Destination Spotlight

Pennsylvania – Philadelphia

Step back in time to the birth of our nation and look into the lives of our country’s founding fathers. In Philadelphia, see where passionate colonists campaigned for seccession and noble patriots declared our national independence.

• Students take part in interactive, group-oriented exhibits dedicated to increasing understanding of the Constitution, its history, and its contemporary relevance. At the National Constitution Center, more than 100 interactive and multimedia exhibits, photographs, sculptures, texts, films, and artifacts encourage students to consider the ways the Constitution has shaped American democracy.
• Students explore Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the Constitution was written.
• Students discover Franklin Court, an underground museum, a colonial printing office, and Benjamin Franklin’s first permanent home in Philadelphia. The museum and printing office bring to life the accomplishments of the statesman, diplomat, scientist, inventor, printer, and author.
• Students experience America’s most revered symbols of liberty when they visit the Liberty Bell and the Betsy Ross house where Betsy Ross lived and made our American Flag.
• Students explore the U.S. Mint, the first building authorized by the government during Washington’s term and the world’s largest mint.
• Explore Franklin Institute, the museum that pioneered “hands-on” science with exhibits including Railroad Hall, Aviation Hall, Exploration Hall, Cyberzone, Wonderland of Science, and an IMAX movie theatre.
• Discover where Edgar Allen Poe wrote the “Tell-Tale Heart” when visiting his house in the Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site.
• Run up the Rocky Stairs in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, immortalized by Sylvester Stallone in the movie “Rocky.”
• Explore Congress Hall where Congress met in 1790-1800.
• Enjoy a breathtaking view of Philadelphia from the observation deck of Old City Hall, where a 37-foot bronze statue of William Penn crowns the 548-foot tower.

Did you know:

• The U.S. Mint turns out about 1.5 million coins every hour.
• Benjamin Franklin was the first to propose the idea of Daylight Savings Time. By increasing the available amount of daylight during the summer and decreasing it during the winter season, Franklin hoped to provide the world with a greater opportunity of doing productive work during the summer months, as opposed to the cold and dreary days of winter.
• The Liberty Bell has a 12-foot circumference and is 70% copper, 25% tin, and 5% other trace metals.
• The Liberty Bell received its first crack in March 1753, the first time it was rung.

Links:

National Constitution Center

Independence Hall

Betsy Ross House

U.S. Mint

Franklin Institute

Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site