Philadelphia!

Philadelphia: the Declaration of Independence, the Liberty Bell, Eastern State Penitentiary, University of Pennsylvania, the Art Museum (yes, and the Rocky steps), historic buildings, and cheesesteaks, if you’re into that sort of thing.  There is a lot to talk about from Philadelphia.  I’ll start you off with the Colonial period of the trip. The Independence National Historical Park & World Heritage Site is home to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Congress Hall, Christ Church, Old City Hall, and many other sites spread across 55 acres in Philadelphia.  Conveniently, the visitor’s center is a one stop visitor’s center, where you can find all necessary information about these sites in terms of lcoations, hours, advice, etc.   

Despite arriving on a rainy day, we still wanted to explore at least a few sites.  First we dodged the rain and saw the exhibits at the Liberty Bell and toured the exhibits inside and saw the bell. You cannot touch it, but you can take photographs.  The exhibits were interesting and there were a few short movies playing about the bell and its history, which entertains people who would rather not crowd around displays to read.  

THE Liberty Bell

Next we dodged the rain to wait in line (then in the rain again) for Independence Hall.  It was here that the delegates of the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence.  Needless to say, it’s a neat to place to see where all of our rights began and where these delegates truly put their lives on the line for the future generations of America.  

Assembly Room of Independence Hall

And outside of Independence Hall, quite a pretty sight, even in the rain:

Behind Independence Hall

There is much more that we did not have time to see, but I do think Philadelphia is a field trip that every child and adult should experience. Sure, we learn about the Revolutionary War in elementary school and then in high school some more, but seeing an actual site can add much more value and help to piece together lessons.  I’ll admit, I do not visit historic sites as often as I should, but those with national significance should be on everyone’s list of places to see.

More of Philadelphia to come!

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