Friends of Independence
 


September  2013

  
In This Issue
Grand Opening
Free Programs
Speaker Series
Building of the Year
Young Friends of Independence
 

Have you bought your ticket for the Grand Opening Reception of the

Benjamin Franklin Museum

 

 

On September 19th, we will be celebrating the Grand Opening of the newly renovated Benjamin Franklin Museum with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception.

 

This will be your chance to experience the museum as never before and to give thanks to the funders who helped make it all possible.

 

 

For more information, Click Here

 

   

 

Free Programs Happening

at the Park

   

 

 The British Occupation of Philadelphia

Saturdays and Sundays in September (beginning 9/7) at the Portrait

Gallery in the Second Bank of the U.S.

 

 On the morning of September 26th, 1777, Philadelphians awoke to the sound of fifes and drums playing the familiar tune "God save the King," the British army had arrived. Join a park ranger for a slide show and hear the stories of the officers, the soldiers, and the civilians as the British army occupied the former United States capital from September 1777 to June 1778. (1 hour)

 

 

Celebrating Constitution Day - "What Were They Thinking?

September 15 , 2013 

  

 Join (actors portraying) Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton as they debate the role of government (as they saw it) in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries under the brand new United States Constitution. Congress Hall 1:00-2:00

 

 

Official Grand Opening Ceremonies for the Benjamin Franklin Museum

September 20 , 2013

 

The Battle of Germantown: the Story of Two Generals and Two Houses

October 5th & 6th  and 12th &13th at 3:00 -  Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank of the U.S. 

 

In October, 1777 at the Battle of Germantown two opposing generals fought over Philadelphia. British General William Howe and his American opponent George Washington. This important battle helped convince France to join the young United States in the war. By a strange twist of fate both George Washington and William Howe would live in the same two houses in Philadelphia- Howe during the war and Washington as our first President. Join a park ranger for a slide show to learn more about the battle and the two generals in charge and their strange connection to a local home. (30 min)

 

 

 
Are you a Member of the Friends of Independence
If you aren't,
you are missing out! 
  
Friends members receive great benefits for supporting Independence National Historical Park, like Behind the Scenes tours of our fabulous, rich with history buildings, discussions with Curators on the many artifacts located through out the park and so much more!
  
If you love this national park, believe that this is the place where America was born or treat the park like it is your backyard, then show your support and become a member.
  
Your membership donations go to projects in the park, such as maintenance of our gardens, acquisition of artifacts for our collections and free educational tours. 
  
We can not do it with out your help so please,
  
support the group
that supports the
Best Park in History!
  
  
  
Speaker Series - September 18, 2013 
The Bartram Family--Plant Collectors and Naturalists in
18th century North America
      Presented by Joel T. Fry

 

John Bartram and his son William Bartram were unique figures in 18th century America, homegrown natural scientists and practical gardeners. Four generations of Bartrams lived and worked at the family garden from 1728-1850, and made their livelihood by the exchange of plants and natural history specimens with the world. Bartram's Garden became a gathering point in Philadelphia for scientists, artists, gardeners, and the curious.  
 
This talk will trace the careers of John Bartram and his son William, their travels in North America, and their impact on international science. It will also look at the history of the Bartram family garden, and its influence on horticulture at home and abroad. 

 

About the speaker:

Joel T. Fry has served as curator for Bartram's Garden, the home of John and William Bartram in Philadelphia, PA, since 1992. He first became involved in archaeological research at Bartram's Garden in 1975, and has participated in a number of archaeological and historic research projects at the garden site since. He studied anthropology, historical archaeology, and American Civilization at the University of Pennsylvania, and has written extensively on the history of Bartram's Garden and the Bartram family plant collections.

 

Information:

Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2013 

Time: 7:00 PM  (Doors open at 6:30 pm) 

Location: Second Bank of the United States of America (420 Chestnut  Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106)

Cost: $10 for Members, $15 for General Public

  

 

To Register, Click Here

 

Also don't forget, if you are a member you have till September 17th to register for all of our Speaker Programs for a discounted price,  Click Here for more information

Building of the Year : Member-only program
Washinton Square MonumentThe Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

In our 5th year of offering this fantastic program  that gives our members an exclusive look at the buildings that make up our national park, we are proud to offer a look at the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial.
  
As the smallest unit site in the entire National Park Service, this site offers an extensive look at our favorite Polish freedom fighter, Thaddeus Kosciuszko.  Come learn about the man who fought for America's freedom next to General Washington and his connections to notable figures of the Revolutionary War.
  
This program will be led by a Park Ranger from our Interpretation and Education division and the curator responsible for acquiring the artifacts that are on display.
  
Program Information:
Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Time: 6:00 pm
Location:  Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
                   3rd and Pine Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19106
  
Young Friends of Independence
Upcoming Events
 

Quizzo with Friends -

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

 

Back for a second time, the Young Friends of Independence are hosting their ever popular Quizzo with Friends night.  A Happy Hour full of fun trivia and prizes.  Build your team with your most knowledgeable friends and try to beat out the other teams for a fantastic prize. 

 

Register Now and be apart of the Fun

 

 

Save the Date

The Dark Side of Philadelphia History

 

In celebration of our 1 year anniversary, the Young Friends of Independence are hosting a party that will be sure to give you goosebumps!

 

Philadelphia has seen its share of sordid events in its time and on October 4th, we will be bringing a few of them back for the night.  From British Soldiers to Edgar Allan Poe, it will be sure to be a night that you won't forget!

 

More information to follow soon but save the date now, because you don't want to miss an event of this magnitude. 


The event will be open to all ages not just our Young Friends

  

Opera on the Mall

 

Click Here to register for Free Tickets

  
  
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Contact Us

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