Press Release

IN HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA, HISTORY GETS A FUN AND INTERACTIVE TWIST
Dozens of Historic Sites Make Learning Fun

PHILADELPHIA, April 3, 2008 - Historic Philadelphia is home to many of the most significant historic sites in the country. From the original Independence Hall to the modern National Constitution Center, each place plays a pivotal role in telling the city’s—and the nation’s—story. Here is just a sampling of the don’t-miss attractions found here:

Independence Hall

Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC

 

• While historians debate Betsy Ross’ role in making the first American flag, the Betsy Ross House offers an excellent portrayal of a working-class woman’s life in Colonial America. Visitors can tour the home of the nation’s best known seamstress and enjoy interactive programs and activities. 239 Arch Street, (215) 686-1252, www.betsyrosshouse.org
• Built in 1770-71, Carpenters’ Hall acted as a guild hall for the Carpenters’ Company of Philadelphia. This companion piece to Independence Hall is an important showcase for design and construction methods of its time. Because the First Continental Congress met here in 1774, it also retains tremendous historical significance. 320 Chestnut Street, (215) 925-0167, www.nps.gov/inde
• Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continually inhabited street in America, features quaint brick homes that offer a postcard-perfect peek into the residential life of Colonial Philadelphia. (215) 574-0560, www.elfrethsalley.org
• Franklin Square, one of the five public squares that William Penn laid out in his original plan for the city, has undergone a dramatic renovation. Managed by Once Upon A Nation, the park now boasts several new family-friendly attractions, including a miniature golf course, an old-fashioned carousel, storytelling benches, a picnic area and more. Race Street between 6^th & 7^th Streets, (215) 629-4026, www.historicphiladelphia.org
• Independence Hall, the birthplace of the United States of America, is one of only 20 World Heritage sites in the country. It is here that the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776; the Articles of Confederation, uniting the 13 colonies, were ratified in 1781; and the U.S. Constitution, outlining the nation’s basic laws, was adopted in 1787. 5^th & Chestnut Streets, (215) 965-7676, www.nps.gov/inde
• The Liberty Bell Center showcases the famous cracked Bell against the backdrop of Independence Hall and puts it in its historical context. Throughout the expansive, light-filled center, larger-than-life historic documents and graphic images explore the facts and the myths surrounding the Bell. Market Street between 5^th & 6^th Streets, (215) 965-7676, www.nps.gov/inde
• In addition to containing a who’s who of Revolutionary War-era portraits, the Second Bank of the United States is also a genuine architectural treasure—modeled after the Parthenon and the standard for many subsequent American bank buildings. 420 Chestnut Street, (215) 965-2305, www.nps.gov/inde

• The African American Museum in Philadelphia remains among the nation’s premier centers for African-American heritage. The museum’s collection includes thousands of objects, paintings, etchings, photographs, costumes, furnishings, sculptures, historic documents and books. 701 Arch Street, (215) 574-0380, www.aampmuseum.org
• It’s only four pages long, but the U.S. Constitution is among the most influential documents in the history of the world. The 160,000-square-foot National Constitution Center explores the Constitution through high-tech exhibitions, artifacts and displays. 525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6700, www.constitutioncenter.org
• Dramatic glass sculptures symbolize the fragility of freedom at the National Liberty Museum. Displays focus on the accomplishments of Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey, Jonas Salk, Mother Theresa and Jackie Robinson, among other famous figures. 321 Chestnut Street, (215) 925-2800, www.libertymuseum.org
• Established in 1976, the National Museum of American Jewish History is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to collecting, preserving and interpreting artifacts pertaining to the American Jewish experience. The Museum’s collection, of more than 10,000 artifacts explores more than 300 years of American Jewish life. In 2010, the museum will move into a brand-new home on Independence Mall. 55 N. 5^th Street, (215) 923-3811, www.nmajh.org

• Modeled after the work of famed English church architect Christopher Wren, Christ Church, an early 18^th-century Anglican church, once counted George Washington, Betsy Ross and Benjamin Franklin among its worshippers. On July 5, 1776, the signers of the Declaration of Independence came here to pray. A few blocks away at 5^th and Arch Streets is Christ Church Burial Ground, where Benjamin Franklin and his wife are buried. Those passing by often throw pennies on the grave for good luck. 20 N. American Street, (215) 922-1695, www.christchurchphila.org
• The Free Quaker Meeting House was established by those Quakers who were “read out” due to their involvement in the Revolution. Thirty to fifty men and women, including Betsy Ross, regularly attended this meeting. Today the descendents of the original Free Quakers conduct their annual meeting in the building. 500 Arch Street, (215) 965-2305, www.nps.gov/inde
• Located on the oldest parcel of land under the continuous ownership of African-Americans, Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church houses an underground museum with sacred artifacts, including Reverend Richard Allen’s original pulpit, personal belongings and crypt. Outside, an historical marker summarizes the church’s history. 419 Richard Allen Avenue, (215) 925-0616, www.motherbethel.org

• The Independence Visitor Center is the gateway to Historic Philadelphia, the city and the region. Visitors can find attraction information, get tickets to popular attractions or take a snack break inside the impressive structure. 6^th & Market Streets, (215) 965-7676, www.independencevisitorcenter.com

Note to Editors: For photos of Greater Philadelphia, visit our Photo Gallery.

CONTACT:

Cara Schneider, GPTMC
(215) 599-0789, cara@gptmc.com

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