Philadelphia Pa – This year looks to be a great year for Philadelphia, giving people plenty of new reasons to visit and explore the raved-about city.
Philadelphia Top Historic Attractions
Here's a look at the 16 top historical attractions in the City of Philadelphia - From the Independence Hall to Museums from the founding of our great country and its cultural identity. Come Visit Philly's History!
Betsy Ross House
where the upholsterer is credited with creating the nation's original red, white and blue banner. Betsy's appearances and the freed slave Phillis, who toils away in the laundry room, depict the life of a working colonial woman. 239 Arch Street.
Independence Hall
In 1776 delegates from the 13 colonies gathered and adopted the Declaration of Independence to break away from British rule. This spot is also where the U.S. Constitution was debated and adopted in 1787. 5th & Chestnut Streets.
The Liberty Bell
Home to the cracked but mighty Bell that has served as an international symbol of freedom. A short film available in English and eight other languages traces how abolitionists, suffragists, and other groups adopted the Bell as a symbol of freedom. 6th & Market Streets.
Congress Hall Philadelphia
Congress hall was the meeting place for the first Congress and George Washington's and John Adams' presidential inaugurations. Visitors learn how the House of Representatives and Senate came to be called the "upper" and "lower" houses. 5th & Chestnut Streets.
The National Constitution Center
The Constitution Center is the place to learn about the most influential four-page document in U.S. history. Hands-on activities, artifacts, and a robust multimedia production delve into the roles, responsibilities, and evolution of the nation's three branches of government. 525 Arch Street.
Benjamin Franklin Museum
All about the life of the man who signed the Declaration of Independence and helped shape the U.S. Constitution. Interactive exhibits and computer animations reveal how his accomplishments as a printer, inventor, scientist, and international diplomat influenced the creation of the American form of government. 317 Chestnut Street.
The President's House Philadelphia
The Presidents House is an open-air venue that explores the paradox of slavery and freedom at the nation's first executive mansion. Videos tell Hercules's stories, Only Judge and the other enslaved people who served George and Martha Washington. 6th & Market Streets.
Second Bank of the United States
Re-opened in 2016 after a massive renovation. The exhibit here traces the nation's development through portraits of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, signers of the Declaration of Independence and U.S.Constitution, and other significant figures in America's history. 420 Chestnut Street.
Philadelphia's Olympia War Ship
The world's oldest surviving steel warship still afloat. This ship led the first victory at sea during the Spanish-American War. It was Admiral Dewey's flagship during the Battle of Manila Bay. The admiral's quarters, sailors' sleeping hammocks, gun turrets, and other artifacts offer a glimpse into life at sea during the 19th century. 211 S. Columbus Boulevard.
Philly's African-American History in Philadelphia
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2017 explores the lives and contributions of people of the Africa Diaspora. In addition to topical and artful temporary exhibitions, the permanent Audacious Freedom traces African-Americans' experiences in Philadelphia from 1776 to 1876. 701 Arch Street.
National Museum of American Jewish History
The Jewish History Museum follows more than 360 years of Jewish life in America and the immigrant experience. In the free first-floor gallery, visitors can see Einstein's pipe and Spielberg's first camera. 101 S. Independence Mall East.
Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent
Where artifacts dating from the 17th century to the present tell the stories of new Americans. Here visitors can discover Philadelphia in miniature on the world's most extensive city map, 15 S. 7th Street.
Historical Society of Pennsylvania
The Society is an essential resource for anyone searching for information about Pennsylvania's history and the lives of the people who live here. With more than 21 million printed and graphic items in its collection, the HSP is a premiere center for the documentation and study of ethnic communities and immigrant experiences. 1300 Locust Street.
Philadelphia United States Mint
The brainchild of Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton and approved by Congress in 1792. Money is still made in the Historic District's modern descendant of the original Mint building, which offers a video and free, self-guided tours. 151 Independence Mall East, (215) 408-0114.
Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church
Founded by Bishop Richard Allen in 1794 and the mother church of the nation's first black denomination. This active church occupies the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by African-Americans. 419 S. 6th Street, (215) 925-0616.
Museum of the American Revolution
American Revolution Museum is the newest addition to the oldest part of the Historic District. This museum houses a discoverable archive of artifacts from the battles that made the war that created the United States of America. Some standouts: General Washington's headquarters tent, Patrick Henry's law books, and rare arms from both sides of the struggle. Open April 19, 2017. 101 S. 3rd Street, (215) 253-6731.
