Visit Historic Philadelphia

I have always been a sucker for a great story! And history to me has always been more than just words on a slick, white textbook page. Those books were chronicles of lives. Real lives of real people whose legacies survived time for one reason or another. Some good, some bad. In fact, I would argue that history is one of the most poorly taught subjects in school. It is typically dry and nothing more than a memorization and regurgitation of dates.

But for me, a self-professed history nerd, I love being places where I can walk in the footsteps of founding fathers or suffragette mothers. I love to feel the energy of old places. And in the US, there aren’t many cities older than Philadelphia.

Philadelphia was founded by William Penn, for whom both the colony and the state of Pennsylvania was named. He names the city from the Greek words phílos (beloved) and adelphós (brotherly), put together it is called “Brotherly Love.”

1. Independence Hall – Construction began on the Philadelphia State House, now known as Independence Hall, in 1732 and was completed in 1748. In 1750, a bell tower with staircase and belfry were added. It is from this tower that The Liberty Bell rang on July 8, 1776 at the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. July 8 you say? Confused? See, a lot happening in July of that year.

Officially, the Continental Congress declared freedom from England on July 2. After that, an actual document needed to be drafted. This was tasked to John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. The document states “IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776…” as it was so written and signed in Philadelphia.

The first time it was shared with the people was when it was read aloud in now called Independence Square on July 8. But, technically, it wasn’t signed by all of the members until August 2. Copies were printed, one of which was shared with the King of England. (#treason)

Thomas Jefferson in 1826 said in the last letter he ever wrote, “For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.” That is why American celebrate July 4th, although Jefferson thought it would be the 8th.

***Coincidentally, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died years later on July 4th***

Although you can’t see the the actual Declaration of Independence and Constitution documents because they are housed at The National Archives in DC, there is an original draft and the Syng inkwell that was used for signing here at Independence Hall.

Tickets are free, when required, and are distributed same day.

2. Liberty Bell – “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof”, was quoted from the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament, from Leviticus 25:10. This mantra printed on the old cracked bell has been quoted by abolitionists, suffragists, and civil rights advocates since it’s origin.

The bell was used for many years before it’s call to freedom. In 1751, the Whitechapel Bell Foundry of London was commissioned to make a large bell for the State House. (now known as Independence Hall) Before installation, it was suggested that they test it. The result of that test? A crack. The metal used to make the two-ton bell was too brittle.

Two local Johns, Pass and Snow, were hired to repair the bell and the crack by adding more copper. The result? A crack.

The fissure was repaired through a widening process called “stop drilling.” If you look closely when you visit, you can see can see marks in the famous crack from the repair attempt. All the same, it didn’t stop this now iconic symbol from ringing on July 8, 1776…which was really not out of the ordinary, because that was it’s use. The bell called the people for church or any other community meeting. Just this particular day was a little more memorable.

You don’t need tickets to visit Liberty Bell Center, but you will need to pass through security. Be sure to take a selfie…or would it be a bellfie (not my joke!)

3. American Philosophical Society Museum – to be honest, we found this totally by accident. But what a serendipitous treat!

We were trying to find a pass through into the courtyard behind Independence Hall. What we discovered was a tribute to the history of innovation.

With rotating exhibitions, you never know what you might find. From original manuscripts to recordings of Native American languages. We were fortunate to experience In Franklin’s Footsteps, which seemed only fitting since he was the one to found the American Philosophical Society. And there is something very real about seeing someone’s handwriting, don’t you think?

No tickets were required and they welcomed us in.

4. National Constitution Center – this one of a kind museum is exclusively dedicated to the US Constitution, making it a historic Philly must see! Interactive exhibits make history come to life and are suited for all ages.

Be sure to walk through Signer’s Hall, where 42 life-size bronze statues depict a scene popped out of the textbook pages. Pose for a photo-op with Ben Franklin, James Madison or Colonel Washington himself. But don’t look for our favorite redhead Mr. Thomas Jefferson. Although a key author and signer of the Declaration of Independence, Mr. Jefferson was not a signer of the Constitution! Not because he didn’t support its ideas. At the time of the Constitutional Convention, he was in Europe service as US Minister to France.

Tickets are required and can be purchased online. Then simply present at the admission desk.

5. Christ Church – the beautiful church with its Georgian architecture was the first parish of The Church of England in Pennsylvania. It was the worship center for famous names like Betsy Ross and George Washington, and it even hosted members of the Continental Congress during the American Revolution.

There are 1400 grave markers covering the 2 acres of the church’s burial grounds, some of which have been completely eroded by time. Four signers of the Declaration of Independence have their final rest here, the most prominent being Benjamin Franklin. When you visit, be sure to toss a penny onto Mr. Franklin’s grave as tribute. Because, you know, “a penny saved is a penny earned.”

This national shrine is still a practicing Episcopal church with services once a week. Be sure to plan this in your visit, and no tickets are required.

6. Betsy Ross House – now I just need to be honest here. I face this site with trepidation and skepticism. You see, born and raised in Baltimore, MD, where the Star Spangled Banner was written and the flag still stood over Fort McHenry, I have also been to the Star Spangled Banner House…the home of Mary Pickersgill.

The story goes, that three prominent members of the Continental Congress, George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross, asked Betsy to make the first flag. Was that because of her occupation as seamstress and flag maker or because George Ross was her late husband’s uncle? Maybe both. Or was she asked at all?

A talented upholsterer of the time, it is documented that she did in fact make flags for the Navy. But did she make the first American flag? Historical fact or well-loved fiction…visit her home in Philadelphia and decide for yourself. It’s a wonderful story and a wonderful experience of colonial America.

Tickets are required for both the audio and self-guided tours.

7. The President’s House – the site of the nation’s first executive mansion rests next to Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park. Before the US Presidential Headquarters called The White House, Presidents Washington and Adams lived in a stately home approximately one block from Independence Hall. This open air exhibit is laid out in the footprint of the original house, and explores the paradox of the freedom sought by the men who lived here and slaves that served them.

It also offers a unique view of the past by allowing visitors to see the archaeological excavation and discover of this site. A glass encasement reveals structure and historical treasures while keeping them preserved for future generations.

This trip to historic Philadelphia just served to spark my desire to see and do more, and THERE IS SO MUCH MORE! A week or a weekend, I can’t wait to go back. So if you’re there first, make sure to also check out:

• The Museum of the American Revolution where you can see General Washington’s tent and touch a piece of what was the last surviving Liberty Tree recovered from Annapolis, MD.
• The African American Museum in Philadelphia proudly exhibits the work of local photographer Jack T. Franklin. His work documents the life and culture of Philadelphia’s African American community as well as major events of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s.
• City Tavern is where founding fathers dined and shared pints of ale while planning the future of the colonies. Today it is an 18th century “culinary experience” for the whole family.
• Elfreth’s Alley, the nation’s oldest residential street.
• Mother Bethel AME Church is the “mother church of America’s first black denomination.” Its basement is a museum and was even used as part of the Underground Railroad.

And don’t even get me STARTED about all of the overlapping Haunted Philly tours and the stories that exist about more than a few of these places mentioned above! That will be a whole other trip!

But Philadelphia is so much more than history. It is food, museums, shopping, tours … you really can spend weeks here and discover new things every day. That’s why is it one of our favorite road trip adventures!

There is so much more that we could tell you about these historically treasured places, but it’s much more fun to experience them for yourself!

Plan your trip today and you just might walk in the shadowed footprints of American patriots. Just imagine the possibilities! And if you do, remember to share with us how you enjoy your Philadelphia freedom. Comment below about your memories, and be sure to tag us on Instagram and Facebook @norolesjustbiscuits