Spring Forward into History

March 2024

State of the Park

A few weeks ago, the Trust hosted the State of the Park. The evening was an opportunity for supporters to hear the latest news and updates from the Trust and Independence National Historical Park. It was also a celebration of partnership and the great things we can do when we work together.

For over 50 years, Independence Historical Trust has been a partner to the National Park Service. And, with the semiquincentennial quickly approaching in 2026, there is plenty to do as the birthplace of our nation gets ready to take center stage. There are many projects lined up, so look for updates throughout the year.

We were glad to have the chance to introduce so many of our friends and supporters to Superintendent Sims, the Park's leadership team, and members of the Trust's Board. Many thanks to Superintendent Sims for his kind remarks and sharing updates about what's happening in our favorite National Park.

Independence NHP Updates

Spring is just around the corner... Enjoy the longer days and warmer temperatures and visit the Best Park in History! For all the latest on the Park's programs and events, check out the Park's calendar.

March Programs at Independence

Women of the NPS

Chat with a Park Ranger to find out how the role of women in the National Park Service and here at Independence National Historical Park has changed over time. See how the uniforms, expectations, values, and policies regarding women in the Park Service has evolved through the years.

Where: Liberty Bell Center
Dates: March 9
Time: 11:00am to 3:00pm

Women's Suffrage Trail

Celebrate Women's History Month and search the Park for stories of resilience, strength, and ingenuity with our tiny LEGO Suffragists! Start at the Liberty Bell Center and pick up a LEGO Suffrage History Trail sheet and join some LEGO suffragists on the trail to win the vote.

Where: Liberty Bell Center
Dates: March 9
Time: 11:00am to 3:00pm

March Hours at Independence

Independence Visitor Center: 9am to 5pm

Liberty Bell Center: 9am to 5pm

Independence Hall: 9am to 5pm

Congress Hall: 9am to 5pm

Old City Hall: 10am to 4pm

Ben Franklin Museum and Store: 9am to 5pm

Franklin Court Printing Office: 10am to 5pm (Fri-Sat)

Edgar Allan Poe NHS: 9am to 5pm (Fri-Sun; closed 12pm to 1pm)

Gloria Dei Church NHS Grounds: 5am-11pm

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

The following buildings at Independence NHP are closed: 318 Market Street, City Tavern, Declaration House, Free Quaker Meeting House, Germantown White House, Great Essentials Exhibit in the West Wing of Independence Hall, New Hall Military Museum, Second Bank Portrait Gallery, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial, Todd and Bishop White Houses.

Re-Opening Soon!

Thursday, March 14

Great Essentials Exhibit in the West Wing: 9am-5pm

Supreme Court Chamber in Old City Hall: 9am-5pm (Thu-Sun)

Franklin Court Printing Office: 10am-5pm (Thu-Sun)

Friday, March 15

Second Bank Portrait Gallery: 11am-5pm (Fri-Sat)

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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.

Bicentennial Bell Garden Updates

There is lots of activity happening at the soon-to-be Bicentennial Bell Garden!

This month the armature, designed and fabricated by local metal artists at Holzman Iron Studio, will be installed. And soon after, the Bicentennial Bell will return to Independence National Historical Park. We are so excited to hit this project milestone and are looking forward to opening the rehabilitated and fully accessible garden later this year.

APT Job Fair + Twilight Tours

The Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides hosted their first-ever Job and Volunteer Fair! Trust staff talked to dozens of history-loving people looking to learn more about our Twilight Tour Program and other volunteer opportunities at the Park. Thank you for having us!

Our Twilight Tours are free walking tours of the Park and are offered daily in the summer. Guides design their own tours on topics that are of interest to them, from the Founding Fathers to colonial architecture to home gardens.

The Trust is planning for the 2024 Season. If you're curious about being a Twilight Tour Guide, please fill out this interest form.

Over 3 million visits to Philadelphia's National Parks in 2023!

In a recent press release, the park announced the visitation numbers for 2023. Last year 3,042,598 people came to Independence National Historical Park, a 13% increase over 2022.

Other national park sites in Philadelphia also saw an increase in their 2023 numbers: Edgar Allan Poe National Historical Site by 44% and Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial by 32%. Visitation statistics are not tracked at Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site.

Full press release here.

Carpenters' Hall: Young People's Continental Congress

2024 is a big year for Carpenters' Hall! It's the 300th anniversary of the Carpenters' Company and the 250th anniversary of the First Continental Congress! There's plenty going on through the year, so keep an eye out for special programs, events, and more!

The anniversary of the First Continental Congress is a landmark event in the lead up to the nation's semiquincentennial in 2026 and one of the first big Philadelphia events.

To commemorate the events from 1774, Carpenter's Hall is hosting the Young People's Continental Congress. In July, 14 teams of high school students and their teachers from the original 13 colonies plus one team from Philadelphia will explore and discuss principles of democracy and civic engagement. The program will expand in 2025 and 2026.

PhilaLandmarks Trip to Historic Annapolis

Our friends at The Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks is offering a unique opportunity to join a special visit of two historic homes and gardens in Annapolis, MD.

The visit will feature a special presentation of the James Brice House, which is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar restoration. Historic Annapolis will be hosting this memorable trip.

The trip is on Thursday, April 25th and will leave from the Hill-Physick House (321 S. 4th Street) by luxury coach at 8:30am.

For more details, and to purchase tickets, please visit the PhilaLandmarks event page. Reservations must be made by April 15th.

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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