Independence National Historical Park Celebrates Independence Day

Date: June 27, 2013
Contact: Jane Cowley, 215-597-0060

Philadelphia – Fourth of July at Independence National Historical Park means a week-long series of events and celebrations.Independence National Historical Park has partnered with the Independence Visitor Center, the City of Philadelphia and Wawa Welcome America to heat things up this July with an array of programs that sizzles, POPS! and celebrates freedom.

Pops! On Independence - On July 3 at 8 p.m., the park welcomes Peter Nero & the Philly POPS! as they perform patriotic music in front of Independence Hall. This free concert is sure to inspire so grab a picnic blanket, a couple of snacks, and sit back to enjoy the show under the stars.

Celebration of Freedom - July 4^th from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Independence National Historical Park with Wawa Welcome America hosts a free patriotic and inspiring morning full of music, speeches, and readings from the Declaration of Independence. This event will be held in front of Independence Hall.

Independence Day Parade - What's red, white and blue all over? The old-time Fourth of July parade! Featuring floats, marching bands, military groups and more winding through Historic Philadelphia, the fun begins immediately following the Celebration of Freedom in front of Independence Hall.

Let Freedom Ring - Hoping to hear something that truly represents liberty? Independence National Historical Park, the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence and Pennsylvania Society Sons of the Revolution invite visitors to Independence Square at 1 p.m. for a program of history, pomp and circumstance, with special keynote speaker Michael Quinn, of the Museum of the American Revolution.Visitors who would like to witness the symbolic Liberty Bell tapping should plan to be in the Liberty Bell Center by 1:10 p.m., because space is limited. If you cannot make it in time to see the tapping, don't worry, you can join the enthusiastic crowd on Independence Square. You'll be able to hear freedom ring from Walnut to Market Street!

Celebrate America's Birthday with Cupcakes and Cake - On July 4^th at 1:00 p.m. the Independence Visitor Center is excited to celebrate America's birthday with a custom designed five-tier cake and a 2,500 cupcake give-away for all visitors to enjoy! For more information about the event, visit PHLvisitorcenter.com.

July 4^th Colonial Re-enactment - A Colonial re-enactment of the reading of the Declaration of Independence will take place at 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Independence Mall next to the Independence Visitor Center. The reading will be performed by costumed performers and re-enactors with a fife and drum accompaniment. For more information about the event, visit PHLvisitorcenter.com.

Re-enactment of the First Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence - Visitors can join the astonished crowd of true 18^th century figures on Independence Square on July 8 at 11:45 a.m. to hear a costumed Park Ranger portraying Colonel John Nixon read excerpts from the Declaration of Independence. The event commemorates the first public reading of the Declaration in 1776 by Colonel Nixon. Free copies of the Declaration will be given out-- put on your tri-cornered hat and come prepared to cheer or jeer!

www.nps.gov/inde

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 6^th 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/indeor follow us at twitter.com/independencenhp.