Release Date: December 20, 2011
Contact: Jane Cowley, 215-597-0060,
Evening lecture series sponsored by the Friends of Independence
Philadelphia - 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!
Each month, a different invited speaker will regale participants with stories about our nation's past, from the fighting Quakers to a history of 18th century cooking (with samples!). Each program will be held in a historic building in Independence National Historical Park, including the Second Bank of the United States, the Free Quaker Meeting House, and City Tavern.
The next program will be held today, December 20, at 7 pm in the Second Bank of the United States. Cordelia Frances Biddle, whose family was among the earliest residents of Philadelphia, will take the audience into the world of the fictional 19th century character Martha Beale, when poverty, vast wealth, murder and spiritualism lived side by side in what was known as the "Athens of America."
Costs vary and discounts are offered to members of the Friends of Independence. Visit the Friends of Independence website at friendsofindependence.org for details about dates, times and location for each program.
- NPS -
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.
