A Visitor’s Guide to Once Upon A Nation

Our nation’s history isn’t just in the past. It’s alive and exciting and everywhere you turn in Historic Philadelphia. Once Upon A Nation’s many free programs, activities, and immersive events whisk 21st-century visitors into the heart of 18th-century Philadelphia. You’ll hear seldom-told stories of America’s past, meet famous and not-so-famous colonial citizens, and even be part of the action for a glimpse into a long-ago Philadelphia. To make the most of your visit and to get a full schedule of activities, pick up a copy of the Historic Philadelphia Gazette at the Independence Visitor Center or click here for an online version. Let’s get started!

START YOUR MORNING

In an act that was quite risky in 1776, the 13-star flag is raised every morning at 10 a.m. at the Betsy Ross House. Join in the ceremony and find out why it was a special act of daring to display the flag. Then tour the original home of the woman credited with stitching the original stars and stripes. You’ll meet Betsy, busily stitching away in her upholstery shop using authentic 18th century sewing methods. Daily, through Labor Day.

As you roam around Historic Philadelphia, you might bump into James Forten, David Rittenhouse, Mary Craythorn, Reverend Richard Allen and other History Makers. Take a few minutes to chat with them about their lives and the dramatic events from America’s earliest days. They’ll even direct you to the 12 free, curved Once Upon A Storytelling Benches located throughout the Historic District. Take a seat and the professional Storytellers will regale you with 3-5 minute stories that capture moments spanning 250 years, many of which you probably never heard before. Visit all 12 benches at Franklin Square to earn a certificate and a surprise gift. Look for the Storytellers in light green shirts Tuesdays – Saturdays through Labor Day.

Kids can play an important role in finding the missing Declaration of Independence during the Colonial Kids Quest. Head to Carpenters’ Hall for this lively, interactive animal puppet performance that recruits youngsters and their adults into a fun-filled search for a “missing” copy of our nation’s founding document. The free adventure takes place on Fridays and Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

YOUR AFTERNOON ADVENTURE

Every Saturday, one of Historic Philadelphia’s costumed History Makers leads the Official Historic Philadelphia Walking Tour, a one-hour exploration that stops outside the President’s House, Independence Hall, Congress Hall and other historic sites. Tours depart twice a day and you can make

reservations here or purchase tickets at the Independence Visitor Center. $18/adults, $9 Children 12 and under.

America’s favorite Founding Father and inventor can be found Under the Mulberry Tree at Franklin Court, the courtyard site where he used to live. Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., you can find Ben Franklin himself sitting under a historic mulberry tree where he will regale you with stories about his life as an author, inventor, printer, publisher, Founding Father, and civic leader. Want to know more about Ben’s accomplishments? Pop into the National Park Service’s interactive, family-friendly Ben Franklin Museum.

The Continental Army is looking for recruits! Become part of Washington’s army during the Colonial Muster. Kids of all ages will learn about daily life in Colonial army camps, join in parades and hands-on marching drills, and get details about food rations and early military traditions from an 18th-century soldier. “Recruitments” take place Tuesdays-Saturdays at 2 and 3 p.m. at the Signer’s Garden.

EVENINGS IN HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA

The museums have closed, the crowds have wandered off, but there’s still lots happening throughout Historic Philadelphia.

Franklin Square, one of William Penn’s five original squares dating back to 1682, is an urban refuge where you can enjoy a snack from SquareBurger, play a round of mini-golf, ride the historic carousel, and catch a cool breeze under trees.

Time travel is on the agenda on weekend evenings in Historic Philadelphia. Drop into the Continental Congress in Carpenters’ Hall, where, in 1774, our Founders tested out revolutionary ideas and experienced the all-new Cocktails & Congress program. In a series of short, powerful scenes, John Adams, John Dickinson, and some members of the Free Black and enslaved communities wrestle with the challenging and daring concepts of the time. And as the name implies, cocktails and snacks will be served.

Cocktails & Congress runs Friday evenings, June 5-August 28. Space is limited, so make your reservations at historicphiladelphia.org.

On Saturday evenings, the historic events of 1776 are swept into the 21st century for Independence After Hours, a rare opportunity for an evening visit to Independence Hall. As the sun goes down, a Colonial guide will “sneak” you into the Pennsylvania State House when Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams appear and engage in fierce debate about the colonies’ future. The evening concludes with a trip to a local watering hole where you’ll toast to our brave Founding Fathers and the History Makers who portray them. Independence After Hours runs Saturday evenings, June 6-August 29. Space is limited so make your reservations at historicphiladelphia.org.