{"id":322,"date":"2012-06-30T18:16:22","date_gmt":"2012-06-30T18:16:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.websitefix.net\/clients\/Generic\/?page_id=322"},"modified":"2019-12-04T23:31:18","modified_gmt":"2019-12-04T23:31:18","slug":"natural-history","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/SouthernNJ3\/?page_id=322","title":{"rendered":"Independence Park"},"content":{"rendered":"

HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS \/ INDEPENDENCE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK<\/strong><\/p>\n


\n<\/strong> <\/strong>Known as \u201cAmerica\u2019s most historic square mile,\u201d Independence Park in Philadelphia is often called the birthplace of our nation and preserves some of our nation\u2019s most important historical sites. This 45-acre expanse features approximately 20 buildings that are open to the public. Highlights include the international symbol for freedom, the Liberty Bell; the World heritage Site of Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were created, and a Ben Franklin memorial where the statesman and inventor’s home once stood. Maps, directories, and introductory films are available at the Independence Visitor’s Center located in the heart of the district at 3rd and Chestnut Streets. The following is just a brief listing of available attractions. For more complete information or answers to your questions, contact:<\/p>\n

Independence Visitor’s Center
\n<\/strong>215-925-6101
\n800-537-7676
\nwww.phlvisitorcenter.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Independence Mall Highlights
\n<\/strong>
\nAfrican American Museum
\n<\/strong>701 Arch Street
\n215-574-0380
\nwww.aampmuseum.org<\/a>
\nFounded in 1976 during the U.S. Bicentennial, this outstanding museum collects, preserves, and interprets the African American culture of the Americas.<\/p>\n

The Athenaeum of Philadelphia
\n<\/strong>219 South 6th Street
\n215-925-2688
\nwww.philaathenaeum.org<\/a>
\nExtraordinary in its scope, this museum founded in 1814 preserves materials connected with the history and antiquities of America.
\n
\nAtwater Kent Museum
\n<\/strong>15 South 7th Street
\n215-685-4830
\nwww.philadelphiahistory.org<\/a>
\nFounded more than 60 years ago as the city’s history museum, this important venue offers interactive experiences for all ages.<\/p>\n

Bartram’s Garden
\n<\/strong>54th Street & Lindbergh Boulevard
\n215-729-5281
\nwww.bartramsgarden.org<\/a>
\nThe homestead of America’s first botanist John Bartram (1699-1777) honors a towering scientific figure with the nation’s oldest living botanical garden.<\/p>\n

Betsy Ross House
\n<\/strong>239 Arch Street
\n215-686-1252
\nwww.ushistory.org\/betsy<\/a>
\nSeemingly as tidy and quaint as it must have been in 1740, the home of the nation’s most famous seamstress is one of the most visited in the park.<\/p>\n

The Bourse
\n<\/strong>111 South Independence Mall East
\n215-625-0300
\nhttp:\/\/bourse-pa.com<\/a>
\nThe Philadelphia Bourse was the first in the world to house simultaneously a stock exchange, maritime exchange, and grain-trading center.<\/p>\n

Carpenters\u2019 Hall
\n<\/strong>320 Chestnut Street
\n215-925-0167
\nwww.carpentershall.org<\/a>
\nThis historic treasure filled with antiques has been owned by the oldest trade guild in America since 1770 and was used in 1774 by the First Continental Congress.<\/p>\n

Christ Church & Burial Ground
\n<\/strong>Market at 2nd Street
\n215-922-1695
\nwww.christchurchphila.org<\/a>
\nServing as an architectural landmark, the church welcomed many prominent worshipers. The adjoining burial ground features the graves of Benjamin and Sarah Franklin and five signers of the Declaration of Independence.<\/p>\n

City Tavern
\n<\/strong>138 South 2nd Street
\n215-413-1443
\nwww.citytavern.com<\/a>
\nEnjoy lunch at the same tavern where delegates to the First and Second Continental Congresses and Philadelphia’s elite once met and conversed.<\/p>\n

Congregation Mikveh Israel & Cemetery
\n<\/strong>44 North 4th Street
\n215-922-5446
\nwww.mikvehisrael.org<\/a>
\nOne of the nation’s oldest Jewish congregations with Spanish-Portuguese traditions also claims Philadelphia\u2019s oldest Jewish cemetery.<\/p>\n

Congress Hall
\n<\/strong>6th and Chestnut Streets
\n800-537-7676
\nBoth the U.S. House and Senate met in this richly embellished Federal-style building from 1790 to 1800.<\/p>\n

The Curtis Center
\n<\/strong>601 Walnut Street
\n215-923-1610
\nhttps:\/\/www.facebook.com\/TheDeliAtTheCurtisCenter\/<\/a>
\nDon’t miss the glass mosaic Dream Garden<\/em> in the lobby of the birthplace of publications like the Ladies’ Home Journal, Jack and Jill, and the Saturday Evening Post.<\/p>\n

Declaration (Graff) House
\n<\/strong>599 South 7th Street
\n215-965-7676
\nhttp:\/\/www.theconstitutional.com\/blog\/2014\/08\/18\/declaration-house-graff-house<\/a>
\nRenting a room from Jacob Graff, Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence and entertained other members of Congress in the sitting room.<\/p>\n

Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site
\n<\/strong>532 North 7th Street
\n215-597-8780
\nwww.nps.gov\/edal<\/a>
\nThe famous poet and author’s six years in Philadelphia from 1838 to 1844 were some of his most productive.<\/p>\n

Elfreth\u2019s Alley & Mantua Maker’s Museum House
\n<\/strong>124-26 Elfreth\u2019s Alley
\n215-574-0560
\nwww.elfrethsalley.org<\/a>
\nThe oldest residential street in the nation showcases 33 historic homes, many that were built prior to our nation’s birth.<\/p>\n

Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia
\n<\/strong>Ten Independence Mall
\n215-574-6000
\nwww.phil.frb.org<\/a>
\nAt 5th and Arch streets, the mint produces 1.8 million coins an hour or 13.5 billion coins every year.<\/p>\n

First Bank of the United States
\n<\/strong>120 South 3rd Street
\n215-965-2305
\nwww.history.com\/topics\/bank-of-the-united-states<\/a>
\nThis historic bank was originally founded by Alexander Hamilton to handle the Revolutionary War debt and create standard currency.<\/p>\n

Fireman’s Hall
\n<\/strong>147 North 2nd Street
\n215-923-1438
\nhttp:\/\/firemanshall.com<\/a>
\nThis restored 1898-1902 firehouse showcases the history of firefighting in America from 1731 to the present.
\n
\nFranklin Court
\n<\/strong>322 Market Street
\n215-965-2305
\nwww.phlvisitorcenter.com\/attraction\/franklin-court<\/a>
\nOne the site of Ben Franklin’s home, the court today features the U.S. Postal Service Museum, the Franklin Print Shop, and the Franklin Museum.<\/p>\n

Independence Hall
\n<\/strong>520 Chestnut Street
\n215-965-2305
\nwww.nps.gov\/inde\/index.htm<\/a>
\nAppropriately named, the Declaration of Independence was adopted in this hall where the U.S. constitution was written.<\/p>\n

Liberty Bell Pavilion
\n<\/strong>6th and Market Streets
\n215-597-8974
\nwww.ushistory.org\/libertybell<\/a>
\nThe entire building was specifically designed to give an unrestricted 24-hour view of the nation\u2019s symbol of freedom, which is glass-enclosed.<\/p>\n

Library Hall
\n<\/strong>105 South 5th Street
\n215-440-3400
\nwww.amphilsoc.org<\/a>
\nFounded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin and his friends, the Library Company became the first collection available to the public.
\n
\nIndependence Seaport Museum
\n<\/strong>Penn’s Landing
\nPhiladelphia 215-413-8655
\nwww.phillyseaport.org<\/a>
\nEnjoy the region’s colorful maritime heritage with family-oriented interactive exhibits, ship models, artifacts, and art.
\n<\/strong>
\nNational Constitution Center
\n<\/strong>525 Arch Street
\n215-409-6600
\nwww.constitutioncenter.org<\/a>
\nThis groundbreaking new museum invites guest to review important moments in our nation’s history through interactive media.
\n
\nNational Liberty Museum
\n<\/strong>321 Chestnut Street
\n215-925-2800
\nwww.libertymuseum.org<\/a>
\nThis outstanding tribute to liberty features four floors of wall displays, interactive touch-screen computers, and dazzling glass artwork.<\/p>\n

National Museum of American Jewish History
\n<\/strong>101 South Independence Mall East
\n215-923-3811
\nwww.nmajh.org<\/a>
\nDon’s miss the only museum dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting artifacts relating to the American Jewish experience.
\n
\nNew Hall Military Museum
\n<\/strong>320 Chestnut Street
\n800-537-7676
\nwww.ushistory.org\/tour\/new-hall.htm<\/a>
\nThis modest two-floor museum is devoted to the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marines as well as early American military history.
\n
\nOld City Hall
\n<\/strong>5th & Chestnut Streets
\n800-537-7676
\nwww.ushistory.org\/tour\/old-city-hall.htm<\/a>
\nMaster carpenter David Evans was the architect of this majestic home of the Supreme Court from 1790 to 1800.<\/p>\n

Old St. Joseph\u2019s Church & National Shrine
\n<\/strong>321 Willings Alley
\n215-923-1733
\nwww.oldstjoseph.org<\/a>
\nPhiladelphia\u2019s first Catholic Church; serves as the National Shrine of Religious Freedom.<\/p>\n

Olde St. Augustine Church
\n<\/strong>Fourth & New Streets
\n215-627-3911
\nwww.ushistory.org\/tour\/st-augustine.htm<\/a>
\nThis Italian Revival church excels in historic significance including the birthplace of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the forerunner of Villanova University.
\n
\nPenns Landing
\n<\/strong>Columbus Avenue between South & Vine Streets
\n215-928-8801
\nwww.ushistory.org\/tour\/penns-landing.htm<\/a>
\nBrimming over with tourist attractions and encompasses the site where William Penn first touched ground in his “greene country towne.”
\n
\nPennsylvania Hospital
\n<\/strong>800 Spruce Street
\n215-829-3000
\nwww.pennmedicine.org\/pahosp\/<\/a>
\nThe nation’s first hospital was founded in 1751 through the efforts of a caring group of citizens led by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond.
\n
\nPhysick House
\n<\/strong>321 South 4th Street
\n215-925-7866
\nwww.ushistory.org\/tour\/physick-house.htm<\/a>
\nBuilt by Henry Hill, this elaborate 32-room home served as the 1800s residence of the “Father of American Surgery,” Philip Syng Physick.<\/p>\n

Polish American Cultural Center Museum
\n<\/strong>308 Walnut Street
\n215-922-1700
\nwww.polishamericancenter.org<\/a>
\nThis modest venue celebrates American patriot Thaddeus Kosciuszko along with a host of other Polish-American, Polish, and American heroes.<\/p>\n

Powel House
\n<\/strong>244 South Third Street
\n215-627-0364
\nwww.ushistory.org\/tour\/powel-house.htm<\/a>
\nWealthy Samuel Powel welcomed George and Martha Washington frequently and met dignitaries in the company of Voltaire, the Pope, and the Duke of York.
\n
\nPresident’s House
\n<\/strong>Market Street near 6th Street
\n800-537-7676
\nwww.ushistory.org\/presidentshouse\/<\/a>
\nThe home of presidents Washington and Adams also saw Benedict Arnold begin his treacherous plotting with the British.<\/p>\n

St. George’s United Methodist Church
\n<\/strong>235 North 4th Street
\n215-925-7788
\nwww.historicstgeorges.org<\/a>
\nCelebrated as America’s oldest Methodist church in continuous service, this historic site includes a museum and historic center adjoining the church.<\/p>\n

Second Bank of the United States
\n<\/strong>420 Chestnut Street
\n800-537-7676
\nhttp:\/\/www.ushistory.org\/tour\/second-bank.htm<\/a>
\nFormed in response to the War of 1812 debt, this Greek Revival building circa 1824 displays the \u201cPortraits of the Capital City\u201d exhibit.<\/p>\n

Society Hill
\n<\/strong>Washington Square to Delaware River
\n800-537-7676
\nwww.ushistory.org\/districts\/societyhill\/index.htm<\/a>
\nShowcasing the Hill-Physick-Keith House and other handsome historic structures, this area appeals to the senses with its serpentine walkways, abrupt angles, and tiny alleys.<\/p>\n

Todd House
\n<\/strong>4th & Walnut Streets
\n800-537-7676
\nwww.ushistory.org\/tour\/todd-house.htm<\/a>
\nBefore she was widowed and married former president James Madison, Dolley Madison shared this Georgian home with her first husband, lawyer John Todd.<\/p>\n

Washington Square & Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
\n<\/strong>Center of Walnut Street & 7th Street
\n215-965-2305
\nwww.ushistory.org\/tour\/tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier.htm<\/a>
\nOnce home to the nation’s oldest publishing house, the city’s five original squares now encompasses a medley of housing, the Athenaeum, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and several historic businesses.<\/p>\n

Welcome Park
\n<\/strong>2nd Street & Samson Street Alley
\n800-537-7676
\nwww.ushistory.org\/tour\/welcome-park.htm<\/a>
\nBuilt in 1982, this open-air museum is the only site in Historic Philadelphia that celebrates the life and contributions of William Penn.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS \/ INDEPENDENCE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK Known as \u201cAmerica\u2019s most historic square mile,\u201d Independence Park in Philadelphia is often called the birthplace of our nation and preserves some of our nation\u2019s most important historical sites. This 45-acre expanse features approximately 20 buildings that are open to the public. Highlights include the international symbol for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/SouthernNJ3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/322"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/SouthernNJ3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/SouthernNJ3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/SouthernNJ3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/SouthernNJ3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=322"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/SouthernNJ3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/322\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":753,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/SouthernNJ3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/322\/revisions\/753"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/SouthernNJ3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=322"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}