- Carmen
- First Reviewer
- 4 out of 5
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Editor Pick
Independence Hall
- November 22, 2007
- Rated 5 of 5 by
CHIBulldog09 from New Haven, Connecticut
Known at the time as the Pennsylvania State House, and now known simply as Independence Hall, the building and surrounding national park in downtown Philadelphia offers a breathtaking and remarkable look back on the founding moments of our nation.
It is amazing to consider what actually took place in Independence Hall -- both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated here, with many of our nation's founding fathers voicing their opinions and views that would ultimately lead to the legendary documents. Even the most casual of Americans should take a moment to go through the building -- it can be quick, and its hard to not be impressed.
The building itself is in remarkably good condition. There are several areas in the building, including the seat of the court, the room where the Declaration was debated, and the reception room upstairs. All have been restored with replica furniture by the National Park Service to what it likely looked at during the time period. Next door to Independence Hall itself, but still part of the Independence Hall complex and within the secured area, is the building where the Congress met during the period before Washington, D.C. was completed. In another building in the secured area you will find draft copies (original, but not signed) of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
The entire complex is run by the National Park Service. Pictures are allowed, except when around the charter documents. For the three buildings, keep the following in mind:
- For Independence Hall, you need to obtain tickets from the National Park Service's Visitors Center nearby. The tickets are free, but they are for a specific time, so plan ahead. It is highly advisable to go early in the morning, especially during peak tourist season. The tickets are for a tour of Independence Hall run by a Park Ranger -- I found it highly informative and worthwhile. You can't get into Independence Hall without a tour guide.
- The Congress Hall is inside the secured area and only accessible by tour, however the tours, which launch every twenty minutes, do not require tickets. I found it worthwhile, but certainly not as interesting as Independence Hall
- Finally, the building with draft copies of the Charter documents has no tours and no tickets necessary. There are always Park Rangers inside talking about the significance of what you are looking at, but you can enter and leave at any time.
It goes without saying that this is one of the most significant historical sites in Philadelphia, and should not be missed. It is easily accessible from most of the downtown area, and is not hard to find. Very Highly Recommended.
From journal 24 Hours in Philadelphia
Independence Hall
- January 7, 2007
- Rated 5 of 5 by
bschwimmer from long beach, New York
A must Do and See when one is in Philadelphia. It was at this Hall our Nation's Independence was founded from Great Britain, the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
It was also in this Hall that the framework for our National Government was founded and our US Constitution was written.
From journal Weekend Getaway in Philadelphia
Independence Hall
- April 9, 2006
- Rated 2 of 5 by
BabylonExodus from New York, New York
Independence Hall houses the most enduring symbol of Philadelphia and one of our country's most important symbols, the Liberty Bell. This 1½-ton bell rang from the top the hall on July 8th, 1776, to summon Philadelphians to the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Due to its famous crack, the bell can no longer be ringed without damaging it. It is worth the trip to see this enduring symbol of the ideal of freedom that we should all be striving for as Americans.
From journal Philadelphia Story
Editor Pick
Independence Hall and Liberty Bell
- January 23, 2006
- Rated 3 of 5 by
ActSpacey from Longmeadow, Massachusetts
You can’t go to Philadelphia without a visit to the Liberty Bell. I’m not really sure why we’re all so drawn to this bell and all it symbolizes, but even my 8-year-old was impressed by it.
Due to the extra security precautions since 9/11, the area around the Liberty Bell is cordoned off, and you must pass through airport-like security in order to get in. Normally the Park Service provides timed tickets. You wait in line at the visitor center to get a ticket and then arrive at the pavilion to wait in line to get through security, see the bell, and take the tour of Independence Hall.
Since we were there on Veteran’s Day, they weren’t using the tickets. We were lucky and the line wasn’t too bad.
The Independence Hall tour can be a bit challenging for younger children. The tour consists primarily of listening to the guide tell the history of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitutional Convention. However, there’s not that much to see. Sam (8) found it hard to listen for that long without a changing view.
From journal Veteran's Day Weekend in Philadelphia
Independence Hall
- November 10, 2005
- Rated 4 of 5 by
hottice2nicky from scranton, Pennsylvania
Like I stated above, it is great to see. I loved the furnishing of the older period pieces. The "Rising Sun" chair used by George Washington as he presided over the Constitutional Convention is original. It is so exciting to actually see the objects and to hear the tour guide explain every little detail.
From journal Independence National Historical Park