1-Day Philly Museums + Mints

Day 1 You'll See:

Sometimes short and sweet is the only way to go! This fabulous, whirlwind day of discovery in the “Birthplace of the U.S. Constitution” treats you and your young patriots to some of the best of Philadelphia. They’ll have the opportunity to witness the minting process in its entirety, toss pennies onto Ben Franklin’s grave, enjoy an authentic Philly Cheesesteak and visit two world-class museums, where they’ll see an actual portion of an ancient Egyptian Palace, mingle with myriad mummies – and more!


Day
1

U.S. Mint
Originally opened in 1792 as “Ye Old Mint,” the Philadelphia facility is one of four responsible for the production of circulating coinage in the United States; it also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins, Congressional Gold Medals and silver, and gold bullion. Free, self-guided, information-rich tours (audio optional) let your students experience the fascinating minting process through soundproof windows – start to finish!

Benjamin Franklin’s Grave
In his biography of Benjamin Franklin, author Carl Van Doren penned: "No other town burying its great man, ever buried more of itself than Philadelphia with Franklin," and President James Madison moved that the House of Representatives wear mourning for a month. Today thousands of visitors annually make the pilgrimage to pay their respect to Benjamin Franklin at his grave, visible through an iron gate at the southeast corner of 5th and Arch Streets. Pennies dot the simple tombstone of this man, “Able to Restrain Thunderbolts and Tyrants” and responsible for the phrase: “A penny saved is a penny earned” in light-hearted homage to a quaint local tradition believed to bring the coin-tosser good fortune. Be sure to pack a roll or two on this entertaining and educational lark to the City of Brotherly Love and pick up a little extra providence!

National Constitution Center
Next up: A stop at The National Constitution Center, our Nation’s first and only non-profit, non-partisan institution established by Congress to “disseminate information about the United States Constitution on a non-partisan basis in order to increase the awareness and understanding of the Constitution among the American people.” The Constitution Center – constructed entirely of American materials - brings the United States Constitution roaring to life with its series of engaging interactive exhibitions, fabulous theatrical performances, constitutional conversations and original documents of freedom - including one of the 12 surviving copies of the Bill of Rights and a rare, original copy of the first public printing of the Constitution - while inspiring active citizenship by celebrating the American constitutional tradition. The Center also hosts cutting-edge constitutional seminars and discussions and offers course materials and digital resources for students of all ages. Once you’re through exploring, treat yourselves to an authentically delicious Philly Cheesesteak at the Center’s Delegate’s Café – the repast of choice in this birthplace of American Freedom!

Penn Museum
Your student group’s exciting day of discovery in Philadelphia will include a trip to the magnificent University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology, one of the world’s greatest archaeology and anthropology research museums and the largest university museum in the United States. Housing roughly one million objects from around the globe, the Penn endeavors to encapsulate and illustrate the human story through its series of signature and special exhibitions displaying some of the finest, most comprehensive collections of artifacts and architecture on Earth. Peruse 25 fascinating galleries featuring breathtaking treasures from Asia, the Americas, Africa, Mesopotamia, the Mediterranean and ancient Egypt, including a significant portion of an Egyptian royal palace, real mummies and more!

Franklin Institute
This premier museum was founded in 1824 to honor of our nation’s first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, and is one of the oldest centers of science education and development in the country. Today, the Institute continues in its commitment to public education and igniting a lifelong passion for science by offering guests of all ages new and exciting access to science and technology in ways that would dazzle and delight its namesake. The Institute’s 12 core galleries are bursting with fresh, exciting exhibits and intriguing interactive features; you and your young charges will marvel at the cutting edge presentations of Fels Planetarium and be spellbound by live science shows and demos. Crawl through a giant artery, have a little silly fun with Newton’s Law of Motion, embark on an “Animal, Inside Out” anatomical safari, explore the basic principles of aeronautics through a series of incredible hands-on activities, experience the thrill of flight and see authentic artifacts from the earliest aviation pioneers!