More Ways to Celebrate Freedom
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Food & Fun | Kids
of All Ages | Arts & Culture
Guided
Tours | History
History
Christ Church Burial Ground Tour ($)
Christ Church Burial Ground
5th & Arch Streets
www.christchurchphila.org
Learn the role Christ Church played during the era of slavery during this tour.
Christ Church Slavery in Philadelphia Tour ($)
Christ Church
2nd & Market Streets
www.christchurchphila.org
Guided tours recount Christ Church’s role in slavery, abolitionism and the story of Alice a Philadelphia slave.
Wines of the World ($)
African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch Street
www.aampmuseum.org
Friday, June 27th from 7 pm to 12 midnight
Please your palate with wines from the vineyards of Latin America and grove to musical performances from the African Diaspora.
Storytelling Benches
Valley Forge National Historical Park
1000 North Outerline Drive
www.historicphiladelphia.org
Saturday, June 28th through Sunday, July 6th
Enjoy a short rest as professional storytellers regale you with tales about the bitter winter of 1777.
Valley Forge After Hours ($)
Valley Forge National Historical Park
1000 North Outerline Drive
www.historicphiladelphia.org
Saturday, June 28th and Saturday, July 5th at 6 pm
After a picnic with Martha Washington, you’ll visit General Washington’s Headquarters and enjoy a campfire while Continental soldiers tell their tales.
Tour of Poland in Philadelphia
Polish American Cultural Center Museum
308 Walnut Street
www.polishamericancenter.org
Saturday, June 28th through Sunday, July 6 from 10 am to 4 pm
Feel the drama of World War II with this photographic exhibit of Poland at Arms.
Turmoil & Treason: The Path to Independence ($)
Departs from Independence Living History Center
115 South 3rd Street
www.historicphiladelphia.org
Saturday, June 28th, Sunday, July 3rd through Friday, July 5th at 2 pm
Loyalist? Rebel? Choose your side during this interactive tour featuring 18th-century Philadelphians who made difficult choices.
Glass Armonica Performances
Free Quaker Meeting House
5th & Arch Streets
www.historicphiladelphia.org
Saturday, June 28th through Sunday, July 6th from 12:30 to 2 pm
Enjoy the sounds of Ben Franklin’s musical invention.
The Fighting Quaker
Free Quaker Meeting House
5th & Arch Streets
www.historicphiladelphia.org
Saturday, June 28th through Sunday, July 6th from 9 am to 5 pm
Meet a Quaker who gave up pacifism to fight for independence.
Harmony Lane
Chestnut Street between 3rd & 4th Streets
www.historicphiladelphia.org
Saturday, June 28th through Sunday, July 6th, from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Meet and chat with the 18th-century townspeople who live and work in the neighborhood.
Independence After Hours ($)
City Tavern/Independence Hall
Departs from Independence Living History Center
3rd & Chestnut Streets
www.historicphiladelphia.org
Saturday, June 28th, Tuesday, July 1st through Saturday, July 5th from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
After a luscious feast at historic City Tavern, enjoy a twilight visit to Independence Hall and eavesdrop on the Founding Fathers debates. From July 1-5, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center will have extended hours for visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Additionally, no tickets will be required for entry into Independence Hall on July 4 and and July 1, 2, 3 and 5th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Colonial Kids’ Quest ($)
Independence Living History Center
3rd & Chestnut Streets
www.historicphiladelphia.org
Saturday, June 28th, Friday, July 4th and Saturday, July 5th at 11 am
When the Declaration of Independence goes missing, youngsters play detective in this fanciful kid-oriented tour.
Meet Ben Franklin
Franklin Court
Market Street between 3rd & 4th Streets
www.historicphiladelphia.org
Saturday, June 28th through Sunday, July 6th at 11 am
Hear stories from America’s favorite Renaissance man under the Mulberry Tree.
Military Muster
Signers’ Garden
5th & Chestnut Streets
www.historicphiladelphia.org
Saturday, June 28th through Sunday, July 6th at 12:30 pm & 1:30 pm
The Continental Army is looking to teach a few good kids marching, drills and musket etiquette.
Eastern State Penitentiary Tours ($)
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
22nd & Fairmount Avenue
www.easternstate.org
Saturday, June 28th through Sunday, July 6th from 10 am to 5 pm
Tours of this eerie historic prison include stops at Al Capone’s cell, Death Row and other haunting sites.
Philadelphia Museum of Art ($)
26th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway
www.philamuseum.org
Sunday Family Studio
Sunday, June 29th and Sunday, July 6th from 10 am to 3 pm
Get creative at the art stations, reading nook and a kids’ play area during pay-what-you-wish day.
Drawing Together
Sunday, June 29th from 12 noon to 2:30 pm
Pack the family’s sketch pads and pencils and practice your drawing skills in the galleries during pay-what-you-wish day.
Naval Destroyer Tours
Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street
Monday, June 30th through Sunday, July 6th
Board a U.S. naval destroyer and explore the ship with your sailor guides.
Extended Hours at Independence Hall and Liberty Bell Center
Independence Hall: Chestnut Streeet between 5th and 6th
Liberty Bell Center: Market Street between 5th and 6th
www.nps.gov/inde/
Tuesday, July 1st through Saturday, July 5th from 9 am to 8 pm
Independence Hall and Liberty Bell Center open for extended hours. Additionally, no tickets will be required for visitors on July 4th and and July 1, 2, 3 and 5th between 5 pm and 8 pm.
Signers’ History Hunt ($)
Christ Church Burial Ground
5th & Arch Streets
www.christchurchphila.org
Tuesday, July 1st through Friday, July 4th from 10 am to 4 pm
Calling all kids! Spot the graves of the seven Declaration of Independence signers and receive a prize.
Tour of the USS Carney
Penn’s Landing
Market Street to Chestnut Street at the Delaware River
Tuesday, July 1 through Saturday, July 5, 10 am to 5 pm
http://www.carney.navy.mil/default.aspx
The USS Carney, the premier warship designed to carry out the U.S. Navy’s missions, will make its first port visit to Philadelphia since its return from a 22 month deployment. The vessel holds 23 officers, 24 Chief Petty Officers and 291 enlisted crewmembers, and has most services associated with a small town at sea, including dining, banking, ATM, laundry, postal and shopping facilities, over 10,000 line items of spare parts and a barbershop.
Slavery in Philadelphia Tour ($)
Christ Church, 2nd & Market Streets at 2:30 pm
Burial Ground, 5th & Arch Streets at 1:30 pm
www.christchurchphila.org
Tuesday, July 1st and Thursday, July 3rd
Hear dramatic tales of slavery in Philadelphia as told by a costumed re-enactor
An Evening with George Washington ($)
Free Quaker Meeting House
5th & Arch Streets
www.historicphiladelphia.org
Wednesday, July 2nd at 7 pm
George Washington is about to be sworn in as our first president. Meet the General, chat and even do the minuet.
Independence Celebration
Independence Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
18 South 7th Street
www.freelibrary.org
Wednesday, July 2nd at 6:30 pm
Mr. Malcolm acts, entertains and brings Horton Hears A Who to life.
Friday, July 3rd at 10:30 am
Chinese-English bilingual story time includes storytelling and reading.
Friday, July 3rd at 12 noon
Rock out with the Paul Green School of Rock Band while you shop for books during the Book & Band sale.
An Evening with Thomas Jefferson ($)
Free Quaker Meeting House
5th & Arch Streets
www.historicphiladelphia.org
Thursday, July 3rd at 7 pm
Tomorrow his Declaration of Independence will be signed, but tonight you can meet Jefferson and chat with the author of this famous document.
Tippler’s Tour ($)
Departs from Independence Living History Center
3rd & Chestnut Streets
www.historicphiladelphia.org
Thursday, July 3rd at 5:30 pm
Enjoy happy hour-Colonial-style-as your guide leads you to several 18th-century and modern watering holes.
Signers’ Day ($)
Christ Church Burial Ground
5th & Arch Streets
www.christchurchphila.org
Thursday, July 3rd from 10 am to 5 pm; check Web site for specific times
After a wreath-laying ceremony, meet the signers of the Declaration of Independence and take a tour.
Sweet Freedom: An Audible, Edible Taste of the Declaration of Independence
Independence Visitor Center
5th & Market Streets
www.independencevisitorcenter.com
Thursday, July 3rd from 11 am to 3 pm
Enjoy a slice from the Declaration of Independence-shaped cake, then gather around at 12 noon for a powerful reading of the famous document.
Where in the World is Philadelphia? ($)
Atwater Kent Museum
15 South 7th Street
www.philadelphiahistory.org
Thursday, July 3rd at 10 am
Explore the city with a walk on the world’s largest map of Philadelphia.
Feel the Freedom Festival ($)
National Constitution Center
525 Arch Street
www.constitutioncenter.org
All events are included with museum admission.
Thursday, July 3rd through Sunday, July 6th
"Face" the Nation
Patriotic face painting and temporary tattoos are available for kids of all ages. 11 am to 5 pm
Freedom Activity Trail
There will be cool prizes for everybody who completes the fun to-do list on the Freedom Activity Trail Card. 11 am to 5 pm
Fourth of July: The Anniversary of Independence and the Great American Holiday Show
Don’t miss the surprise "bang-up" ending of this interactive Independence Day show. 10 am & 2 pm
5th Pennsylvania Battallion/4th Regiment
Meet the Revolutionary War soldiers camped out Colonial-style on the lawn.
July 5th from 10 am to 5 pm
1776: The Musical ($)
Free Quaker Meeting House
5th & Arch Streets
www.historicphiladelphia.org
Friday, July 4th at 7 pm
This interactive movie includes props, sing-a-longs and other merriment.
Betsy’s Independence Day Bash
Betsy Ross House
239 Arch Street
www.betsyrosshouse.org
Friday, July 4th from 10 am to 5 pm
Betsy’s party rocks with kids’ activities, a naturalization ceremony and the Let Freedom Ring bell-ringing ceremony.
Fonthill’s Old Fashioned 4th of July ($)
Fonthill Museum
East Court Street & Route 313 in Doylestown
www.fonthillmuseum.org
Friday, July 4th from 12 noon to 5 pm
This rollicking turn-of-the-century-style picnic features food, crafts, games and music.
Ringing Out Freedom & Independence in Historic Germantown
Cliveden
6401 Germantown Avenue
www.cliveden.org
Friday, July 4th from 12 noon to 3 pm
Stroll among Cliveden, Concord School House and the Johnson House and enjoy tours, costumed performers and the annual bell-ringing ceremony.
Underground Railroad Museum of the at Belmont Mansion
2000 Belmont Mansion Drive, Fairmount Park
Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5
10:00 am – 5:00 pm both days
(215) 878-8844
www.belmontmansion.org
Join the American Women’s Heritage Society in celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Underground Railroad Museum at Belmont Mansion in Fairmount Park. Visitors will enjoy family-friendly activities such as guided tours, make-and-take workshops, face painting, storytelling, historical re-enactors and more.
Freedom Blast ($)
Fort Mifflin
Fort Mifflin & Hog Island Roads
www.fortmifflin.us
Saturday, July 5th from 10 am to 4 pm
Meet freedom-fighting Revolutionary War soldiers, chat with Colonial artisans and enjoy games, tours and other activities.
An Evening with Benjamin Franklin ($)
Free Quaker Meeting House
5th & Arch Streets
www.historicphiladelphia.org
Saturday, July 5th at 7 pm
America’s favorite Renaissance man talks about his inventions, experiments and his role in shaping our nation.
Storytelling Festival ($)
African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch Streets
www.aampmuseum.org
Saturday, July 5th from 12 noon to 4:30 pm
As you roam through the galleries, take a minute to listen to storytellers share tales of Africans and African-Americans who shaped the nation.
Liberty Bell and Independence Hall
Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are open from 9:00-7:00 pm in July and August. No tickets are needed for Independence Hall after 5:00 pm.
July 6- August 31: 8:30- 7:00 pm
Fashioning Kimono: Art Deco and Modernism in Japan ($)
Philadelphia Museum of Art
26th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway
www.philamuseum.org
Through July 20th
The mystery and beauty of Japanese kimono are revealed in this exhibition of early to mid-20th century wearable art.
Transcending the Literal: Photographs by Ansel Adams from the Collection ($)
Philadelphia Museum of Art
26th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway
www.philamuseum.org
Through August 17th
Some of Ansel Adams’ lesser known but hauntingly beautiful landscape photographs are on exhibit.
Valley Forge Trolley Tours ($)
Valley Forge National Historical Park
1 Outerline Drive
www.historicphiladelphia.org
Through November 2008
All aboard for a trolley tour through Valley Forge National Historical Park as storytellers recount Washington’s 1777 encampment. Check for scheduled departures.
