Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend In Historic Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, May 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Independence Visitor Center is gearing up for an exciting Memorial Day weekend to kick off Philadelphia's vibrant tourist season. Located in the heart of Historic Philadelphia, as the gateway to Independence National Historical Park, the Visitor Center is the perfect place for visitors to begin exploring America's Birthplace this summer.

Just in time for Memorial Day: Launching May 25, the Historic Philadelphia Pass is a brand-new way for visitors to begin exploring the nation's birthplace. For one low price, the Historic Philadelphia Pass includes two days of unlimited on-off access to ride the Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop; and one-time admission to three key historic sites: the National Constitution Center, the Betsy Ross House, and Christ Church Burial Ground.

The Historic Philadelphia Pass is available exclusively at the Independence Visitor Center, for only $18/adults, and $13/children (ages 4 – 12). Visitors may also pre-purchase online before picking up their Pass at the Visitor Center at www.HistoricPhillyPass.com.

HOURS AND ADMISSION:
When you're exploring Historic Philadelphia, you'll definitely want to visit these attractions and sites. Please note extended hours of operation and special pricing:

The Independence Visitor Center is open daily, 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., beginning Friday, May 27.

Independence Hall is open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., beginning Saturday, May 28. Free, timed-tickets are required to tour Independence Hall until 5:00 p.m., and can be picked up at the Independence Visitor Center. No tickets are necessary to tour the Hall between 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

The Liberty Bell Center is open daily, 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. beginning Saturday, May 28. Admission is free and does not require a ticket.

The Benjamin Franklin Museum is open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. beginning Saturday, May 28. Tickets are available at the door and must be purchased on the day of your visit.

The Betsy Ross House is open daily, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Carpenters' Hall is open Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The Christ Church Burial Ground is open (weather-permitting) Monday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; and Sunday, noon – 4:00 p.m.

Franklin Square is open daily, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. through June 12. Beginning June 13, it is open 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Sunday – Thursday; and 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The National Constitution Center is open daily, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday; and noon – 5:00 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free on Monday, May 30, courtesy of the John Templeton Foundation. 

The Second Bank of the United States reopens after being closed for renovations on Saturday, May 28. It will be open daily, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS:
In addition to extended hours, many sites around Historic Philadelphia have special events and programs planned to celebrate Memorial Day throughout the weekend, from Friday, May 27 – Monday, May 30:

• Independence Visitor Center
  Meet the History Makers, Daily beginning May 27, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  Don't forget your camera and questions for Philadelphia's colonial townsfolk! Learn about and watch these Colonial-era re-enactors as they practice their crafts, including quill pen calligraphy, "sawdust dolls," watercolor art, and more. FREE

• Independence Hall
  Declaration Reading, May 28 – 30, 3:45 p.m.
  Greet the History Makers and hear moving readings from the Declaration of Independence. FREE

Colonial Stations (featuring History Makers) May 30, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Famous and not-so-famous real historical figures will captivate visitors with their past, bringing history to life for guests of today. Learn 18th Century crafts, including three-tone watercolor painting, play Colonial-era games, and meet the Founders. FREE

• Liberty Bell Center
  100 Years of the National Park Service, May 27 – 30, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  Explore the evolution of the National Park Service, from its origins in western parks, to its modern day role of preserving and protecting more than 400 park units across the country. Commemorate your visit by adding a special Centennial stamp to your NPS passport book. FREE

• Betsy Ross House
  Flag-Raising Ceremony, May 28 – 30, 10:00 a.m.
  Start your day in the charming Betsy Ross House courtyard with Betsy Ross and one of her Colonial friends, raising the thirteen-star flag with pomp and circumstance. FREE

• Carpenters Hall
  History Maker Meet & Greet: Henry Knox, May 28, 11:00 a.m. –3:30 p.m.
  Learn about the life of this one-time bookstore owner, who rose in ranks to become Secretary of War under George Washington.  FREE

Colonial Kids Quest, May 28, 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Kids will love this light-hearted adventure: a puppet-show featuring animals searching for a missing copy of the Declaration of Independence. Find a runaway dog, Freedom; and meet helpful two-legged and four-legged friends, such as Francois the Frog, Graciela the Goose, Nibbles the Mouse, and Broadside the Cat. FREE

Colonial Stations, Harmony Lane (by Carpenters Hall) May 29, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Famous and not-so-famous real historical figures will captivate visitors with their past, bringing history to life for guests of today. Learn 18th Century crafts, including three-tone watercolor painting, play Colonial-era games, and meet the Founders. FREE

• Franklin Court
  History Maker Meet & Greet: Ben Franklin, May 28, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  Come face-to-face with Philadelphia's favorite "electrifying" Founding Father. FREE

• Independence Seaport Museum
  Songs of Liberty, Loyalty, Libations and Love, May 28, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  Enjoy spirited period music, sea chanteys, and folks songs performed by Jan and John Haigis, specialists in early American music. FREE

• National Constitution Center
  Eighteenth Century Games, May 27 – 30, Throughout the Day
  Try popular lawn games from the Revolutionary period, such as Hoop-and-Stick, Graces, and Nine Pin.

Make-and-Take Projects, May 27 – 30, Throughout the Day
At patriotic craft stations, children and their families can make Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty, and George Washington hats; star wands and wreaths; and crepe paper flags.

Thank-A-Vet Postcards, May 27 – 30, Throughout the Day
Take a moment to write letters of gratitude to the men and women who have served in the country's Armed Forces.

The Star-Spangled Banner: A History of Our National Anthem, May 27 – 30, 2:00 p.m.
Learn the story of Francis Scott Key, the Battle of Fort McHenry, and the flag that inspired the national anthem.

Flag Ceremonies, May 28, 9:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.; May 29, Noon and 4:45 p.m.;
May 30, 9:30 a.m., Noon, and 4:45 p.m. 
Watch daily flag ceremonies on the front lawn. On Memorial Day, a special noontime ceremony raises the flag from half- to full-staff, in accordance with U.S. tradition. FREE

Flag Etiquette Workshop and Giant Flag Folding, May 28 – 30, 12:30 p.m.
Learn fun facts about the American flag's history, as well as proper flag etiquette, and  help members of the museum's staff fold a 20 x 30 foot American flag.

A Soldier's Life, May 28 and 29, Noon
A Revolutionary-Era Soldier discusses the daily lifestyle of a typical infantryman in the American Continental Army during the American Revolution. Visitors will have the opportunity to be fitted up with equipment and gear along with the proper training of the day. FREE

Memorials: How a Nation Remembers, May 28, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30; May 29, 1:30 p.m.; May 30, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30
This special program illuminates the history of America's famous memorials and how they contribute to popular memory.

Family Concert featuring the Air National Guard Band, May 30, 1:00 p.m.
Enjoy patriotic tunes performed by The Air National Guard Band. FREE

Military Muster, May 30, 10:00 a.m. and Noon
Learn the art of marching and musket etiquette from the Continental Army. FREE

• Philadelphia History Museum
  History Maker Meet & Greet: Thomas Paine, May 28, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  Hear from the Founding Father and author of  the influential revolutionary pamphlet, Common Sense. FREE

• Signers' Garden
  "Honoring the Fallen: Heroism and Sacrifice During the American Revolution," May 28 – 30, 3:00 p.m.
  Join a Park Ranger for this special walking tour. Learn about Philadelphia during the War for Independence, and reflect on the struggles and sacrifices made by American Revolutionary War soldiers. This tour concludes at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution in Washington Square. FREE

Military Muster, May 28 – 30, 2:00 and 3:00 p.m.
The marching drum is a sure sign: the Continental Army is looking for a few good kids for drills in the art of marching and musket etiquette. FREE

• Various Locations Throughout Historic Philadelphia
  Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches, May 28 – 30, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  Specially-trained, uniformed storytellers delight and entertain with free, short five-minute stories while sharing the secrets of Philadelphia's and America's history. Children can pick up a Story Flag at any Storytelling Bench, and collect a star from every storyteller on their journey. Flags with all the stars can be redeemed for a History Hero Certificate and a free carousel ride on the Parx Liberty Carousel. FREE

GETTING AROUND:
The Philly PHLASH Downtown Bus Loop is the most convenient and affordable way for visitors to travel to 22 key destinations, including stops throughout Historic Philadelphia. Providing daily service every 15 minutes from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., the PHLASH is only $2 per ride or $5 per day. Passes are available onboard (with cash and exact change only), at any Visitor Center location, or online at www.PhillyPHLASH.com.

HISTORIC DINING:
Independence Mall Café, located on Independence Mall directly across from the Visitor Center, is the ideal setting to enjoy a meal while sightseeing in Historic Philadelphia.

With a delicious seasonal menu by Brûlée Catering, the outdoor Café is open for breakfast and lunch daily (weather-permitting), from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with extended hours for Memorial Day weekend: open until 7:00 p.m. on May 26, 28, and 29.

About the Independence Visitor Center: The Independence Visitor Center Corporation (IVCC) is a Pennsylvania nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization which operates in cooperation with the efforts of the National Park Service, Visit Philadelphia^®, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Independence Visitor Center is Independence National Historical Park's and the region's welcome center for people from all over the nation and the world, offering visitor amenities including trip planning service, easy onsite ticketing for area attractions, multilingual concierge staff, comprehensive daily listing of area events, attraction displays and regional maps, free, informative historical and orientation films, free wireless Internet access and much more. www.PHLvisitorcenter.com

About the Philly PHLASH: The Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop is a seasonal transit program managed by the Independence Visitor Center Corporation (IVCC).  PHLASH vehicle service is provided by Krapf's Coaches. www.PhillyPHLASH.com

About Independence National Historical Park: A unit of the National Park Service, Independence National Historical Park was created by an Act of Congress on June 28, 1948.  Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Independence NHP covers almost 54 acres in Philadelphia's Old City, and includes Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, Franklin Court, and other historic buildings associated with the founding of the United States. A visit to Independence National Historical Park should start at the Independence Visitor Center, located at 6^th and Market Streets, where visitors can pick up free, timed tickets to tour Independence Hall. http://www.nps.gov/inde

SOURCE Independence Visitor Center Corporation (IVCC)

Related Links

http://www.phlvisitorcenter.com