Philadelphia Flights and Travel Guide

Independence National Historical Park

On July 8, 1776, the Liberty Bell rang out from the tower of Independence Hall summoning citizens to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Today the Hall stands proudly, revered as the birthplace of the American nation, in Independence National Historical Park, an eight-block historic neighborhood in the very center of old Philadelphia. The Liberty Bell itself is on display here, in a pavilion in Market Street between 5th and 6th Street. Independence Hall on Chestnut Street was originally built as the Pennsylvania State House in 1732, but became famous after first the Declaration of Independence and later the Constitution of the United States was ratified here. The rest of the 45-acre Independence Park is packed with historically significant buildings and museums, interpreting the events and lives of the movers and shakers involved in Philadelphia's years as capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800, including George Washington and John Adams. About 20 buildings are open to the public daily, with times varying according to season. Advance tickets are required for Independence Hall, obtainable from the adjacent Visitor's Center or bookable in advance through the National Parks Service.

Address: Independence Visitor Center located at 6th and Market Streets

Telephone: (215) 597 8974, or (215) 965 7676 (Independence Visitor Center)

E-mail:frank_eidmann@nps.gov

Web site:www.nps.gov/inde

Opening time: Independence Hall and Liberty Bell Center: daily 9am to 5pm. Independence Visitor Center: daily 8.30am to 5pm

Admission: Admission to all sites is free