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There are many ways for school groups to tour the historic area of Philadelphia. You'll find sites to enhance your curriculum - whether it's history or science - and stories to engage learners of all ages. Planning is key to a successful experience. Consult the building hours on the park's website, and download the park's FREE mobile app, "NPS Independence," to help with trip planning and on-site logistics. We know you have many questions when planning a field trip: "Where is the bus drop-off area?" "Will my group have a tour guide?" To learn the answers to these questions and more, read Things to Know Before You Come. Learn about guided educational programs, Independence Hall tickets and more on our Reservations and Fees page. Get it to go - download the Argument-Writing Walking Tour as a pdf for easy printing. Independence HallEnter through security screening at 5th and Chestnut StreetsBy tour only, tickets required March – December, no tickets required in January – February Significance The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed inside this building. The legacy of the nation's founding documents - universal principles of freedom and democracy - has influenced lawmakers around the world in their own arguments for independence and universal rights. Examples of claims put forth by some individuals in this building Note: Keep in mind that disagreements over these claims often led to compromises Second Continental Congress – directed the war effort, signed the Declaration of Independence
Great Essentials Exhibit in the West Wing of Independence HallEnter through security screening at 5th and Chestnut StreetsNo tickets required Significance This gallery contains some of our nation’s most celebrated documents – original printed copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution. Also on display is the Syng inkstand, believed to be the one used by the signers in the cause of independence. Examples of claims reflected in the Declaration of Independence
Independence SquareEnter through security screening at 5th and Chestnut StreetNo tickets required Note: only the secure area of Independence Hall is accessible for people with mobility impairments Significance Independence Square has been a gathering place – sometimes in protest and sometimes in celebration – since the 18th century. On July 8, 1776, a large crowd assembled to hear the public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Since that time, protesters have used the space to link their own causes with the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. Frederick Douglass addressed an anti-slavery gathering here in 1844. Susan B. Anthony disrupted the July 4th celebration in 1876, distributing her “Women’s Declaration of Rights.” Examples of claims argued on this landscape:
Congress HallEnter through security at 5th and Chestnut StreetsApril - October, tours every 20 minutes March, November, and December – tours every 30 minutes January – February, self-guided No tickets required Significance Congress Hall was home to the U.S. Congress from 1790-1800, when Philadelphia served as the temporary capital of the United States. Issues of national consequence – the economy, defense, taxation, slavery, foreign relations – led to political disputes and the birth of the two party system. With John Adams’ inauguration here as the second President, American citizens and guests from around the world witnessed the nation’s first peaceful transfer of executive power. Examples of claims argued in this building:
Example of having an argument (as opposed to making an argument) On February 15, 1798, Representative Roger Griswold of Connecticut and Representative Matthew Lyon of Vermont exchanged blows on the floor of the House of Representatives, fighting with a walking stick and fire tongs. This violence came after a tense two week period between the men. The dispute started on January 30, 1798, when Lyon verbally insulted Griswold. Griswold responded with a character attack, calling Lyon a coward. Lyon then spit in Griswold’s face. A resolution to expel Lyon for his behavior failed to garner the necessary 2/3 majority, leading to Griswold’s decision to initiate the attack on February 15. President’s House Site6th and Market StreetsOutdoor exhibit, open 7am to 10pm, no tickets required Significance George Washington and John Adams both lived at this site while serving as President of the United States. Cabinet meetings took place here, and the presidents signed bills into law. Washington’s household included numerous indentured and enslaved servants. Adams never owned slaves and employed a small staff. The house was demolished in 1832, but exhibits now examine the paradox between slavery and freedom in this house, and in the nation. Examples of claims presented through the exhibits:
Liberty Bell Center6th Street, just south of Market StreetSecurity screening at entrance, no tickets required Significance The Liberty Bell bears a timeless message: “PROCLAIM LIBERTY THROUGHOUT ALL THE LAND UNTO ALL THE INHABITANTS THEREOF”. This ordinary State House bell has been transformed into an extraordinary international symbol, inspiring abolitionists, women’s suffrage advocates, and civil rights leaders. Examples of claims presented through the exhibits: Abolition – The bell’s inscription provided a rallying cry for abolitionists working to end slavery. The Anti-Slavery Record, an abolitionist publication, first referred to the bell as the Liberty Bell in 1835, but that name was not widely adopted until years later
Franklin Court Printing OfficeIn Franklin Court, enter the courtyard from Market Street between 3rd and 4th StreetHours vary, last printing demonstration 30 minutes prior to closing No tickets required Significance See first-hand how an 18th century printing office operated and discover the pivotal role that the printed word played in the American Revolution and the founding of the nation. Adjacent to the printing office is the newspaper office of Benjamin Franklin’s grandson, Benjamin Franklin Bache. From 1790 to 1800, Philadelphia served as the nation’s capital and Bache’s newspaper became the voice of opposition against the perceived (and sometimes real) pro-British sympathies of the Washington and Adams administrations. The Aurora helped shape the character of two-party politics in America. Examples of claims represented in the stories here:
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Last updated: May 8, 2024