Franklin Institute Science Center - Museum exhibits

The Franklin Institute Science Center houses many visiting exhibits each year such as Star Trek, Galileo, Amazing Caves and many more. All who visit can enjoy the Human Heart exhibit where we learn about the heart from the first beat of life to the last. Real Pirates is another exhibit that has stolen the hearts of all who visit. The movie Pirates of the Caribbean has created an infatuation with the life and times of early buccaneers who sailed the seven seas plundering the possessions of all who cross their paths. A visit to the Franklin Institute will increase your knowledge in more areas than one.

U.S. Mint

One of the six mints in the USA, the US Mint in Philadelphia makes coins for spending and for collecting. Housed at the U.S. Mint is $100 billion of U.S. gold and silver assets. This mint is in charge of manufacturing and selling platinum, gold, and silver bullion coins. There is a team of engravers and designers that create the two-sided coins which are circulated for spending.

Carpenter's Hall

One of the most important events in history took place at Carpenter’s Hall. The founding fathers, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, Ben Franklin and many more joined together to pen a most exciting and promising declaration of freedom. This Declaration of Independence which was written in 1776 was signed unanimously and has withstood the test of time. Visiting Carpenter’s Hall allows the visitor to understand the tone of the day when colonists gathered together under the dim light of candles and oil lamps to debate, encourage, plan and create a manuscript that more than 200 years later would be the foundational document that the United States of America would base its belief system and practices on.

Betsy Ross House

Elizabeth Griscom was known as Betsy by those in her community. She was a wife and mother living in the Quaker community of Philadelphia. Betsy married John Ross and the couple opened an upholstery shop in the neighborhood. When the war of Independence broke out John was called out as a member of the militia and was killed during the war. George Washington came to Betsy’s home in 1777 to ask if Betsy could make a flag based on a picture he had drawn on a piece of paper. The picture was the sketch of a flag with thirteen red and white stripes and thirteen six pointed stars. But Betsy made a slight modification to the sketch by creating the flag with thirteen red and white stripes and thirteen five pointed stars. This building at 239 Arch Street, which we now know as the Betsy Ross House, was built over 250 years ago.

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National Constitution Center

The National Constitution Center is just a short two blocks from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Groups can spend time walking from one historic attraction to another. The Museum offers many programs that will help students to understand our nation’s history such as Signers’ Hall, Guess Who Game, Capture the Flag, and Print Shop, where students learn to print documents the way Benjamin Franklin printed them in an old-fashioned printing shop with a printing press from the 1700s. There are many other interactive programs as well, designed to help students learn historical facts as well as experience the satisfaction of a hands-on accomplishment.

Liberty Bell

It has been said that on July 7, 1776 the Liberty Bell rang to alert the citizens of Philadelphia that the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence was about to commence. The truth of the statement is unknown. The bell was ordered from the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London and when it arrived, the very first ringing of the bell cracked the side. A new bell was promptly ordered. Over time the bell has sounded as an announcement for many important events in history such as the deaths of Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and others. It also rang on George Washington’s 100th birthday celebration in 1832. The second crack on the bell is believed to have occurred during the ring that announced the death of John Marshall who was Chief Justice of the United States of America. In 1835 the bell was removed from the steeple and was placed on display in the Declaration Chamber of Independence Hall.

Independence Hall

Originally known as the Pennsylvania State House, Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence was argued and refined until it was finally adopted. The Constitution of the United States was also signed here. The Hall housed the Second Continental Congress, which was a gathering of men from each of the thirteen British North American colonies. The building itself is a part of Independence National Historic Park. The Declaration of Independence was read to the public near what we now know as Independence Square. A picture of Independence Hall is engraved on the back of the bicentennial Kennedy half dollar and is printed on the back of the U.S. $100 bill. A room within the Hall, the Assembly Room is also printed on the back of the United States two dollar bill.

Lights of Liberty Laser Show

Groups who visit Philadelphia will enjoy the Liberty Lights Laser show when the sun goes down. Participants are given headsets and walk along with a guide in period costume down the cobblestoned streets where they see hand-painted, projected images on the sides of Carpenter’s Hall, Independence Hall and some other buildings of historical significance. The images may be up to five stories high. While viewing the images the group listens through headphones to the Philadelphia Orchestra performing beautiful music while stories of our American heritage are narrated by notable citizens such as Walter Cronkite, Ossie Davis, Charlton Heston and many others. Have no worries about language barriers as the narration is in several languages.

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Amish Experience Tour (Bird in Hand, PA)

Ever wonder how butter was made by candlelight in the days of old? Groups who visit Amish country will see firsthand how life was lived. The Amish Mennonites are a religious group who believes that life is to be kept simple without the modern trappings that complicate living. They still perform daily tasks much as anyone did in the later colonial days of America. Most Amish don’t believe in driving cars, electricity in their homes or trendy clothing. The citizens of the Amish community are easily spotted on outings by their women dressed in black or other dark colors from the bonnet on their heads to the sturdy black shoes on their feet. The children are dressed similarly with little boys and men wearing home-made clothing of dark pants and white or very light colored shirts with suspenders. A tour of an Amish farm will allow the visitor to see sturdy buildings and barns, farm animals, and implements used in everyday living.

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre (Lancaster, PA)

The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre located in Lancaster, PA is a fun place to get a filling meal and an evening of entertainment. The meal consists of 15 wonderful entrees and side dishes that are delicious and lavish. Student groups, families and friends who attend will have a great evening of laughter and excitement. Some of the plays that are performed are Ring of Fire, High School Musical on Stage, Singin’ in the Rain and the Wedding Singer. These shows are star –studded and add to the enjoyment of a night out.

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Visit "Old City"

Philadelphia’s Old City is a historic neighborhood in the center of Philadelphia. The Quakers settled in the area, and some very famous people have lived here over the years. A visit to Old City will take the traveler to the Betsy Ross House where the first flag was sewn at the request of George Washington. Elfreth's Alley is also there and is a national landmark as it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the United States dating back to the early 1700s during colonial times. There are many foreign consulates to the U.S. located in Old City as well. Today visitors will find that the Old City District has many boutiques and specialty shops as well as many places to eat and enjoy the night life.

Civil War and Underground Museum of Philadelphia

The Civil War Museum of Philadelphia houses many artifacts and photographs from the Civil War era where brother was against brother and father against son. The times were difficult and many families and communities were divided. The Museum relates many of the stories told by citizens who lived through the war. The lives and times of those who did not survive can be uncovered here as well. The fight for freedom and equality is portrayed here by those who formed the principles we live by today. This is the oldest Civil War institution in the United States having been founded in 1865 by military officers from many branches. The mission of the museum is to preserve the history that surrounded the era of inner conflict in our United States. There are many interactive and educational programs as well as exhibitions here that promote knowledge and preserve history.

Fort Miffin

Fort Mifflin has been known by a few different names such as Fort Island Battery and Mud Island Fort. The fort is located on the Delaware River in the city of Philadelphia. Those who invest their time in preserving history offer demonstrations and history lessons on-site for many of the historical events that happened in the surrounding areas. During the war of the American Revolution Fort Mifflin was the site of the largest clash of colonists against the British. The Continental Army aided the men who served at the fort by delaying the British shipping. Because of it, 300 of the 450 men stationed there survived the battle. Fort Mifflin was used in its original capacity until 1954. The fort is the site of the only Revolutionary battlefield that is still completely intact. Today important documents can be viewed there such as correspondences from George Washington. Today visitors can tour the restored 14 buildings that make up the fort and walk the same paths the colonists walked in their day.