Independence Historical Trust

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Independence Historical Trust Did you know that we are the first Friends Group in the history of the National Park Service? What an honor!

We're proud to have received an innovation grant from the National Park Foundation!In partnership with Independence NHP,...
10/20/2026

We're proud to have received an innovation grant from the National Park Foundation!

In partnership with Independence NHP, Edgar Allan Poe NHS & Thaddeus Kosciuszko NM, we are establishing a Unmanned Aircraft System program that will strengthen public safety, emergency response, situational awareness, and the protection of nationally significant historic resources.

This program will support the park during large events and emergencies and enable staff to more easily inspect roofs and hard-to-reach features of the park’s historic buildings and unique urban environment.

Read the full NPF Innovation Grant Press Release here: https://www.nationalparks.org/news-and-updates/press-releases/national-park-foundation-doubles-support-for-innovation-across-the-national-park-system-with-additional-12-million-investment

Join us on Saturday, October 24, for Howl-o-ween, a special edition of our B.A.R.K. Ranger program! Dress your four-legg...
10/19/2026

Join us on Saturday, October 24, for Howl-o-ween, a special edition of our B.A.R.K. Ranger program! Dress your four-legged friend in their Halloween best, meet fellow dog lovers, and help your pup take the oath to become an official B.A.R.K. Ranger! 🐶 Refreshments for humans and special treats for dogs will be available.

📅 Saturday, October 24

⏰ 8–9 AM

📍 Pemberton House Garden, off Chestnut Street between 3rd and 4th streets

🎟️ Free to attend

Plan your visit and learn more at inht.org

🍂 Make a weekend of fall fun in Philadelphia!From a classic Halloween movie under the stars to trick-or-treating through...
10/15/2026

🍂 Make a weekend of fall fun in Philadelphia!

From a classic Halloween movie under the stars to trick-or-treating through historic Philadelphia, there’s plenty to enjoy this weekend!

This Friday, October 16, gather on Independence Mall for a free outdoor screening of the Halloween classic Hocus Pocus. Bring a blanket, grab some snacks, and settle in for a spooky night under the stars 🎬🍿

On Sunday, October 18, join us for Halloween in the Historic District! Bring the whole family for a day of Halloween fun! Start at the Independence Visitor Center to pick up a treat bag and map, then explore participating organizations throughout the Historic District for special activities, programs, and candy 🎃👻

Learn more and plan your visit at inht.org

Take a walk through Independence National Historical Park and discover the places where pivotal moments in American hist...
10/14/2026

Take a walk through Independence National Historical Park and discover the places where pivotal moments in American history unfolded. From Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell to the historic streets and green spaces of the district, there’s plenty to see, learn, and experience.

Join Independence Historical Trust and our partners from Old City District, Old City Green, and the City of Philadelphia...
10/13/2026

Join Independence Historical Trust and our partners from Old City District, Old City Green, and the City of Philadelphia as we celebrate the completion of the Commerce Connector, a revitalization project that transformed an under-utilized alleyway into an inviting pedestrian walkway, linking historic sites and cultural institutions.

🗓️ Tuesday, October 20th
🕐 11:00 am
📍 Commerce Street Walk (4th Street btwn Market & Arch Streets)

Learn more at inht.org

🎃 Trick-or-treat through Philadelphia’s Historic District!Make a day of Halloween with the whole family on October 18 as...
10/11/2026

🎃 Trick-or-treat through Philadelphia’s Historic District!

Make a day of Halloween with the whole family on October 18 as you explore the Historic District and collect treats along the way. Start your adventure at the Independence Visitor Center, where trick-or-treaters can pick up a treat bag and map highlighting participating organizations throughout the district.

Follow the map to discover special Halloween events, family-friendly activities, and plenty of candy along the way! 🍬👻

Take a moment to slow down and reconnect this World Mental Health Day.Located in the heart of the city, the Benjamin Rus...
10/10/2026

Take a moment to slow down and reconnect this World Mental Health Day.

Located in the heart of the city, the Benjamin Rush Garden offers a quiet place to pause, take a breath, and enjoy a little time outdoors. Whether you’re taking a walk, sitting among the greenery, or simply stepping away from the everyday, spending a few moments in nature can be a meaningful way to make space for reflection and self-care.

Grab your blankets, lawn chairs, and favorite movie snacks and join us on October 16 at Independence Mall for an outdoor...
10/09/2026

Grab your blankets, lawn chairs, and favorite movie snacks and join us on October 16 at Independence Mall for an outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus!

Before the movie, enjoy an evening of family-friendly fun with 18th-century games, arts and crafts, Park Ranger programs, and more. Pre-show activities begin at 5:30pm, so come early and make an evening of it!

Refreshments and beverages will also be available from Liberty B**r Garden

Advance registration is encouraged, but walk-ups are welcome. See you on Independence Mall for a spooky night under the stars! 🌙🎥

On this day, we remember Edgar Allan Poe, one of America’s most celebrated writers of mystery, horror, and the macabre 🐦...
10/07/2026

On this day, we remember Edgar Allan Poe, one of America’s most celebrated writers of mystery, horror, and the macabre 🐦‍⬛

Though Poe’s life was cut short at just 40 years old, his time in Philadelphia left a lasting mark on his literary legacy. During his years in the city, Poe wrote some of his most famous works, including “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.”

Philadelphia is also home the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, the only surviving residence where Poe lived that is open to the public. Learn more about the writer, his work, and his time in the city at nps.gov/edal and don't miss out on the 52 Weeks of Firsts Firstival celebrating the First Modern Detective Story on October 31st 🔎

There are many ways to support Independence Historical Trust and the work we do throughout Independence National Histori...
10/05/2026

There are many ways to support Independence Historical Trust and the work we do throughout Independence National Historical Park.

From preservation projects and public programs to volunteer initiatives and visitor experiences, your support helps keep these historic spaces cared for, accessible, and meaningful for future generations.

Visit inht.org to learn more about the Trust and how you can get involved.

Address

143 S 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA
19106

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+12158614971

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