Friends of Independence
 

 

February  2014

 
In This Issue
Artifact Night
Free Park Programs
Speaker Series February
Young Friends
Benjamin Franklin
 
Member-Only Program
Artifact Night
 
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
 
Rising sun Chair   

Join the Friends of Independence and Independence National Historical Park's head curator, Karie Diethorn, as we explore two artifacts that are always on display for the public, but rarely ever seen up close. On March 12th for our 3rd Annual Member-only Artifact Night, we will be discussing the Pennsylvania Coat of Arms painting that hangs in the Court Room of Independence Hall and the newly restored Rising Sun Chair in the Assembly Room of Independence Hall.
 

The presentation will feature the Coat of Arms, from its fascinating history to its need for restoration and preservation. We will discuss the aging condition of the painting over time and how, through the conservation process, we will be able to protect the painting in the future. Also, as part of our talk on the conservation of artifacts, we will take an up close look at the Rising Sun Chair, which just recently went through its own conservation procedure.
  
To register, Click Here
 
  
  
  
  
 
Free Park Programs
  

 

 

 The Underground Railroad in Philadelphia

 

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Philadelphia was an important stop on the Underground Railroad. Learn more about the people and places connected to this important era in Black history during this 30 minute slide program at the Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank at 4:00, Saturday and Sundays in February

 

The Many Faces of

 George Washington

 

Celebrate Presidents Day weekend and George Washington's Birthday with this special tour of the many portraits of Washington. The Portrait Gallery also features a portrait of Martha Washington and his many friends and comrades. Join a Park Ranger to see the generals, diplomats and congressmen he knew. 3:00 at the Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank on February 15th and 16th.

 

 

African American Soldiers in the American Revolution 

 

Join former park ranger and local historian Joe Becton in this one-hour program as he presents the compelling story of African Americans who fought in the American Revolution - some for the cause of independence and others for the British.

 

Hear about the brave deeds of the First Rhode Island Regiment, a nearly all-black military unit. Learn of the impact of Lord Dunmore's Proclamation of 1775 which promised freedom for American enslaved men who escaped to join the British Army.

 

Independence Visitor Center, corner of 6th and Market Streets Times: 11:00-12:00 and 2:00-3:00. on February 16th.

 

 

 

 

 

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Friends of Independence National Historical Park
143 S. 3rd Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
215-861-4971
Speaker Series - February 19, 2014
    

Portrait of an Artist: Francis Hopkinson

Presented by Parker Kitterman, John Hopkins

 and Ben Perkins

 

Francis Hopkinson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a lawyer, judge, artist, writer, and musician was an organist at Christ Church. He published the first non- religious song in America called My Days Have Been So Wondrous Free. He also wrote and published America's first opera called Temple of Minerva. Join us at Christ Church for an historical account of his life interspersed with organ and vocal music and view the recently conserved Francis Hopkinson "Collection of Psalm Tunes" and other archival items from his time as vestryman and warden of Christ Church. Parker Kitterman, Director of Music at Christ Church, John Hopkins, Christ Church Burial Ground Coordinator, and tenor Ben Perkins will provide music and commentary at the event.

 

Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Christ Church in Philadelphia

 20 N. American Street

                Philadelphia, PA 19106

Cost: FINHP Members $10.00

         Parishioners of Christ Church $10.00

        General Public $15.00

 

 Advance Registration is required*                        

                                                                    

For more information, Click Here

To REGISTER,  Click Here 

 

 

 
Love Through the Ages
 

  

A festive night of Valentine's Day fun. Courting and dating and all things love through centuries.  Brought to you by the Young Friends of Independence National Historical Park in partnership with American Historical Theater

 

This event is open to Couples, Singles looking to Mingle and anyone who is interested in celebrating the season of love.

 

 

Information:

     Date: Thursday, February 20, 2014

     Location: The Field House

1150 Filbert Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
2nd Floor
     Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
 
For Information and to Register, Click Here
  
 

Benjamin Franklin turned 308 on January 17, and Independence National Historical Park

led the celebration!

 

In honor of the occasion, our friends at Visit Philadelphia partnered with the park to provide free access to the Benjamin Franklin Museum for

Image courtesy of

Independence NHP.

all visitors from January 17 through January 19.  Thanks to this promotion, 3,500 visitors came to see the new museum and learn about his life and accomplishments.  What a great turn-out!

 

As in previous years, the group "Celebration! Benjamin Franklin, Founder" organized a series of exceptional events to mark the occasion of his birthday. These included lectures on Observing the Natural World, a luncheon honoring noted environmental biologist and keynote speaker  Dr. E. O. Wilson, and a procession that started from Library Hall of the American Philosophical Society (founded by Franklin) up 5th Street to Franklin's grave in Christ Church cemetery.

 

A series of park programs offered visitors yet more opportunities to get to know Ben Franklin. On January 17, visitors to the Benjamin Franklin Museum had a chance to hear Park Ranger Tom Degnan perform on the Glass Armonica, a musical instrument invented by Franklin.  Throughout the weekend, park rangers led a special tour of the Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank of the United States, exploring Franklin's many portraits on display to see what they tell us about this great man.  Finally, the park celebrated the fact that Philadelphia was a printing and publishing center in the 18th and 19th century thanks to the contributions of two unique men born a century apart: Benjamin Franklin and Edgar Allan Poe. A slide program in the Second Bank of the United States celebrated both of their January birthdays and their contributions to American culture.

 

Thanks to all our partners for making this year's Ben's Birthday Bash a great success. Huzzah!