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Independence National Historical Park
News Releases
 
 
 
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18th Century Newspaper
 

January 10, 2012
Celebration of Benjamin Franklin at Independence
On January 17, 2012, Benjamin Franklin turns 306! Independence National Historical Park will mark the occasion with a unique opportunity for visitors to hear a performance on Franklin's famous musical invention, the Glass Armonica. With the Franklin Court Underground Museum closed for renovations, the Glass Armonica has been out of view for visitors, but on January 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can see performances at the Independence Visitor Center.

December 20, 2011
New Evening Programs at Independence National Historical Park
Evening lecture series sponsored by the Friends of Independence
Everyone loves a good story teller, and a new opportunity at Independence National Historical Park provides an authentic place for visitors and residents alike. Thanks to the Friends of Independence, a monthly series will provide a variety of programs with drama, intrigue, personalities and audacity!

October 24, 2011
Groundbreaking for new Benjamin Franklin Museum at Franklin Court
The October 24, 10 a.m. groundbreaking for the renovation of the Franklin Court Underground Museum will launch the 18-month project to completely renovate the underground space and exhibits.

 

October 11, 2011
Keating and Maltbie Awarded Contracts for new Franklin Museum in Independence National Historical Park
Two local firms will work to renew the Benjamin Franklin Museum at Franklin Court in Independence National Historical Park. Maltbie has been awarded a $4.7 million contract to fabricate the exhibits. Daniel J. Keating Company has been awarded a $9.54 million construction contract. September 14, 2011

Moon Tree to Grow in Washington Square
In celebration of our national public lands, gardeners at Independence National Historical Park will plant a clone created from the ailing Moon Tree at Washington Square on September 24, 2011 at 1 p.m. September 24 is National Public Lands Day, a day celebrated around the nation with volunteer projects to clean up and care for our nation's public lands.

August 23, 2011
Horticulture and Design at Independence National Historical Park
We all know that Independence National Historical Park is home to two of our nation's greatest historical icons, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. But did you know it's also home to some of the most historic landscapes in Philadelphia? The Friends of Independence National Historical Park are teaming up with select gardens and historic sites in the Philadelphia region to bring members a special program, "Passport to Philadelphia's Garden History."

June 30, 2011
First Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Independence National Historical Park will host the annual re-enactment of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence on Independence Square on July 8. Park rangers at Independence NHP will reenact the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence at the very location where Colonel John Nixon read this great document to the public in 1776.

June 29, 2011
Junior Rangers Connect Through Video Conference
Junior rangers from Independence National Historical Park (INHP) and the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site in Philadelphia, PA, and Badlands National Park in South Dakota recently connected through a videoconference program. The children had a great exchange of natural and cultural history and confirmed their intentions to help protect their communities and preserve their history. Junior rangers from Philadelphia learned about the scenic spaces, wildlife, and fossils of Badlands National Park while junior rangers from Wall and Wasta, SD learned about several historic sites in the Northeast Region. The junior rangers were obviously excited to be involved in the program and to share their national parks with new friends from across the country.

June 17, 2011
Independence NHP Hosts U.S. World Heritage Fellow
Independence National Historical Park is hosting its first ever U.S. World Heritage Fellow, Gonzalo Javier Rodriguez, from May 23 through July 7.  The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) administers the World Heritage List, which includes Independence Hall. Rodriguez, a Peruvian and archeologist, will complete his fellowship at the park where he hopes to gain a better understanding of a national park's management and how the park interprets and presents history to visitors.

April 21, 2011
Independence N.H.P. & Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania Compete in National Park Foundation 2011 'First Bloom' Youth Garden Design Contest
Independence National Historical Park has teamed up with Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania to compete in the National Park Foundation's 2011 "First Bloom" Youth Garden Design Contest, which challenges First Bloom youth groups around the country to create the best garden design. The National Park Foundation (NPF), the official charity of America's national parks, designed the First Bloom program to give 4th- 6th grade youth firsthand experience in national parks, and teach important conservation lessons including the difference between native and invasive plant species.

April 20, 2011
Back to the Future: EPA's Top Scientist and Ben Franklin to Talk on Science and Innovation 
EPA's top scientist and the 'Father of Green Chemistry' Dr. Paul Anastas, will be talking with our nation's first preeminent scientist and inventor Benjamin Franklin as part of a science education event of the Philadelphia Science Festival. Park visitors and local college and university students will join the scientists' conversation on innovation and invention, and how the current generation can contribute to science and engineering.

February 14, 2011
Civil War to Civil Rights: Park Reenacts Lincoln's Visit to Independence Hall
On February 22, 1861, President-elect Abraham Lincoln stepped outside Independence Hall on a cold, winter morning, said a few inspiring words, spat on his hands, rolled up his sleeves, and raised a 34-star flag - with the newly added star for the new State of Kansas. Wish you had been there? Well, now you can! Join the National Park Service, National Constitution Center, Philadelphia Flag Day Association, Historical Society of Frankford, The Union League of Philadelphia, and the Civil War History Consortium of Greater Philadelphia as we re-enact Lincoln's historic visit to Independence Hall in Philadelphia on Tuesday, February 22, 2011, at 8:00 am.

January 3, 2011
Celebrate the Birthdays of Benjamin Franklin and Edgar Allan Poe National Park Service Offers Special Programs in Honor of these Philosophical Philadelphians!
Philadelphia - In honor of the January birthdays of gifted authors and editors, Benjamin Franklin and Edgar Allan Poe, the staff of Independence National Historical Park and the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site extend an invitation to mark the occasion with these special programs designed for Poe and Franklin fans of all ages.

December 3, 2010
Media Advisory - Press briefing and ribbon cutting for the opening of The President's House: Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation in Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park

December 1, 2010
Holiday Programs and Building Hours 2010
Independence NHP announces holiday hours and new family-friendly programs for the holiday season. 

September 9, 2010
Celebrate National Public Lands Day at Independence National Historical Park. National Public Lands Day brings together volunteers across the nation to improve and restore the lands that Americans use for recreation, education and just plain enjoyment. Volunteer activities at Independence NHP will include planting, raking and landscape rehabilitation. Call (215) 597-5102 to sign up to volunteer or for updates about the day's activities.

September 2, 2010
Independence National Historical Park Announces Fall Programs and Hours. Looking for something fun to do that's outdoors, indoors, educational and entertaining? Enjoy the cooler weather by visiting Independence National Historical Park! Join a park ranger for our many fall programs. All programs are free and reservations are not required.

August 24, 2010
Celebrate Founders Day with a Founding Father. What would Thomas Jefferson think of the National Park Service? In 1776, Thomas Jefferson crafted a document that would pave the way for the creation of a new nation and spread ideas of democracy and freedom around the world. On August 25, 1916, America created another great idea: the National Park Service. On Wednesday, August 25, 2010, join us for a free program at the Independence Visitor Center to Celebrate Founders Day with a Founding Father. Join Thomas Jefferson (portrayed by actor Steven Edenbo) and a National Park Service Ranger to learn about the founding of our great nation and the founding of the National Park Service. Participants will receive free mementos of Founders Day at Independence NHP.

June 16, 2010
Independence National Historical Park Commemorates First Public Reading of Declaration of Independence. Visitors to Independence National Historical Park are invited to experience a public reading of the Declaration of Independence the way our nation's first citizens did! At 11:45 am on Thursday, July 8, park rangers at Independence NHP will commemorate the 1776 public reading of the Declaration of Independence at the very location where Colonel John Nixon first read this great document to the public.  Join us for the best way to see Independence Hall tower one last time before it goes behind scaffolding on July 12 for a 14-month rehabilitation project!

June 11, 2010
The Independence Living History Center Closing. On Friday June 18, 2010, the Living History Center at Independence National Historical Park will be open to the public for the last time. The National Park Service (NPS) and the National Center for the American Revolution (also known as The American Revolution Center or ARC) are preparing for the exchange of 78 acres owned by ARC within the boundary of Valley Forge National Historical Park for 0.87 acres owned by the United States of America within the boundary of Independence National Historical Park, which includes the NPS-owned Independence Living History Center at 3rd and Chestnut Streets. In preparation for this exchange, the NPS is closing the facility in order to relocate the Independence Living History Center Archeology Laboratory across the street to the First Bank of the United States.

June 9, 2010
Contract Awarded for Rehabilitation of Independence Hall Tower
The National Park Service has awarded a $4,394,000 contract under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to Daniel J. Keating Company, a general contractor and construction management firm based in Narberth, PA.

May 12, 2010
Germantown White House wins Preservation Achievement Award from Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia. The house served as President George Washington's residence and office during the height of Philadelphia's yellow fever epidemic in 1793. Washington returned to this house with his family and household, including enslaved Africans, during the summer of 1794. The house is free and open for public visitation Wednesday through Sunday, 12-4pm.

May 5, 2010
Public input wanted on Proposed Designs for Franklin Court. The National Park Service, in partnership with the Independence Visitor Center Corporation, Pew Charitable Trusts, and others is planning for an ambitious and exciting rehabilitation of the underground museum at Franklin Court in Independence National Historical Park.  A detailed explanation of the proposed project is now available online for public review and comment at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/inde

April 28, 2010
National Park Foundation's "First Bloom" Program Plants Roots in Independence National Historical Park.Area youth from Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania will be planting a garden of native plant species in Independence National Historical Park on Saturday, May 22, 2010. This year, for the first time, First Bloom participants will be competing in a national program called the "Native Gardens Contest." To view the contest, and vote for a garden, visit the Native Garden Contest at http://firstbloom.nationalparks.org/41gardenGallery.php.

March 22, 2010
National Park Service and National Center for the American Revolution Take Next Step on Agreement. Plans Move Forward for Land Exchange

The National Park Service and the National Center for the American Revolution have taken the next step to prepare for the exchange of 78 acres owned by the National Center for the American Revolution within the boundary of Valley Forge National Historical Park for 0.87 acres owned by the United States of America within the boundary of Independence National Historical Park. A Programmatic Agreement and Notice of Realty Action related to the land exchange are now available for public review and comment.

March 2, 2010
Independence National Historical Park Maintains High Visitation Levels, Boosts Area Economy by $150 Million
With four million visitors in 2009, Independence National Historical Park is bringing tourists -- and their wallets -- into the Philadelphia region, according to the Department of the Interior Economic Report.

February 24, 2010
Celebrating the Life of Dolley Todd Madison
Independence National Historical Park and the National Constitution Center celebrate Dolley Todd Madison on Monday, March 8, 2010.

February 9, 2010
Celebrate Washington's Birthday at the Germantown White House Music for Colonists, Patriots & Presidents
Celebrate George Washington's Birthday at the Germantown White House with "Music for Colonists, Patriots, and Presidents." Enjoy beautiful music as you tour the house that was President Washington's temporary residence in 1793 and 1794.  The performance will feature the chamber music enjoyed by Americans in the 18th century, including George and Martha Washington. Music by Handel, Arne, Corelli, Stanley, Boyce and others will be performed.

January 16, 2010
Edgar Allan Poe, Secrets of the Purloined Letter
Join park rangers from the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site on Saturday, January 16th, 2009 from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm to celebrate Poe's 201st birthday with renowned Poe scholar Richard Kopley as he speaks about "The Purloined Letter" which Poe regarded as his best tale of "ratiocination" (detective story). This program is free and open to the public.

December 31, 2009
Independence National Historical Park
America's Best Idea: National Park Getaway

The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution articulate principles and values that have challenged, guided, and identified our nation. Books and webpages offer photographs and transcripts of these foundational documents, but a thorough understanding of them requires a look beyond text to context. To situate the Declaration and the Constitution in history, know their authors better, and have a great time, travelers of all ages should visit Independence National Historical Park.

December 28, 2009
Independence National Historical Park Celebrates Winter Birthdays
George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thaddeus Kosciuszko - what do all of these men have in common? Winter birthdays! Come celebrate these famous figures from American history with Independence NHP. Winter birthdays can be difficult to celebrate due to the unpredictable weather. Seek refuge in the beautiful Second Bank of the United States at 420 Chestnut Street, where a Park Ranger will take you on special birthday tours of the portraits in the "People of Independence" exhibit. All of the following tours are free and run from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm. The bank is easily accessible via the West side entrance ramp. For more information: (800) 537-7676, www.nps.gov/inde.

 

 


 

 

 

 

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Last Updated: January 13, 2012 at 14:26 MST