Tripatini

the world's smartest travel social network

July 4th Weekend Events in Philadelphia

INDEPENDENCE WEEKEND FACT SHEET 2016

Thursday, June 30 – Monday, July 4

www.historicphiladelphia.org

Celebrate the birth of our nation in the birthplace of democracy! Spend the weekend in Philadelphia seeing history come to life where the United States began. Visitors will experience tours, storytelling, and family activities produced by Historic Philadelphia, Inc. New for 2016: Colonial Kids’ Quest Puppet Show, Meet Phillis at the Betsy Ross House, and Colonial Stations featuring Once Upon A Nation History Makers.

Some don’t-miss events for Independence Weekend:

Independence After Hours: Participate in an evening walking and dinner at historic City Tavern tour visiting inside Independence Hall at night with the Founding Fathers. July 1, 2, and 4 at 6:30 pm
Tippler’s Tour: A Colonial pub crawl with Dr. Benjamin Franklin at four of Philadelphia’s watering holes. June 30 at 5:30 pm
Franklin Square: Independence Day Family Fun – Celebrate America’s birthday with fun featuring the Lightning Bolt Express Train ($5 adults, $4 children). July 2 – 4, noon - 3 pm
Betsy Ross House: First Friday Movies Under the Stars and Stripes and Extended Hours at the Betsy Ross House – showing The Hideous Sun Demon.July 1, Gates open at 5:30 pm, film starts at dusk

Betsy’s Independence Day Bash – Activities for kids, a children’s naturalization ceremony at 1:30 pm, ceremonial bell ringing at 2 pm. July 4, 11 am - 3 pm

Meet Phillis, a free African American woman, who was born into slavery in Philadelphia. July 1 - 4, noon – 5pm

NEW FOR 2016! – Colonial Kids’ Quest Puppet Show: A light-hearted adventure where kids of all ages will help animal puppets search for a missing copy of the Declaration of Independence. Along the way, find a runaway dog, Freedom and meet helpful two-legged and four-legged friends such as Francois the Frog, Graciela the Goose, Nibbles the Mouse, and Broadside the Cat. July 2, 11:30 am and 1 pm,

Behind Carpenters’ Hall, 320 Chestnut Street. FREE.

We Differ As Rational Friends: A Debate between John Adams & Thomas Jefferson - Adams and Jefferson debate the revolutionary storms they weathered throughout a relationship spanning 50 years. FREE. June 30, 1 pm, at the National Constitution Center
In Perfect Felicity: George and Martha Washington - America's original First Couple share stories from their 40-year marriage. FREE. June 30, 6 pm, in the Jefferson Garden at American Philosophical Society
Songs of Liberty, Loyalty, Libations and Love - Hear spirited period music, sea chanteys, and folk songs performed. July 2, 11 am – 4 pm at the Independence Seaport Museum
Colonial Stations featuring Once Upon A Nation History Makers – FREE and NEW

This year, Historic Philadelphia, Inc. expands its memorable encounters with History Makers who regale visitors with a first-hand account of the times…second to none. In multiple locations throughout the summer, famous and not-so-famous real historical figures will captivate visitors with their past, bringinghistory to life for guests of today.

Thursday, June 30, 11 am – 1 pm: Independence Square behind Independence Hall

Friday, July 1, 11 am – 1 pm: National Constitution Center

Sunday, July 3, 11 am – 1 pm: Independence Square

Hear Thomas Jefferson reading from the Declaration of Independence outside the Independence Visitor Center. Monday, July 4, 9:30 am and 1:30 pm

TOURS: FOR ALL TOURS: recommended to arrive 30 minutes in advance to pick up tickets.

Independence After Hours

Independence After Hours is an evening walking tour visiting some of the landmarks of Philadelphia’s Historic District and immersing the visitor with Colonial characters who bring history to life right in the place where it happened. In this exclusive opportunity to visit inside Independence Hall at night after public hours, tour-takers experience what those late nights of the summer of 1776 were like for the Founding Fathers. The evening begins with a delicious three-course meal at the Historic City Tavern where Colonial townspeople entertain guests. The Colonial host then “sneaks” everyone into the Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall), once he talks his way past the vigilant night watchman. Inside the Hall, visitors witness several Founding Fathers deep in discussion over the creation of the Declaration of Independence.

July 1, 2, & 4: 6:30 pm

Departs from the Independence Visitor Center, 6th & Market Streets [note new location]

$85 adults, $55 children 12 & under, $80 senior/military/student (dining gratuity included)

Duration: 2 ½ hours. Wear comfortable shoes. Recommended for children 10 and older

Tippler’s Tour

Past and present meet on Historic Philadelphia, Inc.’s weekly authentic Colonial pub crawl, featuring four different seasonal offerings. Visitors join a Colonial host to hear stories and drinking traditions with fun and lighthearted songs and toasts of the era. With drinks and snacks at each of three modern day watering holes which may include – Salon 401 at The Franklin, National Mechanics, Victoria Freehouse, Independence Mall Cafe at the Independence Visitor Center, plus the historical City Tavern – the “tippler” guide shares some of Benjamin Franklin’s most fun phrases for someone who is drunk, including “nimptopsical” and “tipsicum grave.” Hear tales about how taverns were used as recruiting stations (getting people inebriated sometimes helped convince them) and how news of the day was discussed in the taverns.

June 30: Tippler’s Tour: Ben’s Kites & Flights: 5:30 pm

Toast with Dr. Benjamin Franklin as he joins part of the tour and guests hear stories and talk with the Founding Father. Stops include Independence Mall Cafe at the Independence Visitor Center, Salon 401 at The Franklin, National Mechanics, and

City Tavern.

Departs from the Independence Visitor Center, 6th & Market Streets [note new location]

$45 adults, $40 senior/military/student. (tastings & gratuity included, 21 and over with valid I.D.) Duration: 2 hours

ONCE UPON A Thirteen one-of-a-kind award-winning Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches are

NATION scattered all over Philadelphia’s Historic District, telling riveting stories of our nation’s

STORYTELLING history in the places where they actually happened. Specially-trained, uniformed

BENCHES: storytellers delight and entertain with free, short 3-to-5-minute stories while sharing the

secrets of Philadelphia’s and America’s history. Children can pick up a Story Flag at any storytelling bench, then collect a star from every storyteller on their journey. Flags with all the stars can be redeemed for a History Hero Certificate and a free carousel ride on the Parx Liberty Carousel.

June 30 – July 4, 11 am - 4 pm

The free storytelling benches will be at these 13 locations in the Historic District:

1. Independence Visitor Center

2. Independence Square, behind Independence Hall

3. Signer’s Garden

4. Second Bank

5. 18^th - Century Garden

6. The Powel House

7. The ACE Charitable Foundation Storytelling Bench at Carpenters’ Hall

8. Franklin Court

9. Christ Church

10. Betsy Ross House

11. Arch Street Meeting House

12. The Lincoln Financial Storytelling Bench at the National Constitution Center

13. Wawa Storytelling Bench at Franklin Square

FRANKLIN SQUARE: Special Independence Day Activities:

Independence Day Family Fun

July 2 - 4, noon - 3 pm – Celebrate America’s birthday with fun featuring the Lightning Bolt Express Train ($5 adults, $4 children).

Franklin Square celebrates its 10^th birthday in 2016! Fun family entertainment and a beautiful park are just steps away from the Liberty Bell, in one of William Penn’s original five squares, and the only one dedicated to fun. Award-winning Franklin Square is a family-friendly play place located in the heart of Historic Philadelphia, featuring Philly Mini Golf, a renovated vintage marble fountain, playgrounds, the Parx Liberty Carousel, and the acclaimed SquareBurger, with an all-new menu from Cooperage including breakfast. After a day of experiencing the treasures of Philadelphia’s history, putt through some of the city’s most famous icons, take a ride on hometown racehorse heroes Afleet Alex or Smarty Jones aboard the carousel, enjoy a rest next to the refreshing fountain, and dine on the finest burgers and shakes in town. All summer long, enjoy stories about our nation’s history from the Once Upon A Nation storyteller.

Franklin Square: 6th & Race Streets. Franklin Square opens daily, 7 days a week, at 10 am. SquareBurger is open 7 days a week from through December 31 beginning at 10 am until 1 hour before the Square closes. Hours vary by season. All hours are weather permitting.

2016 10^th Birthday Franklin Square Season Operating Hours:

June 30 – July 4, 10 am - 9 pm; Fri & Sat, until 10 pm

Philly Mini Golf: Putt around the city on this Philadelphia-themed miniature golf course! $9 adults/$7 children (3-12), FREE for children under 2
Parx Liberty Carousel: A zebra, a lion, an eagle, horses and more! Hop on this spectacular all-American style carousel with hometown racehorse heroes Afleet Alex and Smarty Jones. $3 per person (adult or child), FREE for children under 2
Playgrounds: Slides, swings, and spinners…bring the kids and enjoy two playgrounds! Free and open year-round from 6 am - 9 pm, daily, weather permitting.
SquareBurger: SquareBurger has a delicious expanded menu and is newly operated by Cooperage. Choices include breakfast items, BBQ pulled pork, burgers, chili, sweet potato and regular fries, vegetarian options, and family favorites such as cheesesteak fries and mac and cheese. The signature Cake Shake blended with Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets®, will continue to be a highlight along with a changing Shake-of-the-Month and Burger-of-the-Month.
The Pavilion in Franklin Square – Host a birthday party, family reunion, and corporate or special event in this charming space adjacent to the carousel and fountain. Enjoy the Pavilion heated, air-conditioned, or open-air all year long. Made possible by the William Penn Foundation

BETSY ROSS

HOUSE: Special Independence Day Activities:

Meet Phillis at the Betsy Ross House

July 1 - 4: noon – 5 pm

First Friday Movie Under the Stars and Stripes and Extended Hours at the Betsy Ross House – $5 admission includes a tour of the Betsy Ross House and a viewing of The Hideous Sun Demon in the courtyard. Visitors are encouraged to bring food and a bottle of wine to watch the movie. July 1, gates open at 5:30 pm, film starts at dusk

The Betsy Ross House is dedicated to preserving the story of Betsy Ross, her life as an upholsterer and flagmaker, and the experiences of Colonial working-class women during America’s Revolutionary era. The House, just blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, is one of Philadelphia’s most popular historic attractions with nearly 200,000 visitors annually. The House is two and a half stories with eight rooms and was originally built in 1740. The House is restored to the period from 1776-1779, when Betsy Ross, as the story tells it, created the first American flag. The House is furnished with period antiques and some reproduction furniture. Highlights include several objects known to have belonged to Betsy Ross. Visit Betsy Ross in the country’s only interactive colonial upholstery shop and get an up close look at the parlor, where she famously received the Flag Committee, and her bedroom where the first flag was secretly stitched. Kids will love the interactive exhibits in the House’s basement. See changing exhibits in the gallery and meet Betsy Ross, in person. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, begin the day at the Flag Raising with Betsy Ross and one of her Colonial friends at 10 am!

June 30 – July 4, 10 am - 5 pm

239 Arch Street

Admission is $5 adults, $4 children/students/seniors/military. Audio tour available for$7/adult, $6/senior/student/military/child, includes admission. Duration: 25 minutes.

FREE

PROGRAMS: Historic Philadelphia, Inc. offerings include many immersive free activities for children, listed below.

Flag-Raising at the Betsy Ross House

Start your day in the charming Betsy Ross House courtyard with Betsy Ross and one of her Colonial friends, raising the thirteen-star flag with pomp and circumstance. FREE.

June 30 – July 4, 10 am

Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street

Military Muster

The marching drum is a sure sign: the Continental Army is looking for a few good kids for drills in the art of marching and musket etiquette. FREE.

June 30 – July 4, twice daily, 2 and 3 pm

Signers’ Garden, 5th & Chestnut Street

Declaration Reading

Greet the History Makers, favorite characters from the Once Upon A Nation stories come to life, and hear moving readings from the Declaration of Independence. FREE.

June 30 – July 4, 3:45 pm

Behind Independence Hall

VALLEY FORGE: Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches at Valley Forge

Guaranteed to educate and entertain, these one-of-a-kind Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches are in two locations around Valley Forge National Historical Park. Storytellers, trained at the unique Benstitute, share riveting stories of the encampment, and how it became a turning point in the Revolutionary War. Short, 3-to-5-minute stories are told for free at one of the signature 13-foot curved benches.

June 30 – July 4, 11 am – 4 pm

TWO locations: Visitor Center and General Washington’s Headquarters, FREE

Valley Forge Secrets & Spies

George Washington needs help! There’s rumor of a plot to have him kidnapped at Valley Forge. Be the first to enlist and join a spy network to uncover the traitors involved. Learn 18th-century spy techniques including invisible ink, counterespionage, and looking for secret messages as young guests work with operatives to foil the plot. FREE

July 2, 12:30 pm AND 2 pm

Tour departs from the Train Station at General Washington’s Headquarters

PARTNERS: Historic Philadelphia, Inc. is led by President and CEO Amy Needle and Board Chair William H. Haines, IV, in partnership with the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Independence National Historical Park, Visit Philadelphia™, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, and Valley Forge National Historical Park.

FUNDERS: The Lenfest Foundation and H.F. Lenfest, PECO, Parx Casino, William Penn Foundation, The ACE Group, Lincoln Financial Group Foundation, Board of Directors of City Trusts, William J. Avery, Brett’s Pony, Cash Is King Racing Stable, Lewis Katz, Team Smarty and the Chapman Family, Kathy and Peter Linneman, PNC Bank, Wayne S. Spilove, Commonwealth Financing Authority: Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program, Wawa, American Express, The McLean Contributionship, Google, Juhi and Neil Shah, The Coby Foundation, Ltd., Connelly Foundation, Mars, Wells Fargo, Blank Rome LLP, The Philadelphia Activities Fund, City Tavern, Religious Society of Free Quakers, William H. Haines, IV, Edward G. Rendell, Brulee Catering, Valley Forge Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, the Friends of Valley Forge, Ian Comisky, DNB First, and EventQuip.

MORE

INFORMATION: Historic Philadelphia, Inc. makes our nation’s history relevant and real through interpretation, interaction, and education, strengthening Greater Philadelphia’s role as the destination to experience American history. Historic Philadelphia, Inc.’s programs include the Betsy Ross House, Once Upon A Nation storytelling and immersive walking tours, and Franklin Square. For all Historic Philadelphia, Inc. event information, call 215-629-4026, 877-462-1776, or visitwww.historicphiladelphia.org to buy tickets online. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Independence Visitor Center (6^th & Market Streets), the Betsy Ross House (239 Arch Street), or Franklin Square (6^th & Race Streets). Follow HPI at twitter.com/HistoricPhilly and twitter.com/FranklinSqr, on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/HistoricPhila or http://on.fb.me/FranklinSquare, or on Instagram instagram.com/historicphilly.