Happy Birthday America
Sunoco Welcome America
June 28-July 7, 2002
Celebrate America’s birthday in its birthplace with readings of the Declaration of Independence, fireworks, concerts, parades, a ceremonial tapping of the Liberty Bell by descendants of signers of the Declaration of Independence and more than 50 free events.  Special this year, the USS Cole and the Magna Carta will each be in Philadelphia over July fourth, bringing even more honor and history to the celebration.  (800) 770-5883. www.americasbirthday.com

Heavens to Betsy!  Mrs. Ross is 250! 
Betsy Ross was a progressive woman for her time; she was thrice married and had her own upholstery business.  And she gave the United States a glorious gift. Her Stars and Stripes flies as proudly today as it has at any time since it was first stitched in 1776.  Philadelphia will celebrate her birthday with cake, flags and reenactments of life in her time.  This is Betsy's 250th year; she was a New Year's Day baby, born on January 1, 1752.

A Dynamic Duo: The Lights of Liberty and Irving Berlin 
The Lights of Liberty Show has won the equivalent of the Oscars for the themed entertainment industry (the THEA award).  The Lights of Liberty Show is a nighttime sound and light show set in Independence National Historical Park.  It recreates America's struggle for Independence with spine-tingling 3-D sound, breathtaking five-story projections, music by the Philadelphia Orchestra and the voices of Walter Cronkite, Charlton Heston, Ossie Davis, Claire Bloom and Whoopi Goldberg, who narrates a special children's show. The Lights of Liberty Show season begins on Thursday, May 9 with the Philadelphia Boys choir performing Berlin's God Bless America, the anthem which closes the show every night.  Poignantly, Irving Berlin's birthday is May 11 during the inaugural weekend and more musical events are planned.  For reservations or information call 877-GO-2-1776 or visit www.lightsofliberty.org.

History, LIVE on the Streets
Historic Philadelphia (HPI) Re-Enactments
Historic re-enactors take to the streets of Philadelphia to welcome visitors. In the course of one day, these historic playlets cover the major events of the American Revolution through drama, dance and interactive storytelling.  HPI will perform more than 270 performances each week, including a new play about Betsy Ross in honor of her 250th birthday.  The summer season begins on May 6.  (215) 629-5801,www.historicphiladelphia.org.

Interested in Genealogy?  Colonial Living?
Elfreth’s Alley Family Reunion
May 31-June 2, 2002
Present and former residents of Elfreth’s Alley will be on hand to help celebrate the 300^th anniversary of the nation’s oldest residential street with tours, a street festival, pancake breakfast and more.  Former residents and their descendants are already signing up for this most unusual neighborhood reunion. 
(215) 574-0560, www.elfrethsalley.org.

Heroes of the Revolution: Patriots or Traitors
June 2002
Today, the Revolutionaries are revered as our founding fathers, but in 1777 they were considered traitors to the Crown. Come, discover how they made those difficult choices, how the civilian population responded to army occupation; and enjoy some colonial merrymaking along the way.   "Patriots or Traitors" will celebrate the 225^th anniversary of the Philadelphia Campaign at 20 sites throughout the Philadelphia region in 2002-2003.  Events run year-long, but June 2002 is the best time to visit thanks to hotel packages starting at $65/night and special events every weekend day throughout the month. The highlight is the reenactment of the Continental Army’s "March-Out" on June 15. Reenactments, festivals and learning opportunities are plentiful at Valley Forge National Historical Park, the sites of the battles of Germantown and Brandywine and so many other sites. (610) 834-1550, http://www.valleyforge.org  

British Raid of Valley Forge
Both British and American soldiers will re-enact the story of the September 1777 British raid on George Washington’s supplies in Valley Forge at the Valley Forge National Historic Park.  This is one of the more visually thrilling elements of the "Patriots or Traitors" series listed above.  (610) 834-1550 or (888) VISIT VF, http://www.valleyforge.org  

America in Paint
"American Sublime" will be on display at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts from June 17-August 25, 2002.  The exhibit showcases the work of 19^th-century American landscape painters. (215) 972-7600 www.pafa.org

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