The park is best known for the Liberty Bell.  It’s a national symbol of our freedom, something we understand from a very young age as the foundation for almost everything else we can choose, express, and pursue in our great nation.  A lot of legend surrounds the famous bell.  A story once suggested it was rung to announce the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.  Certainly it’s inscription celebrates  freedom, getting its name from the words proclaiming “liberty to all who live in this land.”  

The bell used to hang in Independence Hall, another important attraction in this national park.  Independence Hall is called the birthplace of our government.  It was the site for the signing of the Declaration of Independence – a fact that easily led to the legend about the Liberty Bell’s most important announcement – and the proceedings that led to our Constitution.  A tour of the building leads you directly into this all-important assembly room where George Washington himself presided from a seat now call the “rising sun.”

These sites are the most famous in the park and beautiful additions to Philadelphia educational tours.  But there are several more amazing historical sites in the park as well, including Franklin Court.  An abstract sculpture represents one of Franklin’s homes and signals the group of other Franklin sites showcasing his history, inventions, and pivotal contribution to Philadelphia as well as the nation as a whole.  

And still, this is just the beginning.  Independence National Historic Park is frequented by Americans every day because it’s foundational to everything we are – and that’s a claim to fame worth witnessing for yourself.

(photo by motleypixel on Flickr)

Related posts:

1. Philly and D.C. for Educational Tours
2. Swann Memorial Fountain
3. Back to the Beginning