Friends of Independence
 


November  2011

In This Issue
City Hall Symposium
Free Programs
Holiday Hours
39th Annual Meeting
Speaker Series
Visiting the Park
 

 MONUMENTAL!

Symposium on the History and Restoration of Philadelphia City Hall

November 4-6th, 2011

 

At the time of its construction, Philadelphia City Hall was a monumental feat of artistic, technological and civic will. Modern in every aspect of its design, the project spanned over thirty years producing a structure extraordinary in concept. Until the turn of the twentieth century, Philadelphia City Hall was also the tallest occupied building in the world and, before the construction of the Pentagon, also the largest government administrative building of any kind in the United States. The superb craftsmanship and genius of City Hall's construction are exemplary, and the grand effort to propose and finally complete this colossal and magnificent structure has been overlooked and unappreciated for more than a century.

 

This three-day Symposium will look at the history of this Colossus and at the extensive efforts to rehabilitate and modernize the exterior marble and granite facades, its windows, roofs, and extensive iron work, as well  as the conservation work of its herculean marble and bronze sculptures. Also included will be behind-the-scenes guided tours of interior spaces. Participants will rediscover a landmark which has been literally at the center of Philadelphia since its commencement over a century ago.

 

For Details, Click Here  

 

 

  
 
Free Programs at INHP

Remembering our Early Veterans - On Veteran's Day weekend, learn more about the Continental Army and Navy by joining a park ranger for a 20 minute program highlighting the struggles of the newly created Armed Forces during the American Revolution.

November 12 & 13, 2011 at 4:00 in Portrait Gallery of the Second Bank of the U. S.

 

Shall Not Be Invaded or Disturbed, Did the Trail of Tears Start Here? Did the idea of Indian Removal originate with the Founding Fathers on Independence Square? Join a park ranger portraying a Delaware Chief for a 1-hour presentation examining the Nation's early Indian Affairs.

November 20, 2011 at 2:00

Congress Hall

 

For more Free Programs hosted by the park,

 Click Here 

 

 
Holiday Hours

Veteran's Day

November 11, 2011

Independence Visitor Center 8:30- 5:00

Liberty Bell Center

9:00- 5:00

Independence Hall

9:00- 5:00

New Hall Military Museum 9:00- 5:00

 

Thanksgiving Day

November 24, 2011

Liberty Bell Center

11:00-4:00

Independence Hall

11:00-4:00

 

Christmas Eve

December 24, 2011

All park buildings close at 3:00

 

Christmas Day

December 25, 2011

All park buildings are closed

 

New Year's Day

January 1, 2012

Liberty Bell Center

11:00-4:00

Independence Hall

11:00-4:00

Independence Visitor Center 8:30-5:00

 

 

Join Our Mailing List

There is still time to reserve your spot for the
39th Annual Meeting  

 

How often do you get to meet the Founding Fathers of our great country and ask them questions?  Well here's your opportunity! This is your chance to attend a one of a kind event! 

 

On November 15, 2011, the Friends of Independence National Historical Park have invited General George Washington (portrayed by Dean Malissa) and Thomas Jefferson (portrayed by Steve Edenbo) to discuss with our members and guests, the issues and events of the 18th century that potentially could have been the reasons that led to Civil War in our country.

 

Historians and scholars have theorized this topic for years, and now it is your turn to ask the questions.  Come prepared to participate, listen and enjoy yourself.  After the program, both Washington and Jefferson will be available for further questions and photographs during the reception.

 

To learn more about the event, Click Here 

.

 

Information:

Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Program begins at 6:30 PM)

Location: Pyramid Club

               1735 Market Street

               Philadelphia, PA 19103

Parking: The Pyramid Club offers discounted parking at both Crown Plaza Hotel on 18th and Market Street  and Xpert Garage at 1700 Market  Street. Crown Plaza offers Valet Service while Xpert Garage is Self Park. 

Business Attire is Required

 

Cost to attend the program:

$15 for members

$25 for General Public

*Cash Bar will be available during the reception

 

To Register for this Program, Click Here 

 

  .

 
Speaker Series - December 20, 2011

Cordelia Frances Biddle: Finding Inspiration in the

People and Places of Philadelphia 

 

Imagine taking a stroll in 19th century Philadelphia, walking along the slick grey cobblestones lit only by feeble, flickering gaslights. Brick buildings line the streets and the sounds of horses and carriages surround you.  This is the world of Martha Beale, a 19th century fictional character, but it is also the world of her creator Cordelia Frances Biddle, local author. 

 

Ms. Biddle, whose family was among the earliest residents of our city, is a native Philadelphian and a long time resident of Society Hill.  Her books (The Conjurer, Deception's Daughter and Without Fear), feature Martha Beale, a member of a prominent Philadelphia family, and are inspired by her Biddle and Drexel ancestors.  Ms. Biddle, who writes about a time when poverty, vast wealth, murder, spiritualism, etc. lived side by side in what was known as the "Athens of America", is haunted by the history of Philadelphia that surrounds her every day on her walks through her neighborhood.

 

The Friends of Independence invites you to join us as we welcome Cordelia Frances Biddle as our December Speaker.  Come discover the world of Martha Beale and the fascinating research that went into creating this storyline.  Ms. Biddle will present how she researched 19th century Philadelphia through the vast sources of information available to the public, as well as her own private research into members of her family.

 

Participants are welcome to bring their copies of Ms. Biddle's books for her to sign after the program.

 

Time: 7:00 to 8:00 PM      

Where: Second Bank of the United States

            420 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19106

 Cost: Members $7.00, General Public $12.00

*Seating is limited. 

                 Advance Registration is required*                        

                                                                    

To learn more and to register, Click Here 

 

 


 

When was the last time you said "Hi" to the Liberty Bell?

 

Do you remember the last time you came to Independence National Historical Park to see the Liberty Bell?  Maybe it was on a class trip and you had your picture taken with it, maybe it was when out of town visitors wanted to see it and you waited in the car for them, or maybe it was when you could walk through the front doors of Independence Hall, past the Assembly Room and give it a pat for luck as you watched out the back entrance.  No matter when you last saw the Liberty Bell, isn't it time for another visit?

 

The Liberty Bell Center is not just a building that houses the Liberty Bell, it is a museum dedicated to this iconic symbol of freedom. Learn about how the image of the bell has been used in civil rights movements, discover the many freedom fighters who have come to pay homage to the symbol and even learn about a house that had a room devoted to the very image of the Liberty Bell.

 

There is so much more to see and learn at the Liberty Bell Center and of course, the Liberty Bell is here, offering the best photographic views.  The center is open daily 9 am to 5 pm, with no tickets required. 

 

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Friends of Independence National Historical Park
143 S. 3rd Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
215-861-4971