Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Since Philadelphia was the first capital of the United States, it has a lot of history and a great place to learn and relax. It has art, “Rocky’s” memorable spot, American history, and a famous prison.

1. Independence Hall is a great place to start. National Park Rangers take you on a tour of how the United States started its independence. Go into the Assembly room which is still setup the way it was during the Constitutional Convention.

Things to see at Independence Hall:

• George Washington’s “rising sun” chair
• Original inkstand that was used to sign the Declaration of Independence 
• Original Draft of Declaration of Independence 

2. Betsy Ross house is a couple of blocks away from Independence Hall and also gives tours about how the flag was made and the process it went through to become the flag we have today. They also have events.

3. Philadelphia Museum of Art has artwork from all over and has different exhibits year around. It’s also known for Rocky’s famous jog up the steps and has a statue to the right of the steps in honor of the movie. It has a great view looking back at the city.

4. Liberty Bell is right in front of independence hall. It’s a great learning experience (if you like bells or history) on how the bell got its famous crack, the inscription on it, and the meaning of the bell. Choose wisely the time and season you go it can get crowded. For more information see: http://www.nps.gov/inde/historyculture/stories-libertybell.htm

5. Eastern State Penitentiary is America’s most historic prison. It’s located at 2027 Fairmount Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19130. Go on a tour with 20 stops all over the prison. During October, it is turned into a nighttime haunted house called, “Terror Behind the walls.” Wonder the prison in pitch black. It’s not for the faint of heart. Check out the video: http://www.easternstate.org/halloween/preview-video

Some of the best stops:

• Front Tower

• Al Capone’s (aka Scarface) Cell

• Chapel

• Hospital

• Central Guard Tower

  

  

  
  

   

They have different tours:

• Audio tour – is self-paced and tells you stories, as you walk through the prison, on escapes, riots, sports, and more.

  

• Hands-on History – expert Eastern State tour guide talks visitors (who do all the work) through activities on opening cell doors, massive front gate, underground punishment cells, and more.

  

• History and Art installations – (History) Al Capone’s cell, tower camera, 1945 tunnel escape, the big graph, and more. (Art) The William Portner Memorial Exhibit on Jewish Life at Eastern State, Cindy Stockton Moore: Other Absences (50 portraits of men and women who were murdered by people who were sent there).
  
  
  

6. Check out the related articles to do some planning and visit what fits you best. Have fun!

Related Articles

Philadelphia Art Museum: http://www.philamuseum.org/

Eastern State Penitentiary: http://www.easternstate.org/history-eastern-state

Hours for Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, and Betsy Ross House: http://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/hours.htm