Friday, August 4th marked the 3rd anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA)! The legislation was signed into law in 2020 and established the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund. It also guaranteed permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. In it's three years the Great American Outdoors Act has funded numerous projects across the National Park Service that will enhance the enjoyment of our parks and public lands and create a lasting impact on conservation.

We were thrilled to announce that the First Bank Rehabilitation Project received $22.2 million from the Great American Outdoors Act's Legacy Restoration Fund at our press event in July. This First Bank is the largest partner-funded GAOA project to date. The Trust had previously raised over $4.5 million to fund the architectural and construction documents by John Milner Architect, Inc. and the design of state-of-the-art exhibits by Local Projects LLC. The immersive exhibits will explore the stories of the early American economy, the people behind them, and the growth of the nation.

Find out more about this exciting project at firstbankphilly.com!

Pawtriot Yappy Hour

August 23rd @ Pemberton Garden

6:00pm to 7:00pm

Join us for our last Pawtriot Yappy Hour of the summer! This special program is geared towards our four-legged friends and their owners! Learn how your pet can be a B.A.R.K. Ranger from an NPS Ranger, plus find out how your doggo can be friend to the Park.

The program is free to attend with refreshments for pups and people. Learn more about our Pawtriot Program here.

Washington's Farewell

September 13 @ City Tavern Garden

6:00pm to 8:00pm

Save the Date for our commemoration of General George Washington's famous celebration at City Tavern following a successful Constitutional Convention! Join us for whiskey, cider, and beer tastings in honor of this historic party. Did you know that Washington and his peers racked up an £89 bar tab at City Tavern --- that's over $15,000 in today's money!

More information on tickets to come. Keep an eye out on our social media and future emails!

Earlier this summer, Leslie Obleshuk, Chief of Interpretation and Education (I&E) at Independence National Historical Park entered into phased retirement after nearly 43 years in the National Park Service. Leslie started her career at Independence as a seasonal ranger and served at many other sites including Minuteman NHP, Adams NHP, John F. Kennedy NHS, and the NPS Regional Office in Philadelphia. Congratulations Leslie on your retirement!

Lauren Gurniewicz was named as the new Chief of Interpretation and Education and starts her new position on August 13. She previously served as the Deputy Chief of I&E. Prior to her time at Independence, Lauren served at Colonial NHP, San Antonio Missions NHP, Congaree National Park, San Francisco Maritime NHPS, and several other NPS sites. Read more in the Park's news release.

Congratulations to Lauren Gurniewicz! We look forward to working with you to continue making Independence the Best Park in History! (Photo by Tarpley)

The Carpenters' Company of the City and the County of Philadelphia is seeking volunteer docents for Carpenters' Hall. Volunteer docents will greet guests as they enter Carpenters' Hall, providing key contextual information about the space and American history, in particular history about the First Continental Congress. Docents also assist the giftshop manager in engaging guests and orienting folks to exhibits.

Hours are flexible, though docents typically service in four-hour shifts.

We've had a great summer of Twilight Tours so far! Our wonderful Twilight Guides have welcomed visitors from over 38 states and 17 countries.

Twilight Tours run daily until September 4th. Be sure to hop on one before the season ends. Tours start at 6pm and leave from the Commodore Barry statue on Independence Square (behind Independence Hall).

Each guide creates their own tour and no two are alike. For a full schedule, visit our website.

Want to commemorate Independence National Historical Park's 75th anniversary? Special 75th items like t-shirts, sweatshirts, water bottles, and coffee mugs are now available at Eastern National stores in Old City Hall and the Benjamin Franklin Museum. For more information on the Park's 75th anniversary, visit the Park's website.

We know that Independence NHP is a National Park, but we like to think of it as Philadelphia's National Park! How lucky are we to have a national park right in our backyard?!

For over 50 years, Independence Historical Trust has been the philanthropic partner and best friend of the Park. Help us continue our work of supporting the mission of Independence NHP by donating today!