. In mid-summer 2006, Once Upon A Nation will also unveil a spectacularly renovated Franklin Square, complete with entertainment for residents and visitors alike.

STORYTELLING:

Thirteen one-of-a-kind storytelling benches are scattered all over Philadelphia’s Historic District, telling riveting stories of our nation’s history in the places where they actually happened. Specially-trained, uniformed storytellers delight and entertain with short 3-5 minute stories while sharing the secrets of Philadelphia’s and America’s history. May 27 – September 4: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm daily Throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District, FREE

TOURS:

Independence After Hours
This walking tour visits some of the landmarks of Philadelphia’s Historic District and is populated with Colonial characters who bring history to life right in the place where it happened. Tour takers walk through the shadows of Independence Hall (in this unique opportunity to visit inside the Hall at night, with no crowds) and experience what those late nights of the summer of 1776 were like for the Founding Fathers. The evening begins with a delicious three-course meal at the Historic City Tavern where Colonial characters entertain guests. Fictional tour guide Isaac Walterson then “sneaks” everyone into the Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall), once he talks his way past the vigilant night watchman. Once inside the Hall, visitors witness several founding fathers deep in discussion over the creation of the Declaration of Independence. Guests continue their evening with the spectacular Lights of Liberty Show.
March 31 – May 27: 5:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays
May 30 – September 2: 5:30 pm, Tuesdays through Saturdays
September 8 – October 27: 5:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays
Departs from Independence Living History Center, 3rd & Chestnut Streets
$70 Adult, $50 Child (12 and under), $65 senior/military/student
Duration: 4 hours, wear comfortable shoes. Recommended for children 10 and older

Tippler’s Tour
Once Upon A Nation’s weekly tavern tour of Colonial and modern day watering holes. A Colonial Bar Keep, acting as hostess or host, shares historical facts about the traditions of drinking and leads guests in Colonial drinking songs and toasts. At each of the four stops: Society Hill Hotel Restaurant, the Plough & the Stars, Old Original Bookbinders, and the historical City Tavern, the tour guide entertains guests with songs and stories of the drinking traditions from Colonial times, and share some of Benjamin Franklin’s most fun phrases for someone who has been drinking too much, including “nimptopsical” and "tipsicum grave.”
April 5 -- 27 ONLY: 5:30 pm, Wednesdays & Thursdays
May 4 – October 26: 5:30 pm, Thursdays
Departs from Independence Living History Center, 3rd & Chestnut Streets
$30 adults, $25 senior/military/student. (price includes tastings, 21 and over with valid I.D.) Duration: 2 hours

Hunt for Democracy
Colonial guide, Archie Plummer, takes visitors on a journey through time as he introduces guests to both sides of the heated argument over Independence. While exploring some important Colonial sites such as the Free Quaker Meeting House, Ben Franklin’s Printing Press, and Carpenters’ Hall, visitors will run into a few important figures along the way. Thomas Paine (for) and John Dickenson, (against) will share their insight on the future of this great nation. The adventure ends with a toast to democracy at the City Tavern. Once Upon A Nation will obtain a ticket to Independence Hall for each guest.
May 27 – September 2: 10:00 am, Thursdays & Saturdays
Departs from Independence Visitor Center, 6th & Market Streets
$20 adults, $18 senior/student/military, $15 children 12 & under
Duration: 2 hours (not including visit to Independence Hall)

The Road to Valley Forge: Secrets & Spies
Journey back in time for a top-secret mission led by an American spy. Dangerous times abound as guests travel the roads from Philadelphia to Valley Forge where George Washington awaits their arrival. While at Valley Forge, experience the everyday solider life of the rag tag Continental Army, travel through encampments, and report to Washington’s headquarters to receive orders. Each visitor receives a secret identity they are trusted not to reveal. In partnership with Valley Forge National Historical Park.
June 17 – September 2: 1 pm, Saturdays
Departs from Independence Living History Center, 3rd & Chestnut Streets
$40 adults, $35 student/senior/military, $25 children 12 & under
Duration: 4 hours

Colonial Kids’ Quest
Sign up to become a junior detective, because on this tour, history is a mystery! Casper the history hound dog needs children’s help in solving the mystery of a missing copy of the Declaration of Independence. Join Casper and his buddy “Fish” as they introduce visitors to some of their Colonial friends and puppet pals. Search for clues at historic sites, and follow the trail to receive a special prize.
June 9 – September 2: 10:30 am, Friday and Saturdays
Departs from Independence Living History Center, 3rd & Chestnut Streets
$15 per person, children 2 and under free
Duration: 90 minutes. Recommended for children 10 and under.

EVENING PROGRAMS:

1776: The Movie-Musical
This timeless musical classic becomes an interactive movie going experience where visitors become a part of the action, complete with sing-a-longs and props (provided). It’s an hysterically historical treat for the entire family.
June 2 – September 1: 7:00 pm, Fridays
Independence Living History Center, 3rd & Chestnut Streets
$12 adults, $10 student/senior/military, $8 children 12 & under
Duration: 3 hours. Price includes Colonial Goody Bag of props.

An Evening with George Washington or Thomas Jefferson
Get your history in the first person, from the likes of historical figures such as our nation’s first president, George Washington, or writer of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson.
Washington: June 21 - August 2: 7:00 pm, Wednesdays
Jefferson: FIVE DATES ONLY: Saturday, June 24, Monday, July 3, Monday, July 17, Sunday, August 6, Monday, August 21: all at 7:00 pm
Free Quaker Meeting House, 5th & Arch Streets
$10 adults, $8 student/senior/military, $7 children 12& under
Duration: 60 minutes

FRANKLIN SQUARE:

Opening in mid-summer 2006, Once Upon A Nation will debut Franklin Square, the last of William Penn’s original five squares to be developed. The Square will be completely renovated with new walkways, lighting, and landscaping as well as spectacular brand new features. The new elements include the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel, Philly Mini Golf, two playgrounds, Once Upon A Nation’s unique brand of storytelling, craft demonstrations, Philly snacks, and a renovated Franklin Square Fountain, to bring festivities and fun to residents and visitors alike.

FREE PROGRAMS:

ALL FREE PROGRAMS RUN MAY 27 – SEPTEMBER 4

Harmony Lane
Colonial characters bring one of Philadelphia’s first neighborhoods to life.
Chestnut Street between 3rd & 4th Streets, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm, daily

Free Quaker Meeting House
Timothy Matlack or Samuel Wetherill share their views.
Free Quaker Meeting House, 5th & Arch Streets, 9 am – 5 pm, daily

Independence Living History Center
Archeologists and storytellers make history come alive as they piece together stories of the past with the tools of the future. Some Once Upon A Nation programming occurs here such as 1776 The Movie-Musical, and most Once Upon A Nation tours depart from this location as well. The Once Upon A Nation gift shop is located in the lobby, and tickets to all Once Upon A Nation tours and events can be bought at the gift shop.
Independence Living History Center, 3rd & Chestnut Streets
Archeology: 9 am – 5 pm, Monday - Friday
Storytelling: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm, daily
Once Upon A Nation Gift Shop/Box Office: 10-6, daily

Betsy Ross House
More than just the famous seamstress and her compelling story, children will enjoy a cool Colonial conjurer and a fun swordplay demonstration.
239 Arch Street, 10 am – 5 pm, daily

Meet Ben Franklin
Hear stories from the man himself, under the Mulberry Tree.
Franklin Court, 314 Market Street, 11 am – Noon, daily

Military Muster
The Continental Army is looking for a few good kids, for drills in the art of marching and musket etiquette.
Signers’ Garden, 5th & Chestnut Streets, 12:30 and 1:30 pm, daily

Glass Armonica
Hear Ben Franklin’s favorite musical invention played.
Independence Living History Center, 3rd & Chestnut Streets, 12:30 – 2:00 pm, daily

Colonial Crafters
Period crafts performed live while Colonial experts greet guests.
Independence Visitor Center, 6th & Market Streets, 11 am – 3 pm, daily

FALL PROGRAMS:

In addition to Independence After Hours and Tippler’s Tour fall schedules, for OCTOBER ONLY: Cobwebs & Cobblestones
Spooky storytelling and spine-tingling tales return to Philadelphia’s Historic District with Cobwebs and Cobblestones. Tour participants are invited to step back in time with a ghastly guide, Abigail Wallace, as she introduces them to people from the city’s past during an historically accurate journey to many significant sites, including the Betsy Ross House, Christ Church Burial Ground and the Free Quaker Meeting House. Tour highlights include real stories of paranormal activity at the Betsy Ross House, dark tales of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793, and a gravedigger’s accounts of the dirty secrets entombed within Christ Church Burial Ground.
October 13 & 14, 20 & 21, and 27 & 28 ONLY, Fridays and Saturdays
2 tours per night, 6:30 and 7:30 pm
Departs from the Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street
$25 adults, $23 for student/senior/military, $20 children (12 and under)
Duration: 2 hours. Recommended for children 6 and older.

ORGANIZING BODIES:

Once Upon A Nation is led by Executive Director Amy Needle and Board Chair William Moore, in partnership with the Independence National Historical Park, Valley Forge National Historical Park, the Fairmount Park Commission, the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.

FUNDERS:

The Lenfest Foundation, Philadelphia Park, William Penn Foundation, Lincoln Financial Group Foundation, The Avery Foundation, Samuel S. Fels Fund, PNC Bank, Starbucks Coffee Company, The Home Depot, Pennsylvania Humanities Council, The McLean Contributionship, Mr. Wayne S. Spilove, Rohm & Haas, Phoebe W. Haas Charitable Trust A, American Express, Valley Forge Convention & Visitors Bureau, Religious Society of Free Quakers, Amtrak, and media partners WPVI 6-ABC, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Daily News, Philly.com, and Philadelphia Magazine.

BACKGROUND:

Once Upon A Nation is an initiative of Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (HPI). Historic Philadelphia, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded in 1994 by executive order of then-Mayor Edward G. Rendell. HPI works closely with Historic District stakeholders and the hospitality community to continue to build Philadelphia's tourism industry into an engine for economic growth. Through interpretation, interactive experiences, and Adventure Tours, Once Upon A Nation will enhance the tourist experience in Philadelphia, educate the visitor, and make our nation's history relevant to today.

MORE INFORMATION:

For Once Upon A Nation event information, call 215-629-4026 or visit www.onceuponanation.org to buy tickets on-line.

All events, prices and dates are subject to change.

EDITOR’S NOTE: High-resolution photographs are available for media usage at: http://www.onceuponanation.org/html/15_01_00.php.  

CONTACT:

Cari Feiler Bender, Relief Communications
(610) 416-1216, cari@reliefcomm.com  

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