Top Ways To Learn About Presidential And American History In Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a historic city that offers numerous places to immerse yourself in history, from where the Declaration of Independence was signed to the Liberty Bell and the National Constitution Center. Here are some of the best places to learn in Philadelphia.

National Constitution Center
525 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 409-6600
www.constitutioncenter.org

Price: Adults $14.50/ AdultsStudents & Seniors $13/ children $8/ military and children under 4 are free/ Free on Sundays

The National Constitution center is open year round to delight and inform visitors in search of an American history lesson. The center is full of artifacts, multi-media theater and traveling exhibitions. There are 42 life-sized bronze statues of the founding fathers and an interactive exhibit detailing the birth of America. The traveling exhibit for early 2013 is on the Prohibition era.

Independence Mall
520 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(800) 537-7676 –visitor's center
www.nps.gov

Price: Free

Independence Mall is a three-block living history museum of sorts. You can tour Independence Hall, view where the Declaration of Independence was signed and learn all about the presidents. You can also see the Presidents House which is a new open air recreation of the first two presidents' (Washington and Adams) home. The President's House also includes the slave quarters and information on the history of slavery. Other smaller historical sites close by include the Betsy Ross House, which is free and open for tours.

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The Liberty Bell Center
Market St. Between 5th and 6th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(800) 537-7676- visitor's center
www.nps.gov

Price: Free

The Liberty Bell is an over 2000 pound bell that was originally erected to represent religious freedom. William Penn had it inscribed on the bell "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land, unto all inhabitants thereof LEV.XXV.vX by order of the assembly of the province of Pennsylvania for the statehouse of Philadelphia...Pass & Stow". It was later coined the "liberty bell' by abolitionists renouncing slavery and became an icon for freedom. The bell was once housed in Independence Mall, but it was moved to its own center in 1976. The bell itself has not rung since 1846, when after it received its first crack, it was repaired -- only to crack again. No one knows why. The Liberty Bell Center offers video and artifacts too.

The Lights Of Liberty In The PECO Theater
600 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 629-4026
www.historicphiladelphia.org

Price: Adults $6.00/ Children & Students $5.00/ Family four pack $20.00

You can take a 3D journey through American history at the PECO Theater with the Lights of Liberty tour, located right across from the Liberty bell in Historic Philadelphia Center. Hosted by Ben Franklin, the Lights of Liberty will answer questions like why the Liberty Bell is important, and what makes America special.

City Tavern
138 S 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 413-1443
www.citytavern.com

After all that walking and learning, settle in for some refreshment at the City Tavern. Enjoy a special dinner or lunch in the place where eight of the original delegates also dined. The City Tavern is not only a themed restaurant but an historic site, constructed in 1772, and serves food from the time period such as turkey pot pie, roasted duckling, and Salmagundi (an 18th century "chefs salad" with smoked meats). Servers are dressed in Colonial garb, and the Tavern has a large wine cellar, gardens and award-winning food.

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