Welcome to your first stop
for visiting Philadelphia
Make the most of your visit by starting
at Independence Visitor Center, 6th &
Market streets. Get your free, timed
tickets to IndependenceHall, speak with
friendly sta for free trip planning advice;
explore things to do on digital installations;
and purchase discounted tickets for local
attractions and tours. After starting here,
you’ll know what to do, where to go and
how to get there!
phlvisitorcenter.com
phlvisitorcenter.com
JULY 1
National Liberty Museum, NLM Celebrates:
Wawa Welcome America Free Museum
Day, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Experience the Museum’s
new exhibit plus special activities marking
the Independence Day season as part of the
Wawa Welcome America celebration. FREE.
libertymuseum.org
JULY 1-4
Museum of the American Revolution,
Independence Week, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.:
Celebrate Independence Day all week long with
special activities, costumed interpretation, live
theatrical performances, crafts and more to
explore what freedom means to you and discover
the American Revolution’s ongoing relevance
over Fourth of July week. Free with admission.
amrevmuseum.org
JULY 1-7
National Liberty Museum, NLM Celebrates:
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness,
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Activities marking the
Independence Day season include a community
art-making experience, interactive button
making, a photo booth and more. Included with
admission.
libertymuseum.org
JULY 2
Red, White, & Blue To-Do, 9 a.m. –
7 p.m.: A vibrant display of patriotic
celebration, this new event brings
together museums, historic sites
and local businesses in America’s most historic
square mile to honor our nation’s founding. Enjoy
festooned décor, concerts, games, extended
attraction hours, restaurant specials and much
more!
9-11 a.m.: The fun begins with flag raisings,
site openings and
Children’s Naturalization
Ceremony at the Betsy Ross House
11 a.m.: Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp &
Parade
kicks o at the National Constitution
Center
2-5 p.m.: Musical performances at four
locations throughout the Historic District
4-7 p.m.: Extended hours and special events
at various historic sites and
food and drink
specials throughout Old City
HISTORIC DISTRICT HAPPENINGS
HISTORIC DISTRICT HAPPENINGS
For a complete schedule of events and all
the details, pick up the Special Edition of
The Historic Philadelphia Gazette or visit
phlvisitorcenter.com
JULY 3
Independence Mall, Concert on the Mall,
6 p.m.: Grab your blankets or chairs and celebrate
Independence Day with a free concert. FREE.
nps.gov/inde
JULY 4
Independence Square, Celebration of
Freedom Ceremony, 10 a.m.: Celebrate July
4th and observe the evolving history of America’s
freedom through remarks by a variety of guest
speakers and a reading of the Declaration of
Independence. FREE.
nps.gov/inde
Betsy Ross House, Patriotic Pet Fashion
Show, 10:30 a.m.: Pets of all kinds, decked
out in their patriotic finest, parade in the
courtyard to celebrate Independence Day. FREE.
historicphiladelphia.org
Historic District to City Hall, Salute to
America Independence Day Parade, 11 a.m.:
Wawa Welcome America invites you to break
out your red, white & blue as groups from around
the country and world meet in the birthplace of
the nation for a grand celebration of American
culture, diversity and 248 years of history. The
parade kicks o at 2nd & Market streets and
travels west to City Hall. FREE.
july4thphilly.com
Weitzman National Museum of American
Jewish History, 4 th of July Family Day,
11 a.m. – 4p.m.:
Join the parade watch party
from the museum’s second-floor windows, make
crafts, sing and dance with Khalil Munir & Two
of a Kind and enjoy a scavenger hunt. FREE.
weitzman.org
JULY 5
Pay-What-You-Wish Day, Hill-Physick House,
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Tour this stunning, four-story
Federal townhouse, built by a wealthy merchant
and later owned by a famous physician of his
time. Donation.
philalandmarks.com
Christ Church, Steeple & Skyline Tour, 5
p.m.:
Walk up 110 stairs to the top of Christ
Church Neighborhood House for the best
exterior views of the church’s famous steeple
and all of Old City Philadelphia. Tour runs
approximately 20 minutes. $15 adults; $10 youth.
christchurchphila.org
JULY 6
Pay-What-You-Wish Day, Powel House,
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Tour this historic home built in
1765 and considered one of the finest examples
of Georgian architecture in the United States.
Donation.
philalandmarks.com
Christ Church Steeple & Skyline Tour, 5 p.m.:
See July 5 for details
JULY 8
Independence Square, First Public Reading
of the Declaration of Independence, 11:45 a.m.:
Join the crowd to hear a commemorative reading
of the Declaration of Independence by a park
ranger portraying Colonel John Nixon. Snag a
free copy of the Declaration and cheer or jeer as
colonists did on July 8, 1776, when Colonel Nixon
first read the document publicly in the State
House yard, now Independence Square. FREE.
nps.gov/inde
JULY 12
Independence Seaport Museum,
Olympia
After Hours: Speakeasy Night, 6-9 p.m.: Step
onto the Olympia and back in time for a 1920s
speakeasy aboard the oldest floating steel warship
in the world. Enjoy live music, games, themed
cocktails and mocktails, snacks and learn what it
was like to serve in the Navy during prohibition.
Guests are welcome to dress in-theme; tickets are
$35 and include one drink. Must be 21 or older to
attend.
phillyseaport.org
JULY 14
Christ Church, Summer Evening Garden
Service, 6 p.m.: Participate in an outdoor,
summer service in the picturesque North Garden.
Pets are welcome! FREE.
christchurch.org
JULY 15
Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia,
Money Lab, 1:30–2:30 p.m.: Learn about the
many features of U.S. currency and other aspects
of our nation’s money. Interactive program for
children and adults runs continuously. FREE.
philadelphiafed.org/education/money-in-motion
JULY 20
African American Museum in
Philadelphia, Dox Thrash Panel
Discussion, 5:30-7 p.m.:
Explore the life and artistic legacy
of this influential Black artist who
is the subject of the museum’s
current exhibit, Imprint: Dox Thrash, Black
Life & American Culture. FREE.
aampmusem.org/calendar
IN THIS ISSUE
Page 1-2
Historic District
Happenings
Page 3
Historic Sites
Page 4
Map
The Historic Philadelphia
Gazette is always
FREE
The Gazette is also available
at historicphiladelphia.org
The Historic Philadelphia Gazette,
is a joint venture of Historic Philadelphia, Inc.,
the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation
and the National Constitution Center. If you
have questions or need more information
about historical sites in Philadelphia and
its countryside, call (800) 537-7676 or visit
phlvisitorcenter.com. Historic Philadelphia,
Inc. makes our nation’s history relevant, real,
and fun by enlivening historic sites through
storytelling, interactions, and education. HPI
operates, maintains, and improves the Betsy
Ross House, Once Upon A Nation storytelling
and immersive walking tours, and Franklin
Square. For all Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
event information or to buy tickets online,
visit historicphiladelphia.org.
@historicphilly facebook.com/
historicphilly
JULY 26
Independence Seaport Museum,
Olympia
After
Hours: Sci-Fi Night, 6-9 p.m.: Come dressed as
your favorite character of the realm and enjoy themed
cocktails and mocktails on the decks of the oldest
floating steel warship in the world as you enjoy music
and the great views of the Delaware River. Dressing in
theme is welcome but not required. Tickets are $35 and
include your first drink. Must be 21 or older to attend.
phillyseaport.org
JULY 27
Independence Seaport Museum, Captain’s Corner,
2-3 p.m.: Explore the storied history of Fleet Admiral
Chester Nimitz, commander-in-chief of the US Pacific
Fleet in WWII. Learn about his rise through the ranks to
the most coveted role in Naval history and how he welded
together a team of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines to
defeat the Japanese empire. $15 includes self-guided tour
of the shop.
phillyseaport.org
18th Century Garden, Colonial Kids Quest, 11:30
a.m. Fridays & Saturdays: A copy of the Declaration is
missing! Fun puppets guide the action and kids of all ages
are invited to help find it. FREE.
historicphiladelphia.org
Federal Reserve Bank, Money in Motion, 9:30 – 4:30
p.m. Mon.-Fri.: Learn all about the Federal Reserve
System, U.S. central banking history and money in this
self-guided tour. FREE.
philadelphiafed.org/education
Historic District Various Locations, Once Upon
A Nation Storytelling, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday
through Saturday: Hear riveting stories of our nation’s
history in the places where they actually happened! Visit
all eight benches to be entertained with short tales sharing
little-known secrets from history. See map on p. 4 for bench
locations. FREE.
historicphiladelphia.org
Independence Hall. Declaration Reading,4 p.m.
Tuesday through Saturday: A rousing reading of the
stirring words of the Declaration each day in the shadow
of Independence Hall. FREE.
historicphiladelphia.org
Independence National Historical Park, Twilight
Tours, 6 p.m. Daily: This free walking tour hosted by
Independence Historical Trust, takes you along the park’s
cobblestone paths while knowledgeable guides share
stories about the events that shaped our nation. Tours
are approximately 60 minutes andleave at 6 pm from the
Liberty Vell viewing window. FREE.
inht.org/twilight-tours.
Independence Visitor Center, Ocial Historic
Philadelphia Walking Tour, 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Step back in time as you loop through
America’s most historic square mile meeting people from
the past and learning about Philadelphia’s rich Colonial
history. Your Colonial guide will highlight the President’s
House, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and more. $18
for adults; $9 children 12 and under. Buy tickets in person
or in advance at
phlvisitorcenter.com/ocial-historic-
philadelphia-walking-tour
National Liberty Museum, Pay-What-You-Wish
Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Each Wednesday through
July the Museum celebrates summer with this special
oer. Explore the galleries, engage with the exhibitions,
and immerse yourself in the transformative power of
art. Every contribution supports the mission to connect,
educate, and inspire people to explore and advance
the complex practice of liberty. Pay-what-you-wish.
libertymuseum.org
2 JULY 2024
Signers’ Garden, Kids’ Colonial Muster,
2 p.m. & 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday: The
Continental Army is looking for a few good kids! Learn
to march and drill and find out from a Revolutionary
War soldier what life was like with Washington’s troops.
FREE.
historicphiladelphia.org
Experience the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern
Festival Through August 18, 6 - 11 p.m. daily.
Franklin Square shines bright this summer with
awe-inspiring, interactive, larger-than-life lanterns!
Enjoy a complete festival experience featuring live
performances, delicious food and drinks, and the Franklin
Square Fountain Show. For information and tickets,
phillychineselanternfestival.org.
Once Upon A Nation Programming Brings
History to Life This Summer Season.
Once Upon A Nation’s fun, interactive programs will
transport you back in time this summer with free, family-
friendly entertainment all over Historic Philadelphia!
• Hear the tales the history books forgot at eight
Storytelling Benches scattered throughout Historic
Philadelphia.
• Help find a missing copy of the Declaration of
Independence during Colonial Kids’ Quest.
• March with George Washington’s Continental Army
and find out what a soldier’s life was like when you join
the Colonial Muster.
• End the day in the shadow of Independence Hall with
a moving interpretation of the iconic words of the
Declaration.
See details in the Ongoing section and check the map for
the locations of Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches
or visit
historicphiladelphia.org
for more information.
PHLASH® Your Ride to Philly’s Iconic Attractions.
The PHILLY PHLASH® is a visitor-friendly
public transport service with stops
near all the city’s must-see attractions,
including Historic District hot spots
like the Liberty Bell Center, Museum of
the American Revolution and, new this year, the Betsy
Ross House. It's an easy way to explore the whole city,
including Center City favorites like Reading Terminal and
the Philadelphia Art Museum.
Tickets are just $2 per ride; $5 for a one-day pass; and
$12 for an all-day family pass. Tickets may be purchased
online at phlvisitorcenter.com, at any Philadelphia Visitor
Center location or on board with exact change.
The PHLASH® runs daily every 15 minutes from 10
a.m. to 6 p.m. Full schedule and real time tracking at
RidePhillyPHLASH.com
Visit the National Constitution
Center This Summer
This world-class museum dedicated to the U.S.
Constitution is a must-see on any visit to Historic
Philadelphia. Through interactive exhibits rare
artifacts, and live theater, it brings the Constitution
to life for visitors of all ages. July is a busy month at
the museum. See below for a sampling:
Independence Week Celebrations
Thursday, June 27 – Thursday, July 4
Free Admission on Select Days and Times
Visit the Center for patriotic festivities celebrating
Independence Day, exploring the history of the Declaration
of Independence and how the definition of “We the People”
has expanded since Thomas Jeerson penned the famous
words “…all men are created equal…” in 1776. Attend the
interactive Independence Day show and American flag
history and etiquette workshops, as well as create Colonial-
era arts and crafts and stop by the Revolutionary War
encampment on the front lawn. Special scholarly talks that
explore the expanded understanding of Independence Day
are also on the schedule.
Revolutionary War Encampment
July 2 - 4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
National Constitution Center Front Lawn
Join Revolutionary War reenactors as you step into a
re-created military encampment. Stop by the medical tent
to visit the surgeon, meet 18th-century artisans and learn
more about their trades, and see Continental Army soldiers
march and drill on the grounds. You can even practice being
with a wooden musket and find out if a soldiers’ life is for
you! Presented in partnership with the 6th Pennsylvania
Regiment to present the annual encampment.
Red, White, & Blue To-Do
July 2 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
John Adams declared that July 2 should be a day of
“pomp and parade” from one end of the continent to
the other. The Red, White, & Blue To-Do will take place
throughout America’s most historic square mile with
the Pomp & Parade, festooned decor, concerts, games,
extended visitation hours at area historic attractions,
restaurant specials, and much more. See details in Historic
Happenings and in the Historic Philadelphia Gazette Red,
White, & Blue To-Do Special Edition.
Disability Pride Month
Friday, July 5 - Wednesday, July 31
Learn how members of the disabled community in the U.S.
used the First Amendment to secure their rights. Explore
the stories of disability activists, uncover the history of
disability in the United States, and visit our make-and-take
craft stations to learn how you, too, can fight for change!
Sensory-Friendly Day
Sunday, July 28 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Visitors with sensory-processing challenges can
experience the museum in a secure and comfortable
environment that includes modified programming and
emotionally safe spaces with sensory objects, comfortable
seating, and cool blue lighting. Sensory-Friendly Days are
made possible thanks to TD Bank.
The National Constitution Center is
open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Wednesday through
Sunday. For more information, including
details about free admission days in July,
visit
constitutioncenter.org.
HISTORIC SITES
HISTORIC SITES
Arch Street Friends
Meeting House (E3)
320 Arch Street
(215) 627-2667
Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
historicasmh.org
Betsy Ross House (F3)
239 Arch Street
(215) 629-4026
Daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
historicphiladelphia.org
Carpenters’ Hall (E5)
320 Chestnut Street
(215) 925-0167
Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
carpentershall.org
Christ Church Philadelphia (F4)
2nd Street above Market Street
(215) 922-1695
Daily 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
christchurchphila.org
Christ Church Burial
Ground (D3)
5th & Arch streets
(215) 922-1695
Daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
christchurchphila.org
Congress Hall (C5)
6th & Chestnut streets
(800) 537-7676
Daily 9 a.m.- 4:40 p.m.
nps.gov/inde
Edgar Allan Poe National
Historic Site (C4)
532 N. 7th Street
(800) 537-7676
See website for hours
nps.gov/edal
Elfreth’s Alley Museum (F2)
124-126 Elfreth’s Alley
(215) 574-0560
Fri. – Sun. 12-4 p.m.
elfrethsalley.org;
elfrethsalley.org/audio tour
Federal Reserve Bank
Money in Motion Exhibit
(866) 574-7123
Mon. – Fri. 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 pm.
(last admission 4 p.m.)
philadelphiafed.org/education/
money-in-motion
Franklin Court (E4)
314-322 Market Street
(800) 537-7676
Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Printing Oce
urs. – Mon. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
nps.gov/inde
Franklin Square (C1)
6th & Race streets
(215) 629-4026
Daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern
Festival daily 6-11 p.m
historicphiladelphia.org
Free Quaker Meeting House (C3)
5th & Arch streets
(215) 629-4026
Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
nps.gov/inde
Independence Hall (C5)
Chestnut Street between 5th & 6th streets
(800) 537-7676
Daily 9 a.m. – 4:40 p.m.
(security screening opens 8:30 a.m.)
Free timed tickets required
nps.gov/inde
Old City Hall (D5)
5th & Chestnut streets
Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(800) 537-7676
nps.gov/inde
Physick House (E8)
321 South 4th Street
(215)925-7866
urs. – Sat. 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.;
Sun. 12-3 p.m. (tours on the hour)
philalandmarks.org
Powel House (E7)
244 South 3rd Street
(215) 627-0364
urs. – Sat. 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.;
Sun. 12-3 p.m. (tours on the hour)
philalandmarks.org
President’s House Site (E8)
555 Market Street
(800) 537-7676
Daily 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
nps.gov/inde
Science History Institute (E5)
315 Chestnut Street
(215) 925-2222
Wed. – Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
sciencehistory.org
M
M
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National
Memorial (E8)
301 Pine Street
Sat. & Sun. 12 – 4 p.m.
(800) 537-7676
nps.gov/thko
MUSEUMS
MUSEUMS
American Philosophical
Society Museum (D6)
104 South 5th Street
(215) 440-3442
urs. – Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
amphilsoc.org
African American Museum
in Philadelphia (B3)
7th & Arch streets
(215) 574-0380
urs. – Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
aampmuseum.org
Benjamin Franklin Museum
in Franklin Court (E4)
Daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
nps.gov/inde
Federal Reserve Bank of
Philadelphia (C2)
6th & Arch streets
(866)574-3727
Mon. – Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
philadelphiafed.org
Fireman’s Hall Museum (F2)
147 North 2nd Street
(215) 923-1438
Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
firemanshallmuseum.org
Independence Seaport
Museum (H6)
211 Columbus Blvd.
(215)413-8655
Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
phillyseaport.org
Liberty Bell Center (C4)
526 Market Street
(800) 537-7676
Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
nps.gov/inde
Museum of the American
Revolution (E5)
101 South 3rd Street
(215)253-6731
Daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
amrevmuseum.org
Museum of Illusions (D4)
401 Market Street
(267) 703-2270
Mon-Thurs 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Fri. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.;
Sat 9 a.m. -10 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
moiphilly.co
National Constitution Center (D3)
525 Arch Street
(215) 409-6700
Wed. – Sun. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
constitutioncenter.org
National Liberty Museum (E5)
321 Chestnut Street
(215) 925-2800
urs. – Mon. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
libertymuseum.org
Weitzman National Museum of
American Jewish History (D4)
101 South Independence Mall East
(215) 923-3811
urs. – Sun. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
theweitzman.org
OER SITES
OER SITES
Independence Visitor Center (C4)
6th & Market streets
(800) 537-7676
Daily 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
phlvisitorcenter.com
SquareBurger (C1)
Franklin Square, 6th & Race streets
(215) 629-4026
Daily 12-5 p.m.
historicphiladelphia.org
U.S. Mint (D2)
151 North Independence Mall East
(215) 408-0114
Mon. – Sat. 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
usmint.gov
Get Your Free
Independence
Hall Ticket
Admission toIndependence Hallis by timed-
entry tour only. Timed tickets must be reserved
in advance onlineatrecreation.gov,or by
phone at (877) 444-6777. Tickets are free, but
there is anon-refundable processing fee of $1
per ticket. Tickets can be printed or displayed
on a mobile device. Please arrive 30 minutes
before scheduled tour time to go through
security screening.
HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA GAZEE 4
Independence Library
Independence Library
Weitzman
Cherry Street
Cherry Street
Pier
Pier
Adventure
Adventure
Aquarium
Aquarium
& Battleship
& Battleship
New Jersey
New Jersey
Spruce Street
Spruce Street
Harbor Park
Harbor Park
Blue Cross
Blue Cross
RiverRink
RiverRink
Summerfest
Summerfest
Jewelers’ Row
District
City Hall
PHLASH Stop
PHLASH Stop
12th & Market
12th & Market
Broad & Market
Broad & Market
PHLASH Stop
P
Photos by: Cari Feiler Bender, L. Berckey, J. Fusco, R. Meyers, A. Ricketts, G. Widman, African American Museum in Philadelphia (image of Dox Thrash artwork), GPTMC, and VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
4 JULY 2024
