Historic Philadelphia

Historical Performances

Free Performances

Not all our history Makers made the history books. Every day during our peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), The Historic Philadelphia area comes to life with ordinary (and some extraordinary) townspeople from the 18th and 19th centuries going about their business. All performances are FREE; see our interactive map for locations.

Free Quaker Meeting House

Timothy Matlack, Samuel Wetherill, or Ann Darragh share their controversial views at the Free Quaker Meeting House, 5th and Arch Sts.

• April 1- May 22, 10 am-4pm, Wednesdays-Sundays
• May 20 – September 7, 9am – 5pm, daily
• September 9 – December 31, 10am – 4pm, Wednesdays- Sundays
• January – March: CLOSED

Betsy Ross House

The free family programming that has become a summertime staple at the Betsy Ross House returns in full-force this April.  As always, visitors have the chance to meet Betsy in person and ask her all about her exciting life and times.  The courtyard hosts crafters demonstrating traditional techniques and A Soldier’s Story, featuring a Continental Army warrior talking about his experiences fighting for independence.
                                  
On the courtyard stage, visitors will be treated to a variety of performances from music to interactive shows, and wowed by the magic of our Colonial Conjurer. Little known stories from colonial times will be told by Once Upon A Nation’s storytellers throughout the day … when the bell rings, a story is about to begin.

Visitors can enjoy lunch or a snack from our concession stand as they relax in the shady courtyard and take in all the history.

The Amazing Glass Armonica
Hear Ben Franklin’s favorite musical invention being played.
Free Quaker Meeting House, 5th and Arch Sts. 12:30 pm - 2 pm, Wednesdays – Sundays.

History Makers
Meet real 18th & 19th century townspeople at the Independence Visitor Center, 6th & Market Sts. 11am - 3pm

Meet Ben Franklin
Hear stories from the man himself, under the Mulberry Tree.
Franklin Court, Market Street between 3rd & 4th Sts., 11am – Noon

Military Muster
The Continental Army is looking for a few good kids for drills in the art of marching and musket etiquette.
Signers’ Garden, 5th & Chestnut Sts. 12:30pm and 1:30pm

Harmony Lane
Play 18th –century games such as graces and quoits and enjoy a beautiful summer afternoon with historical townspeople.
Chestnut Street between 3rd & 4th Streets., 11am - 4pm daily

CATCH AN EVENING PERFORMANCE, TOO! Kids adore 1776: The Movie-Musical. It’s an interactive experience that lets you be part of the action. More »