Historic Philadelphia Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

Next up: the Liberty Bell! We'll learn about what makes this bell iconic -- and what makes it so susceptible to cracks! As we explore its history and majesty, we'll also explore it's significance in later years as Americans fought for their freedom from slavery, for equal voting rights, and for true liberty.

Our trip jumps us back in time a bit -- to the birth of the American flag! The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution often overshadow this historic home but it's legacy is far more visible today! We'll learn all about Betsy Ross and her fateful meeting with George Washington one morning during Sunday service at Christ Church.

Embark on this journey into America's past at Philadelphia's City Hall! As we make our way into the heart of Historic Philly, we'll dive into 1700s to explore the foundations of the Revolutionary War. George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and other Founding Fathers had deep roots in Philadelphia, as we'll quickly discover. Then we'll We'll explore the events that led up to the revolt, including the catalyst: the Tea Tax.

We're finally at Independence Hall, the birthplace of America. This is where the First Continental Congress unified the colonial states into one entity, working together. This is where military revolts and battles against the British were planned. This is also where the Second Continental Congress took place, when votes were gathered from across all the colonies. Ultimately, this is where the Declaration of Independence, and America, was brought to life. As we walk around this historic hall, we'll learn about additional American figures like John Hancock, Patrick Henry, and John Adams, and their contributions to the new nation. We'll also understand what this Independence Hall represented to colonial Americans -- and what it represents to modern Americans today. We'll also check out George Washington's statue out front, and dive into his backstory.

Then we'll head over to Ben Franklin's museum. This historic statesman figures heavily in America's past -- and we'll learn why. As we walk through the museum we'll also peel back the layers of his personality, learning about his vast store of knowledge and huge diversity of interests. Then, we'll jump to the anti-hero to Franklin's hero: the traitor Benedict Arnold. As we continue to walk, we'll learn all about what Arnold planned to do -- and how.

Next up, the very first White House! We'll explore the original presidental home of George Washington and then of John Adams. Here, we'll be able to dive into the history of the presidents' lives and better understand life during the colonia era.

Then we'll head over to another unique historic home: the Graff House. This is where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, and where Ben Franklin helped him edit it. Walk in the footsteps of these earliest inklings of American freedom as you pass by this site! Plus, we'll take this opportunity to learn about Thomas Jefferson, and understand his life and contributions towards American independence.

Philadelphia's history may be all about independence and freedom, but that didn't apply to African-Americans! As we pass this wonderful museum, we'll continue to explore slavery and it's impact of early America. We'll also learn about the historic contributions of African-Americans like Crispus Attucks and others.

Our journey into America's past then brings us to Franklin Square, where we can rest up and catch up on everything else that Ben Franklin did -- other than driving independence of course! We'll learn about his many book, ideas, and of course... experiments!

That brings us to this gigantic memorial to Franklin's most beloved discovery -- electricity! Here we'll explore what exactly Ben Franklin was discovering, why he wanted to try, and how exactly he planned to do it!

Next up, we'll pass by the National Constituion Center. Just like with the Declaration of Independence, we'll learn about how the colonists gathered here in Philadelphia to formalize their union into a concrete nation: the United States of America. We'll explore how American citizens' most fundamental rights were guaranteed, laying the basis for the American society today.

Our walk then brings us to the Mint! We'll learn about the gold and silver coins that formed the basis of the early American economy... and about the copper, nickel, and paper that makes our money today!

We'll walk by Benjamin Franklin's grave and learn about an important part his legacy: the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania. We'll dicover how UPenn represented Franklin's ideals for the young nation's next generation and about how his legacy continues to shine through Philadelphia today.

This brings us to Elfreth's Alley, the modern Instagram hot-spot of Philly and the historic origins of this great city. As the very first downtown, Elfreth's seen generations of changes... but has remained as quaint and colonial as ever!

We'll then walk over to historic Christ Church, where George Washington, Betsy Ross, and plenty of other American revolutionaries worshipped. We'll pass by the Church, diving into it's historical significance and admiring it's soaring architecture.

That brings us to the Museum of the American Revolution! Our journey ends near here, allowing you the opportunity to step inside if you didn't get quite enough revolutionary history already!