Independence
National Historical Park

Independence National Historical Park, located in downtown (called "Center City"), Philadelphia, is often referred to as the birthplace of our nation. At the park, visitors can see the Liberty Bell, an international symbol of freedom, and Independence Hall, a World Heritage Site where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were created. In addition, the park interprets events and the lives of the diverse population during the years when Philadelphia was the capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800. A section of the park where Benjamin Franklin's home once stood is dedicated to teaching about Franklin's life and accomplishments. Spanning approximately 45 acres, the park has about 20 buildings open to the public.

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VISITATION:
Highest from April through October, with weekday visitation in April, May and early June comprised mostly of students on class trips; slowest from December through early March.
LOCATION:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
ADDRESS:
313 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
TELEPHONE:
(215) 597-8974 visitor information
(215) 597-1785 (TTY)
(215) 597-8787 administrative offices
OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
Open everyday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours for some buildings are extended on weekends in the spring and throughout the week in July and August. Some buildings may be closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Call visitor information for current hours.
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
Average minimum temperature from December through February is less than 30øF. Average maximum temperature from June through August is more than 80øF with high humidity.
DIRECTIONS:
By car: the Park is easily reached via I-95, I-76 and I- 676.

From South: Take I-95 north. Follow signs for "Central Phila./I-676". Exit onto 6th Street. Take 6th Street to Market Street and turn left on Market Street. Take Market Street to 2nd Street and turn right. Cross Chestnut Street. Parking is located in the middle of the block on the left.

From West: PA Turnpike (I-76) and exit at interchange 24, the Schuykill Expressway (I-76). Take Schuykill Expressway (I-76) to I-676 exit, Central Philadelphia. This is a left lane exit. Take I-676 to 8th Street exit and follow the signs for Independence Hall. Take 8th Street south to Market Street, turn left on Market Street. Take Market Street to 2nd Street, turn right on 2nd Street. Cross Chestnut Street. A parking garage will be in the middle of the block on the left between Chestnut and Walnut Streets.

From North: Take N.J. Turnpike to exit 4. Take Rt. 73 north to Rt. 38. Take Rt. 38 west to US 30. Take US 30 west over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. At the base of the bridge follow the signs for 6th Street. Take 6th Street to Market Street, turn left on Market Street. Take Market Street to 2nd Street, turn right on 2nd Street. Cross Chestnut Street. A parking garage will be in the middle of the block on the left.

TRANSPORTATION:
By Airplane: Philadelphia International Airport, eight miles from Center City, is served by all major domestic carriers as well as a gateway for flights from Europe, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. The SEPTA Airport Line connects the airport with Center City.
By Train: Philadelphia is served by Amtrak which operates rail service along the Northeast Corridor (Boston to Washington, Atlantic City, NJ to Harrisburg, PA). Intercity service is provided to many points south and west.
By Bus: Intercity bus service is excellent, with daily arrivals from all parts of the country. The Greyhound Terminal is located at 10th & Filbert Streets, within walking distance of the park.
GETTING AROUND:
Philadelphia has an excellent transit system (SEPTA). SEPTA offers commuter rail service between the city and the suburbs. SEPTA also operates a large fleet of buses and street cars through the city and suburbs. Day pass ($5.00) is a SEPTA transit pass that's good for unlimited riding on all City transit vehicles. Route 76 (bus) makes a loop through the park to other cultural attractions in the city. Cost is $.50 per person. PhillyPhlash is another bus service which has a route connecting attractions throughout the city. A one-day pass is $3.00.
FEES, COSTS, RATES:
Most park buildings are open free of charge. Interpretive fees of $2.00 per person are charged for visitors 17 years and over for the tour of the Bishop White and Todd Houses and for entrance to the Second Bank of the United States Portrait Gallery. Donations are also accepted through donation boxes available in some park buildings.
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
The park Visitor Center is located at 3rd and Chestnut Streets and is the best place to start any visit. There is a 28-minute orientation film shown throughout the day entitled "Independence" as well as the interactive computer exhibit "A Promise of Permanency" about the U.S. Constitution. Visitors can receive brochures about the park, receive assistance from Rangers in planning their visit, and get "Independence Independently" a free self guiding map for parents and teachers with kids ages 6 to 16. Rest rooms and a museum stop are available.
Programs/Activities:
Tours of Independence Hall are given approximately every 15 minutes throughout the day. Limited tours of the Todd House and Bishop White House are available by signing up at the Visitor Center. Rangers offer programs at all other 17 sites on a first- come, first-served basis. A seasonal brochure is available four times a year detailing special programs and events. Contact the park Visitor Center for the "Highlights" brochure relevant to the season during which you plan to visit.
Lodging and camping facilities:
The Thomas Bond House (129 S. 2nd Street, (215)925-1919)) is a restored colonial-period guesthouse operated under a historic lease program with the National Park Service, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many hotels, bed & breakfast facilities, and a youth hotel are within walking distance.
Food/Supplies:
Many restaurants, drug stores and grocery stores are within walking distance of the park.
 
Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and
Opportunities:
Museum shops managed by Eastern National (215-597-2569) are located in the Visitor Center (3rd and Chestnut Streets) and Pemberton House (316 Chestnut Street). Proceeds fund park programs.

The City Tavern (2nd and Walnut Streets) is a reconstruction of what John Adams referred to as "the most genteel Tavern". Now a working restaurant, the City Tavern serves lunch and dinner seven days a week. For more information, prices and reservations call (215) 413-1443.

Accessibility:
There are many accessibility services available. Most buildings in the park are wheelchair accessible. A limited number of wheelchairs are available in the park if needed. City streets have curb cuts. An accessibility brochure is available through the Visitor Center. Movies at Franklin Court and in the Visitor Center have open captioning. A printed tour of Independence Hall and other buildings, and the story of the Liberty Bell, are available to hearing impaired persons on request.
Special Needs:
For foreign visitors, an information audiotape on the Liberty Bell is available in 16 languages at the Liberty Bell pavilion. In addition, the park map\brochure is available in 13 languages.
RESERVATION/PERMITS:
All buildings are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours of the Todd House and the Bishop White House can be arranged through the Visitor Center on the day of your visit.
BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
Five to eight hours are needed for basic visit; two days are required to leisurely visit all park sites. The Philadelphia area offers a large number of cultural, scientific and sports opportunities that could take a week to fully appreciate.
SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:
Be sure to pick up a copy of the Highlights brochure and a park map before beginning your visit. Teachers and parents should also pick up free copies of Independence Independently! for use with their students\children. Special programs are offered throughout the year for visitors of all ages. Some annual events include the Liberty Medal Ceremony of the Fourth of July sponsored by the City of Philadelphia; the reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8 to commemorate the first public reading of the document; the public signing of the Constitution on Constitution Day, September 17; and many more.

 

School House This park is featured in a lesson plan created by Teaching with Historic Places, a program of the National Park Service that helps teachers and students understand how parks and other historic places embody America's historical experiences and cultural expressions.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
For more information about the Philadelphia area contact: Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau , 1515 Market Street, Suite 2020, Philadelphia, PA 19102, (215) 636-1666
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
For more information about the park write: Visitor Information, Independence National Historical Park, 313 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106; or call: (215) 597-8974 or (215) 597-1785(TTY).

 

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Last Updated:Saturday, 21-Aug-99 14:37:29
http://www.nps.gov/inde/
Author: Lee Dickinson