Philadelphia’s rich history and long list of
attractions make the “City of Brotherly Love”. Made famous for the birthplace
of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” with the signing of the
Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, Philadelphia is a dynamic student
group travel choice for learning about Colonial history and the Revolutionary
period.
Combine Philadelphia’s
historical sites with its world-class museums, exciting attractions, fantastic
entertainment, professional sports, signature shopping and delicious food, you
then will have a recipe for both an educational and entertaining student tour,
one that will touch your groups’ hearts and minds.
Philadelphia’s
Historical Sites
The historical aspects of Philadelphia are
fascinating.
Being both an indoor and
outdoor museum of history, Philadelphia is famous for its role it played in
forming our first republic government.
As part of your trip, you and your student group should include the
Historical Independence
Walking Tour of Philadelphia’s on your journey.
The 2+ mile guided tour walks you through old
city Philadelphia to 11 significant historical sites including:
Independence Hall
Liberty Bell Center
Declaration House
Carpenter’s Hall
Supreme Court
Congress Hall
Franklin Court
Betsy Ross House
Fireman’s Hall
Christ Church and Burial Ground
Make sure your student group wears
comfortable walking shoes before taking this tour as it is centered in the
historical section of Philadelphia where cobblestone streets abound.
If you decide to visit the more popular
historical sites without taking the guided walking tour, then the following
would meet and/or exceed your educational objectives.
Liberty
Bell Center -
Having a new home in recent years, the Liberty Bell is now
located across the street from Independence Hall. The center is equally
powerful and dramatic as the Bell itself. Throughout this expansive and
historical center, larger-than-life historic documents and graphic images
explore both the facts and myths of the Bell. Tradition tells of a chime that
changed the world on July 8, 1776, with the Liberty Bell ringing out from the
tower of Independence Hall summon the people of Philadelphia to hear the first
public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon.
Independence
Hall -
Being the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the
Constitution, Independence Hall is one of the most important historical
landmarks in the United States. Major steps towards independence were taken
here by delegates of the English colonies, amongst them George Washington,
Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. The Declaration of Independence was
signed in this building on July 4, 1776. Independence Hall was also the site
where the American Flag was first unveil in 1777. In 1781, the Articles of
Confederation uniting all thirteen colonies were ratified here as well as the
U.S. Constitution in 1787.
National Constitution Center - On July 4,
2003, the City of Philadelphia opened the doors to the National Constitution
Center. This attractive center tells the story of the U.S. Constitution by
means of more than 100 interactive multimedia exhibits, photographs, sculpture,
text, film and artifacts.
The Christ
Church and Burial Ground -
Christ Church, founded in 1695, is an
interesting place to explore Colonial and Revolution-era history. Its burial
ground, which includes the tomb of Benjamin Franklin, is an authentic historic
site for learning about the lives of early Americans.
Betsy Ross House - The Betsy Ross House is
recognized as the place where Betsy Ross lived when she made the first American
Flag. Built around 1740, the house is located just blocks from Independence
Hall and the Liberty Bell Center.
Old
City Hall - Old City Hall was Philadelphia's second city hall and served as
the home of the United States First Supreme Court between the years of 1791 and
1800.
Valley
Forge National Historical Park -
The picturesque, rolling hillsides of
3,600 acre Valley Forge National Historical Park are a peaceful reminder of
freedom won by men's sacrifices long ago. It was here that General George
Washington forged his Continental Army into a fighting force during the winter
encampment of 1777-78.
Overall, Philadelphia provides student groups
a interesting historical education about the beginnings of our first republic
government and Colonial history.Unlike any other city, Philadelphia provides
student groups with unlimited attractions, museums, historical sites and
monuments. As one can see, Philadelphia has it all!
