CONTACT:

Cara Schneider

GPTMC

(215) 599-0776

HISTORY THRIVES IN PHILADELPHIA, SUMMER 2001:
Walk In Franklin’s Footsteps, Taste Washington’s Cobbler and Find Your Heritage

PHILADELPHIA, May 1, 2001 – From the revered Liberty Bell to the neighborhood shops, galleries and homes that tell the stories of the American people, a summer visit to Philadelphia is a history lover’s dream. National monuments, tours, museums, reenactments, costumed-characters and even friendly, modern Philadelphians will open the door to the past for all visitors.

HAPPY 225th, AMERICA!

Spend JULY 4th In America’s Birthplace

Can you believe it has been 225 years since July 4, 1776? Time flies! Here’s how America’s birthplace will celebrate:

Sunoco Welcome America!, June 27 - July 4

Philadelphia celebrates Independence Day for eight days with dozens of free events for the whole family. The festival celebrates our country’s rich cultural heritage with outdoor concerts, a fitness fest, neighborhood celebrations, historic reenactments, fireworks and a mile-long Philadelphia hoagie.

The July 4th grand finale is a 14-hour tribute to America with ceremonies at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, a parade, pop concert and lavish fireworks set to music. Hotel packages are available. For more information, call 1 (800) 770-5883 or visit www.americasbirthday.com.

The Declaration of Independence will be read aloud twice, once on July 4, then again on July 8. Both readings will be on the south side of Independence Hall, site of the July 8, 1776 reading.

True history buffs will want to come back in the summer of 2002 as the region commemorates the 225th anniversary of the Philadelphia Campaign with a series of events and reenactments.

HISTORY IS ALIVE AND WELL

Learn, Laugh and Live It Up At Reenactments and Festivals Throughout the Region


Put down the GameBoyTM, kids! This summer:

  • be "inducted" into the Continental Army. Historic Philadelphia Inc. (HPI),
    (800) 76-HISTORY.
  • learn to fish 18th-century style. Pottsgrove Manor, (610) 326-4014.
  • dance to Civil War era music. Pennypacker Mills, (610) 287-9349.
  • attend a Pow-wow. Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy, (610) 277-3825.
  • picnic along the Delaware River.
  • time travel through Philadelphia’s colonial streets in a nighttime light and laser show. Lights of Liberty,
    (877) GO-2-1776    .

And if that’s not enough, there are dungeons, moats and battlefields [Ft. Mifflin, (215) 492-1881]. For a different flavor, visit the German, Scottish, or Victorian festivals peppering the beautiful countryside.


Mingle with historic characters every day from May through September as Historic Philadelphia Incorprated’s Town Crier Summer Theatre appears at 42 different historic sites, museums, churches and a synagogue. Performance schedule and maps are available at (800) 76-HISTORY or http://historic.philly.com.

THE HEART OF THE MATTER

Visit The Region’s Top History Attractions

No city in the nation tells the story of the American Revolution better than Philadelphia. The region is also rich with 19th century and multi-cultural history.

  • American Philosophical Society: Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence and other archival treasures are on display in the museum’s lobby.
    (215) 440-3400,     www.amphilsoc.org.
  • Civil War Library and Museum: House museum displaying artifacts, uniforms, flags, weapons and period art and telling of Philadelphia’s role in the Civil War. (215) 735-8196, www.netreach.net/cwml.
  • Cliveden House: Observe war and peace at the site of the October 1777 Battle of Germantown, and of one of America’s finest colonial homes. (215) 848-1777, www.cliveden.org.
  • Fairmount Park Mansions: Lining the hillside of Fairmount Park, these 18th- and 19th century mansions are fine examples of early American homes. Visit via car or trolley tour.
    (215) 925-TOUR,     www.phillytour.com.
  • Historical Society of Pennsylvania:
    See the documents of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society that gave birth to the Civil Rights Movement. (215) 732-6200,
    www.hsp.org.
  • Independence National Historical Park: Walk through alleys of Franklin Court and Carpenter’s Hall, tour Independence Hall or the Betsy Ross House, or gaze at the Liberty Bell. Visitors Center, 3rd & Chestnut sts. (215) 597-8787,
    www.nps.gov.
  • Lights of Liberty Show: Light and laser show retells the Revolutionary story. See historic buildings aglow with five-story projections, hear rifles crackle, horses gallop and patriots debate, via headset. Performances nightly, outdoors. (877) GO-2-1776, www.lightsofliberty.org.
  • Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church: Visit the museum and worship space of the oldest piece of land owned continuously by African Americans. (215) 925-0616.
  • Pennsbury Manor: William Penn’s 1690’s country estate, faithfully reconstructed with a manor house, outbuildings, gardens and livestock. Summer Sunday programs include colonial crafts and living history theater.
    (215) 946-0400,     www.pennsburymanor.org.

 

 

FIELDS OF BATTLE

Green Pastures Tell The Freedom Tale

Peace was hard won for America. The Revolutionary and Civil Wars raged here in debate, in business and in gunfire.

Philadelphia was the great prize for invading armies during the Revolution. Trace the campaign for Philadelphia across the region. Redcoat Sir William Howe pressed toward the rebel capital in the fall of 1777, clashing with the Continental Army at Brandywine, 20 miles south of the city. The British continued north, with American troops flanking them closely. A battle at Paoli ensued, causing great losses for the Americans. In October, the two armies engaged in brutal house-to-house combat with General Washington’s surprise attack in Germantown, just outside Philadelphia. Meanwhile, rebels harried the British fleet from Ft. Mifflin on the Delaware in one of the heaviest artillery bombardments in history. The British ultimately captured Philadelphia, and Washington pulled back to spend the winter revamping his army at Valley Forge.

Witness history at these annual re-enactment events:

  • French Alliance Day. Valley Forge National Historical Park, (610) 783-1077. May 6.
  • Memorial Day Parade, Paoli,
    (610) 644-2602. June 3.
  • Civil War Reunion Weekend. Pennypacker Mills, (610) 287-9349.
    June 9-10.
  • March-Out of the Continental Army. Valley Forge National Historical Park, (610) 783-1000. June 17.
  • Ft. Mifflin Freedom Blast, Ft. Mifflin, (800) 770-5883. June 30.
  • Declaration of Independence: Public Reading, Independence Hall,
    (800) 770-5883. July 4 and 8.
  • Liberty Bell Tapping by descendents of signers of the Declaration of Independence, 800-770-5883. July 4.
  • Battle of Brandywine. Brandywine Battlefield, (610) 459-3342. September 23.
  • Battle of Germantown. Cliveden House, (215) 848-1777. October 6.
  • Encampment Reenactment, Hope Lodge and Mather Mill, (215) 646-1595. November 3-4.
IN THE GALLERY

Read The Walls For Insight Into Who We Are

History is chronicled in photos, caricature and paint.

  • African American Museum in Philadelphia: Max Belcher’s images of 19th-century Haitian immigrants. Until Sept. 6. (215) 574-0380,
    www.aampmuseum.org.
  • Atwater Kent Museum: Norman Rockwell captured the essence of America through his Saturday Evening Post covers, on permanent display. (215) 922-3031,
    www.philadelphiahistory.org.
  • Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies: Caricatures of immigrant stories.
    (215) 925-8090,     www.balchinstitute.org.
  • Brandywine River Museum: One Nation: Patriots and Pirates chronicles changing attitudes towards patriotism.
    June 2 – Sept. 2. (610) 388-2700,     www.brandywinemuseum.org.
  • Chester County Historical Society: Daguerreotype exhibit shining light on the dawn of photography. Apr. 28 – Nov. 24. (610) 692-4357, www.chestercohistorical.org.
  • National Museum of American Jewish History: Photographs of the disappearing generation of South Philadelphia Jews. Until July 15. (215) 923-3811, www.nmajh.org.

Explore a different kind of history at:

  • Academy of Natural Science: Afraid of the Dark? In the Dark glimpses at what lurks in oceans, caves and more! June 23 – Sept. 9. (215) 299-1000, www.acnatsci.org.
  • Mercer Musuem and Fonthill: Henry Mercer’s castle and his six-story collection of folk art, furnishings and tools will amaze. Bucks County. Fonthill, (215) 348-9461. Museum, (215) 345-0210.
    Both at     www.mercermuseum.org.
  • Independence Seaport Museum: Home of Admiral Dewey’s flagship and a WWII submarine, open for snooping!
    (215) 925-5439,     http://seaport.philly.com.
  • University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology: Find pieces of ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and Asia, all in Philadelphia. (215) 898-4000,
    www.upenn.edu/museum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOLLOW THE LEADER

Tours For Every Taste
  • City Hall: Visit the nation's largest and most decorated city hall. (It’s larger than the Capitol!) Finish in the tower for a spectacular view. (215) 686-2840.
  • African American Tour: Self-guided walking (or driving) tour of African American heritage sites. Pick up a free copy at the Philadelphia Visitors Center, 16th St. and JFK Blvd., (215) 636-1666.
  • Foundation for Architecture: Some 45 different tours uncover the outdoor museum that is Philadelphia. (215) 569-3187, ext. 6.
  • Valley Forge Historical National Park: Long or short walks across the former headquarters for Washington’s army. (610) 783-1077.
  • Historic Tippler’s Tour: The 90-minute walking tour in Old City stops at three colonial drinking establishments. 5:30 p.m., Fridays, (215) 629-5801.
  • Murals of Philadelphia (Trolley tour): See 25 of the 2,000+ murals of the city’s mural arts program. Reservations, (215) 568-5245.
  • Chinatown: Joseph Poon’s Wokking Tour. Route includes a Chinese pop culture shop, an herbal apothecary, topped off by lunch cooked by Joseph Poon. (215) 928-9333.
  • Free Library of Philadelphia, Rare Book Department: Tour includes the Elkins Room and Charles Dickens’ desk and the raven which inspired Poe. Paintings by Parrish, Wyeth and other Brandywine School artists. 11:00 a.m., weekdays. (215) 686-5322.
  • Italian Market: So much to see and taste. Resident tour operators, Italian Market Tours, (215) 334-6008 and Absolutely Philadelphia, (215) 772-0739.
  • Ghost Tours: A fun and entertaining candle-light tour through the streets of Old City, Philadelphia. Listen to the tales of the unknown and hear about the things that go bump in the night! (215) 413-1997.
  • Masonic Temple: Only three such elaborately decorated Masonic Temples exist and the other two are in Europe. Tours Mon. – Sat., (215) 988-1917.

 
KICK BACK AT THE END OF THE DAY

Eat and Sleep in Historic Settings

After a day of touring, you’ll want to relax, but stick with the history theme at these restaurants and hotels.

Dining Center City

  • Bistro Romano: 18th-century granary with Italian cuisine. (215) 925-8880.
  • City Tavern: Colonial recipes – including Martha Washington’s chocolate mousse cake – in an historic setting with costumed wait staff. (215) 413-1443.
  • H.K. Golden Phoenix: Site of Lee Fong’s laundry, the first business in Chinatown in 1870. (215) 629-4988.
  • Paris Bar and Grill: Walk though the magnificent marble lobby of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel to get to this lovely French restaurant. (215) 735-7700.
  • Ralph’s Italian Restaurant, oldest family owned restaurant in the country, 1900.
    (215) 627-6011.

Dining Countryside

  • Black Walnut Inn: Intimate 1846 town house with top gourmet ratings. Doylestown, Bucks Cty., (215) 348-0708.
  • Chadds Ford Inn: Regional American cuisine, candlelit ambiance in Brandywine Valley. Chadds Ford, PA. (610) 388-7361.
  • Dilworthtown Inn: Upscale, cozy county inn, serving diners since the Revolutionary days. West Chester, PA. (610) 399-1390.
  • General Lafayette Inn: Casual setting; something for everyone at this historic inn. Lafayette Hill, PA. (610) 941-0600.
  • Simon Pearce on the Brandywine: American-Irish cuisine in an historic, riverside building. Glassblowing workshop and retail shop on site. Brandywine Valley, PA. (610) 793-0948.

Lodging Center City

  • Alexander Inn: Small luxury hotel with deco furnishings; National Historic Register. (215) 923-3535, www.alexanderinn.com.
  • Best Western Independence Park Inn: National Historic Register; guest rooms have high ceilings and mahogany style furnishings.
    (215) 922-4443,     www.bestwestern.com.
  • Hotel Sofitel Philadelphia: Luxury French hotel in former stock exchange building.

(215) 563-8300, www.sofitelphiladelphia.com

Lodging Center City, cont’d.
  • Hyatt Regency: Relax on the Delaware River in this new waterfront hotel. (215) 928-1234, www.hyatt.com.
  • Loews Philadelphia Hotel: The nation’s first skyscraper has been converted into a sleek hotel. (215) 627-1200, www.loews.com.
  • Omni Hotel at Independence Park: 150-room luxury hotel just steps from Independence Park. (215) 925-0000, www.omnihotels.com.
  • Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue: Magnificently restored "Grand Dame of Broad Street" (215) 893-1234. www.hyatt.com.
  • Philadelphia Courtyard by Marriott: The former City Hall Annex was reborn as this 500 room hotel. (215) 496-3200.
  • Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia: All-marble lobby, modeled after Rome’s Pantheon, in an historic landmark bank building. (215) 735-7700, www.ritz-carlton.com
  • Warwick Hotel and Towers: The fashionable all stayed at the Warwick when it opened in 1926. The extravagance is visible today. (215) 735-6000, www.warwickhotels.com


Lodging Countryside

  • Evermay-on-the-Delaware: Eighteen room manor house plus a carriage house, surrounded by 25 acres with gardens.
    Bucks County. (610) 294-9100.
    www.evermay.com.
  • Mansion Inn: Intimate Victorian inn with fireplaces, canopy beds, whirlpool and a swimming pool. Bucks County.
    (215) 862-1231,     www.themansioninn.com.
  • White Wing Farm: 1700’s farmhouse with eight rooms, a carriage house, barn, greenhouse, gardens, pond, stables, pool. Brandywine Valley. (610) 388-2664, www.whitewingfarm.com

Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation is a non-profit organization dedicated to generating awareness of and visitation to Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties. For more information about travel to Philadelphia visit www.gophila.com or call (877) GO-PHILA.

Note to Editors: For photographic images of Philadelphia and its surrounding countryside, visit the photo gallery section of www.gophila.com/pressroom.

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