HISTORIC PHILLY Independence National Historical Park is a robust collection of sites. It includes Independence Hall — where the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, and where the Constitution was written, debated, and signed. Nearby, you’ll find the Liberty Bell Center , as well as the Benjamin Franklin Museum , Franklin Court Printing Office , the Second Bank of the United States , and more. The President’s House on Independence Mall marks the footprint of the residence of presidents George Washington and John Adams while in office. It also tells the story of the enslaved people who built and worked in the house. Congress Hall hosted two major presidential inaugurations, starting with the swearing in of George Washington for his second term in 1793. The site of the first Continental Congress in 1774, today Carpenters’ Hall displays hand tools, chairs used by the Founders, and other historical artifacts. Tour the home of reported American flag maker Betsy Ross and learn about her interactions with George Washington and other Founders — from the famed seamstress herself. Step back in time on carefully preserved Elfreth’s Alley — the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited street. The American Philosophical Society was co-founded by Ben Franklin in 1743, and its museum is a treasure trove of historical items, including a draft of the Declaration of Independence. Founded in 1695, Christ Church Burial Ground was the place of worship for numerous Founders. Benjamin Franklin’s tomb can be found in the church’s cemetery. A block from Independence Hall is Washington Square , one of the city’s original squares, and home to the memorial to Washington and the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier. The National Constitution Center brings the U.S. Constitution to life through multimedia exhibits, engaging performances, and historic artifacts. LIBERTY BELL 11 DiscoverPHL.com
Philadelphia Official Visitors Guide Spring/Summer 2024: Page 11
