First Amendment

A group of people peacefully engage in First Amendment activities at Independence National Historical Park.

 

 

Demonstrations, Sale of Printed Matter, and the Distribution of Printed Matter and Other Message Bearing Items (First Amendment)

The National Park Service (NPS) recognizes the public’s right to use parts of the park for activities protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. At Independence National Historical Park (Independence NHP), these activities are described and managed as follows:

"The term ‘demonstrations’ includes “demonstrations, picketing, speechmaking, marching, holding vigils or religious services, and all other like forms of conduct that involve the communication or expression of views or grievances, engaged in by one or more persons, the conduct of which is reasonably likely to attract a crowd or onlookers.”

“The term ‘printed matter’ means message-bearing textual printed material such as books, pamphlets, magazines, and leaflets, provided that it is not solely commercial advertising.”

“The term ‘other message-bearing items’ means a message-bearing item that is not ‘printed matter’ and is not solely commercial advertising. Other message-bearing items include, but are not limited to: Readable electronic media such as CDs, DVDs, and flash drives; clothing and accessories such as hats and key chains; buttons; pins; and bumper stickers.”

 

The Small Group Permit Exception

Federal regulations allow for the superintendent to designate certain locations in a park as available to the public for First Amendment activity without a permit under the “small group permit exception,” provided:

• The group has 25 or fewer persons

• None of the reasons for denying a permit exists

• The group is not an extension of another group already availing itself of the small group exception

• The group will not interfere with other permitted demonstrations, special events, or park programing

• The group uses hand carried signs, but not stages, platforms, or structures

• The group does not use amplified sound

• The group does not collect donations

Independence NHP has designated the following areas as available to small groups (25 or fewer) to exercise First Amendment activity without a permit. For larger map versions, click the images to navigate to the Superintendent's Compendium:

 

Designated areas for demonstrations, sale and distribution of printed matter and message bearing items (First Amendment) at Independence NHP are marked in red.

 

Designated areas for demonstrations, sale and distribution of printed matter and message bearing items (First Amendment) in the Liberty Bell Center at Independence NHP are marked in red.

 

First Amendment Activities Requiring a Permit

Federal regulations also allow parks to manage certain First Amendment activities and activities that do not qualify for the small group permit exception through a special use permit issued by the superintendent. These permits shall only manage the time, place, and manner of the proposed First Amendment activity to ensure that park resources are protected, the activity does not interfere with interpretive, visitor service, or NPS program activities, the activity does not impair the operation of public use facilities, and the activity does not pose a clear and present danger to the public.

Applications for a special use permit for First Amendment activity are accepted no more than one year in advance of the first set-up day of the proposed event. Applications are considered on a first-come, first served-basis. There are no fees or cost recovery associated with First Amendment permits.

Applications for a special use permit for First Amendment activity must provide:

• The name of the applicant or the name of the organization (if any);

• The date, time, duration, nature, and place of the proposed event;

• An estimate of the number of persons expected to attend;

• A statement of equipment and facilities to be used;

• Whether there is any reason to believe that there will be an attempt to disrupt, protest, or prevent the event; and

• Any other information required by the permit application form.

Permits issued for First Amendment activities are valid for 14 consecutive days. A 14-day extension may be requested, but a new application must be submitted for each extension requested.

For more information, please email the park at [e-mail].

 

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  Filming and Photography

  Information on filming and taking still photos.

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  Special Events

  Information about permits for special events.