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Summer 2012
In This Issue
Flag Day 2012
Writing Enrichment Program
July 4th at Independence
New Staff to the Park
Friends of Independence
September Programs

 

Flag Day 2012

Flag Day 2012
First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry assembles in front of Independence Hall

   

To commemorate the birth of the United States Army along with the first flying of the American flag above Independence Hall, Independence National Historical Park played host to a Flag Day celebration honoring our nation's history.

 

The event was made possible through a combined effort of the National Park Service, National Constitution Center, Philadelphia Flag Day Association, United States Army, Pennsylvania National Guard, and the City of Philadelphia.

 

The celebration kicked off at the National Constitution Center with a ceremonial flag raising, followed by a march down Independence Mall by dignitaries and reenactors, as well as historical and modern Army units. Participants in the ceremony included a Medal of Honor Recipient, Tuskegee Airmen, and Pearl Harbor survivors.

 

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Independence NHP Hosts Writing Enrichment Program

 

Monday, July 16, 2012, marked the beginning of an exciting new experience for 20 teens who gathered in one of Independence National Historical Park's interactive classrooms for the kick-off of a 2 week long summer writing enrichment program called Project Write.

 

The program's theme for the two weeks was "Inspire Me! The Power of Words" and it operated under the motto: "Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write." Over the course of the program, eager students explored all types of writing, from blogs to academic essays to short stories, through interactive and engaging projects and activities that were deeply seeded in Philadelphia's rich history, stories, and current issues.

  

"We designed the writing enrichment program to focus on Philadelphia stories from the 18th century, like the yellow fever epidemic of 1793, as well as current issues still relevant to Philadelphians today, such as the Occupy Philly movement," said Park Ranger Renee Albertoli, leader of the program. "We covered the stories of Philadelphia's past and connected it to Philadelphia today."

 

Among other activities, students participated in a daily journaling session. Two entries were selected each day to be posted on the program's blog. Students also tweeted about their experiences every day and worked towards producing a complete literary magazine and several video postcards.

 

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friends of Independence National Historical Park

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National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

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The National Park service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage

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Independence National Historical Park
143 S. Third Street

Philadelphia, PA 19106

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Comments? Write to:

Jane Cowley, INHP
Public Affairs Officer
143 S. Third Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Phone: (215) 597-0060
Fax: (215) 597- 0042
Email: [email protected]

U.S.Department of the Interior
NPS Photographers
Park Staff
Carol Feeley Photography

  Independence NHP Celebrates

the 4th of July 2012

 

 

 

Let Freedom Ring
Let Freedom Ring

 Since 1776, the grounds around Independence Hall have witnessed revolutions, rallies and protests, many of which have taken place on various Fourths of July. From Frederick Douglass in 1844 to Susan B. Anthony in 1876 to the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition more recently, individuals and groups have used the symbolic power of this iconic place - and the power of this date - to make their point.

 

 

Freedom Week 2012 was a celebration of that tradition. Peter Nero and the Philly Pops rang in the holiday with another spectacular performance in front of Independence Hall on the evening of July 3 attended by thousands of visitors. This annual event is fast becoming the most popular Freedom Week event within the park.

 

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INHP Welcomes New Staff

 

Independence National Historical Park welcomed a number of new additions to our staff over the past few months.

 

Paula Risell, formerly Chief of Law Enforcement Operations, is now the new Administrative Officer. INHP also welcomed Josh Heise as IPM Coordinator, Frank Dorsey as Carpenter, James Snell as Gardener, David Hamby as Facility Manager for Grounds, Motor Pool, and Custodial Operations, and Arnold Mapp as Supervisory Inventory Management Specialist 

 

 Employee Spotlight

Toni Horton  

Tonia Horton has joined Independence National Historical Park as the Supervisory P roject Manager.

While she grew up in the mountains of Southwestern Virginia, Horton has quite the "traveling gene," having criss-crossed the country three times for education and work. Despite her nationwide experience, Horton is looking forward to settling into the fast-paced, urban lifestyle of Philadelphia and the park.

 

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History in the Making

 

In honor of their 40th Anniversary, the Friends of Independence will enjoy a night of celebration, history, and reflection at a Gala Celebration on Thursday, October 11th.

Hosted in the heart of Historic Philadelphia, guests will have a rare opportunity to tour the First Bank of the United States. Guests will also see the future site of the American Revolution Center (the former Independence Living History Center) and enjoy the majesty of the historic Merchant's Exchange Building.

 

The Friends will welcome a variety of dignitaries and VIP guests at this celebration in America's most historic square mile.

  

The gala will honor Addie-Lou and Hobie Cawood. Addie-Lou was a founding member of the Friends in 1972, while her husband Hobie retired as the longest serving superintendent in the history of Independence National Historical Park. Their commitment to excellence and dedication to the visitor experience can still be seen in park operations today.

 

All proceeds raised by the Friends from the gala will be used to support the programs and activities of Independence National Historical Park. For more information and tickets, please visit www.friendsofindependence.org or call 215-861-4971.

 

  
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™

 

September Programs

 

Hours of Operation

 

Summer hours will continue through September 3rd. Starting September 4th, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center will remain open until 6:00 PM on weekends (closing at 5:00 PM during the week). The Independence Visitor Center will be open until 6:00 PM daily.

  

 

Special Events

  

 

 

"The 150th Anniversary of 'Camp Independence'" - Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Camp Independence, a Civil War recruiting station established in the Fall of 1862. The commemoration will include a performance by a Civil War band and living history Civil War programs. 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the South side of Independence Hall, September 8th and 9th. 

 

 

 

"Constitution Weekend" - Join INHP September 15 through September 17 to celebrate the 225th anniversary of the Constitution with a variety of interpretive programs and family activities. Details will be posted on the park website at www.nps.gov/inde. Want to follow along now as the Constitutional Convention makes history? Check out "This Day in Constitutional Convention History" at http://www.nps.gov/inde/historyculture/stories.htm

 

 

 

"The British Occupation of Philadelphia" - Join a Park Ranger for this one-hour walking tour and explore what it was like when British forces occupied the city in late September for nine months. Meet at the arbor in the Franklin Court courtyard at 2:00 PM, September 22nd, 23rd, 29th, and 30th. 

 

 

 

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