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Historic Philadelphia, Inc. News and Events!
FRANKLIN SQUARE
Thank You for Visiting the 2018 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square!
The fun is not over in Franklin Square! All summer long, enjoy free concerts, outdoor movies, family sports days, and much more in one of William Penn’s original five squares.
Franklin Square's summer schedule
Storytime in the Square
Mondays, Now - Labor Day, 10 - 11 am
Librarian Margaret Bernardi of the Independence Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia reads free stories to children in the Franklin Square Pavilion.
Street Corner Symphony Pop-Up Music Series - New in 2018!
Wednesday, July 18, 1 & 3 pm
Enjoy pop up daytime performances in the Square by The St. Clair Simmons, sponsored by the Culture Trust. The series is sponsored by VISIT PHILADELPHIA®.
Kickoff of Summer Sounds at the Square
Saturday, July 21, noon and 6:30 pm
To kick off the brand new Summer Sounds at the Square, Franklin Square, in partnership with The Philly POPS, presents an innovative night and day of music. Soloists will perform in four locations throughout the Square, once at noon and again at dusk. The daytime performances will include repertoire designed to delight an all-family audience. The evening performances will focus on romance. Look for POPS players on trumpet, sax, flute, and trombone. Also performing will be Mark Allen on saxophone and Randy Kapralick on trombone. Curated by VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
Family Sports Day
Sunday, July 22, Noon - 4 pm
Take me out to the ball game! Baseball-themed activities will pay homage to the Philadelphia Phillies. The whole family is sure to hit a home run with an inflatable batting cage, 45ft long obstacle course, speed pitch game, and so much more! Tickets required for some attractions.
BETSY ROSS HOUSE
Betsy Ross House Open for Extended Hours
Now through July 31 (closes at 8 pm on July 6), Betsy Ross House will stay open until 6 pm each day! Hear about the change Betsy made to the original design for the American flag and see the bedroom where Betsy could have sewn the first Stars & Stripes.
Flag Raising at the Betsy Ross House
Daily, Now - September 3, 10 am
Start your day at the Betsy Ross House, as Betsy Ross and one of her Colonial friends, raise the 13-star flag with pomp and circumstance.
ONCE UPON A NATION
A Realistic Journey Back to 1776!
Independence After Hours
Now – August 11: Tuesdays - Saturdays, 5:30 pm
August 17 - October 20: Fridays - Saturdays, 5:30 pm
The only tour of its kind, Independence After Hours takes you on a realistic journey back to 1776. After an 18th-century-inspired dinner at historic City Tavern, and a visit by Thomas Jefferson, the group sneaks into Independence Hall where they eavesdrop on Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin discussing the Declaration of Independence.
Click here to purchase tickets
Join Ben Franklin on Tippler's Tour
Thursdays, Now - August 9, 5:30 pm
Benjamin Franklin is missing, rumor has it he’s been spotted wandering in and out of various local pubs. Join a colonial guide and search for the electrifying statesman through three modern-day watering holes and a colonial tavern. Learn facts about Dr. Franklin’s life and even raise a toast with Philadelphia’s favorite Founding Father at the historic City Tavern.
Click here to purchase tickets
2018 Frances Delmar Future Storyteller Contest!
Kids ages 8 to 12 are invited to write and submit a story on the theme - "My History Hero or Heroine." Winners will be selected for a special storytelling experience in Historic Philadelphia on Saturday, August 4. Winners of the Valley Forge contest will be selected for their storytelling experience in Valley Forge on Sunday, August 12.
Free Revolutionary Once Upon A Nation Adventures
Visit the Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches, join the Military Muster, listen to Declaration Readings, and participate in activities at Valley Forge National Historical Park!
HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA GAZETTE
Get the latest information about programming and activities for July!
Ways to Give
To designate your United Way workplace program gifts to Historic Philadelphia, Inc., please use our Donor Choice Number: 14106. Contributions made through the United Way support our educational outreach program.
Job Opportunities
Interested in working for Historic Philadelphia, Inc.? View the latest openings below.
Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package
The Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package includes a one- or two- night hotel stay in one of the dozens of participating hotels, FREE hotel parking (up to a $100 value) and a free welcome gift from VISIT PHILADELPHIA®