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.

• Feb 3, 2010-May 28, 2010—open Wed-Sun, 11-4pm.
• May 29, 2010-Sept 6, 2010—open every day 11-4pm.
• Sept 7, 2010-Dec. 31, 2010—open Wed-Sun, 11-4pm.
• Closed January
• Feb 2, 2011-May 27, 2011—open Wed-Sun, 11-4.

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. 
                                  
On the courtyard stage, visitors will be treated to a variety of performances from music to interactive shows. 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.

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. 2pm & 3pm