Ranger guided tours and programs are a great way to learn about the fascinating people, places and events in and around Independence National Historical Park.
All ranger guided tours and programs are FREE!
**Participate in the Commemorative July 8th Reading of the Declaration of Independence. Join the crowd and hear a costumed Park Ranger portraying Colonel John Nixon readingthe document to the public on July 8, 1776. Free copies will be given out so that you can follow along and cheer(if a patriot) or jeer (if a loyalist). Thursday, July 8, Independence Square, noon-12:45pm**
July Programs
Walking Tours
Dr. Franklin's Philadelphia Join a Park Ranger to hear about the many contributions of Benjamin Franklin to his city, his country and the world. Tour begins at the entrance of the Franklin Court Underground Museum.
Tours occur daily 2:30 PM and last till approximately 3:15 PM, at the entrance of the Franklin Court Underground Museum
(located between Market and Chestnut Streets, Entrance on Market between 3rd and 4th Streets.
Stories from the Past This tour highlights the diverse people and stories of the period.
Tour starts at the Signers’ Garden at 5th & Chestnut Streets. Tours occur daily between 10:30am-11:15am
History Beneath Our Feet
Explore what we learn about the past by digging into the ground, from the recent President’s House site, the excavation of the National Constitution Center site, Franklin Court and more.
Meet at the President’s House site at 6th & Market Streets. Tours occur daily between 4:00pm-4:45pm
Programs in Second Bank
Moses Williams: Cutter of Profiles Hear the amazing story of Moses Williams who learned to operate the Physiognotrace to earn his freedom and a good living making silhouettes in Peale’s Museum. Program occurs daily between 2:30-2:45pm Portrait Gallery Highlights Tour
Meet at the wooden George Washington statue for a 30-minute tour Program occurs daily at 11:30am & 3:30pm
Lesser Known Stories of Independence Hall Join a Park Ranger to hear about little known events that took place inside Independence Hall after the singing of the Declaration of Independence. Learn about the fugutive slave trials, the huge mastodon bones assembled in Peale's gallery on the second floor and more. Program occurs daily at 4 PM
Independence: Stories of Struggle Illustrated Program Program occurs daily at 1:00pm
Programs in the Underground Museum Glass Armonica Demonstrations
Everday in July
Listen to the story of Ben Franklin's musical invention that starred with water glasses and inspired Mozart to compose music for the instrument. Programs are at noon and 2:30 Pm every day at the entrance of the Franklin Court Underground Museum (located between Market and Chestnut Streets, Entrance on Market between 3rd and 4th Streets.
At the Declaration House - Open 9:00am-5:00pm on Sunday, July 4th.
Visit with Thomas Jefferson On Saturday, July 3rd, and every Thursday & Friday in July
Take part in a Visit with Thomas Jefferson (actor Steven Edenbo) from 10:00am-noon. Enjoy a Ranger talk about Jefferson in Philadelphia at noon. Declaration House is located on the corner of 7th and Chestnut Streets
Independence Visitor Center
Junior Ranger Induction Ceremony Meet the Ranger at the Information Desk at the Visitor Center Daily, A Park Ranger conducts a special ceremony for all the children who have completed our Junior Ranger booklet.
Occurs Daily at 4:00-4:15pm. Independence Visitor Center is located at 6th and Market Streets
New Hall Miliary Museum
Barnacles and Bullets Enjoy a 15-minute program. Learn about life for the average sailor and soldier during the Revolution.
Program occurs daily at 2:00pm & 3:30pm.
