Celebration of Benjamin Franklin at Independence

Release Date: January 10, 2012
Contact: Jane Cowley, 215-597-0060, jane_cowley@nps.gov

Philadelphia - 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.

Along with the Glass Armonica performances, the park will offer a series of events designed for the whole family. Activities include special Franklin tours at the Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank of the United States on January 14 and 15, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and an all-day Franklin Film Festival at the Independence Visitor Center on January 14, 15 and 17. Enjoy three films about Benjamin Franklin: Disney's Ben and Me, The Discovery Channel's The Real Ben Franklin and an original film, Portrait of a Family. See one or see them all! Check at the information desk for times.

Editor's note: Media interested in filming the Glass Armonica performances are invited to contact the Public Affairs Office. Special performance times can be arranged.

A unit of the National Park Service, Independence National Historical Park was created by an Act of Congress on June 28, 1948. Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Independence NHP covers almost 54 acres in Philadelphia's Old City, and includes Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, Franklin Court, and other historic buildings associated with the founding of the United States. The park is open from 9:00 am daily with the exception of Christmas day. A visit to Independence National Historical Park should start at the Independence Visitor Center, located at 6th and Market Streets. Here, visitors can pick up a park brochure, park map, and the free, timed tickets required for Independence Hall. For more information visit the park's website, https://www.nps.gov/inde or follow us at twitter.com/independencenhp.

Last updated: February 26, 2015

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