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Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia

4.8 (1120)
Philadelphia, US
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Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia

4.8 (1120)
Philadelphia, US
Share
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Discover the rich history of Philadelphia on the Revolution and the Founders: History Tour. This captivating tour takes you to iconic landmarks such as The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the homes of George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. You'll also visit the sites of numerous Founding Fathers, including Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Madison, Monroe, and more. Every guide on this tour has a history degree, ensuring that you'll receive a thorough and engaging experience. Learn about the creation of The Liberty Bell and its significance to American independence. Explore Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and adopted. Marvel at the first "White House," where Presidents Washington and Adams once served. As you journey through the city, you'll gain a deep understanding of the remarkable individuals who shaped American history. Book this tour now and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the American Revolution.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • 2 hours
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Visit the iconic Liberty Bell
  • Explore Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and adopted
  • See America's first "White House" where George Washington and John Adams served as presidents
  • Learn about the historic Congress Hall, where presidential inaugurations took place
  • Discover the life and times of Benjamin Franklin at Franklin Court
  • Runs every morning and every afternoon rain or shine
  • Short 2-hour introduction to historic Philadelphia with a historian to walk with and orient you
  • Every Guide Has a History Degree
  • Essential tour of Revolutionary Philadelphia historic sites and highlights
  • Liberty Bell, Franklin; Sightseeing- best of Phila for first-time-visitors
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)
  • Gratuities
  • Independence Hall Timed Tickets (2hrs/free of charge)
  • Interior of Liberty Bell Pavilion (1 hr/free of charge)

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction:

Welcome to the Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia! Immerse yourself in the rich history of America on this captivating tour that takes you through the iconic landmarks of Philadelphia. Explore the birthplace of American democracy as you visit The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the homes of famous Founding Fathers such as George Washington and Alexander Hamilton.

What to expect?

Prepare to be transported back in time as you delve into the stories and events that shaped the nation. With a total duration of 120 minutes, this tour guarantees an in-depth experience that covers all the essential highlights. From learning about the creation of The Liberty Bell and its iconic inscription to exploring the building where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and adopted, you'll gain a deep understanding of the foundation of American democracy.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, patriots, and anyone eager to uncover the untold tales of America's founding. Whether you're a local looking to rediscover the charm of your city or a visitor craving a historical adventure, this tour is tailored to satisfy your curiosity. Our guides, each equipped with a history degree, ensure that the tour is informative and engaging for all age groups.

Why book this?

Through this tour, you'll have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers and witness firsthand the birthplace of American independence. The experienced guides will bring history to life, sharing intriguing stories and providing unique insights into the lives of these legendary figures. By going beyond the surface-level facts, this tour offers a deeper understanding of the values and ideals that built the nation.

Good to know

For those planning to join this tour, it's important to note that the meeting point is located just outside the Market Street doors of the Independence Visitor Center. The tour covers multiple locations, so wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Be prepared for a journey through time and immerse yourself in the captivating stories of the Revolution and the Founders.

Reviews

Participants of this tour have raved about the knowledgeable guides who effortlessly weave together historical facts and anecdotes, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. Many have praised the comprehensive itinerary that covers major landmarks while still allowing time for exploration. Overall, visitors have left feeling inspired and with a newfound appreciation for the pivotal role Philadelphia played in shaping American history.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Liberty Bell Center

(Pass by)

Come with us as we visit The Liberty Bell, perhaps the most famous symbol of American Liberty in the National Historic Park. Peak tourist season can often see lines of destination seekers stretched well around the corner for this monumental icon of American Independence taking close to one hour to traverse. Our historians give to you all of the essentials of The Liberty Bell’s creation and formation in to an icon of liberty from the exterior of the Liberty Bell pavilion, with clear and detailed directions to enter the interior should you choose to invest the additional hour on return. Commissioned in 1752 the bell cracked on its initial test ring and was re-casted two years later by local workman John Pass and John Stow with the lettering, "Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof," a quote from the King James Bible referring to the jubilee when enslaved persons were freed and debts forgiven every fifty years.

Independence Hall

(Pass by)

We will visit Independence Hall: the building where both the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted. An essential icon of American democracy and founding of These United States the Independence Hall complex is a bastion of tourism and requires (free) timed entry passes and a recommended two hours additional time for exploration of the center of the complex’s interior chambers. We keep your tour moving quickly, to give you the best, most important essential highlights and significant points of the structure including clear and simple instruction on traversing the complex further on return should you choose. Subject to crowds and closures we pit-stop quickly inside of the East Wing of the Independence Hall Complex: the very oldest and most historic part of the structure: which served as The Supreme Court Chambers while Philadelphia was our nation’s capital.

The President's House

(Pass by)

We will visit America's first "White House" where President's George Washington and John Adams both served tenure when Philadelphia was capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800. Foreign dignitaries and members of congress and senate frequented The President House for official and unofficial business. Benedict Arnold lived also in the structure as Military Governor in Philadelphia after the British evacuation of the city during the American War for Independence.

Congress Hall

(Pass by)

We will visit Congress Hall, a historic structure which hosted two presidential inaugurations (Washington and Adams) and was the home of U.S. Congress from 1790 to 1800, when Philadelphia was the capital of the United States.

Franklin Court

(Pass by)

We will visit Franklin Court, a complex of museums, structures, and historic sites within Independence National Historical Park, and home to Benjamin Franklin during his tenure in the Constitutional Convention. We will discuss there the life and times of one of America's most prolific individual's and statesman (Benjamin Franklin) who when contemplating revolution against the British crown said, "Gentleman we must hang together, or surely we will all hang separately."

New Hall Military Museum

(Pass by)

We will visit the location of America's first Pentagon, where American military strategy and intelligence was formulated during the American Revolution.

Benjamin Franklin Museum

(Pass by)

We will discuss the life and times of American Patriot Benjamin Franklin, from his electrical experiments, printing and publishing activities, to his life as a statesman.

B. Free Franklin Post Office

(Pass by)

We will visit the Benjamin Franklin Post Office & Museum, the only Colonial-themed post office operated by the United States Postal Service. It is a living portrayal of a bygone Colonial lifestyle, and it is the only active post office in the United States that does not fly the American flag (because there was not yet one in 1775 when Benjamin Franklin was appointed Postmaster General). The postmark "B. Free Franklin" is still used to cancel stamps. The museum on the second floor features displays of postal history and memorabilia.

Carpenters' Hall

(Pass by)

We will visit Carpenters' Hall, the site of the First Continental Congress in 1774, where on three nights in December 1775 Benjamin Franklin meet in secret meetings with John Jay, Fancis Daymon, and the French spy Julien Achard de Bonvouloir. The meetings eventually led to negotiations for French support of the colonists. The colonies likely would not have been able to win the Revolutionary War without French aid. Over the winter of 1777 British forces occupying the American capital during the War for Independence and occupied this building.

First Bank of the United States

(Pass by)

We will visit the First Bank of the United States. Championed by Alexander Hamilton, first Secretary of the Treasury, the First Bank of the United States was founded in 1797 and is significant for its architectural design.

Second Bank of the United States

(Pass by)

Modeled on Alexander Hamilton's First Bank, the Second Bank of the United States was chartered by President James Madison in 1816 and lost its charter under Andrew Jackson's presidency in 1834. We will discuss here Alexander Hamilton and Andrew Jackson: and famous duels fought by both men among other things.

American Philosophical Society Museum

(Pass by)

The American Philosophical Society was founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin two years after the University of Pennsylvania, with which it remains closely tied. Early members included George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Paine, David Rittenhouse, Nicholas and Owen Biddle, Benjamin Rush, James Madison, and others. We will discuss here as we walk by, Franklin, University of Pennsylvania, and America's first surgical center adjacent to the structure here.

Library Company of Philadelphia

(Pass by)

Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1731, the Library Company is the first institution in the world to lend materials to members of the public. We will discuss, as we walk by, the history of the site and historic location...and early statesman frequenting the location.

Todd House

(Pass by)

We will see the home of future First Lady Dolley Madison, where she lived with her first husband, John Todd, from 1791-93. Built in 1775, the Dolley Todd House site reflects the lifestyle of the middle class in 18th century Philadelphia which we will get a glimpse in to.

Independence Visitor Center

(Pass by)

Check-in and revolutionary history introduction at the beginning of our historic walking tour.

Grim Philly Twilight Tours

(Pass by)

Every guide has a history degree. Most are history teachers and American History Professors.

Reviews

(1120)

4.8 (1120)

ubaldof0311

We searched for a tour of the historic sites in the downtown area and Grim Philly turned up. Prior reviews were good so we decided to book with them. The cost of the two hour tour was not too expensive for our group of 6 people which was another reason we booked with Grim Philly. We had some difficulty locating the area we were supposed to meet but Bill reached out to check in on us and we were able to find the meeting spot. He gave a few extra minutes for any late comers before beginning the tour. Bill was a great tour guide and he was quite knowledgeable on the historic sites and the Philadelphia area. Bill challenged your imagination when describing in detail the historic areas we visited. He channeled his inner teacher and encouraged the members of our group to answer questions. My only issue with the booking was not having received a confirmation email explaining where to meet and at what time. Overall, it was a great historic tour given by a knowledgeable local who clearly enjoys his job and who can jam pack all that information in a 2 hour period. Great presentation Bill!

Navigator63252515044

The tour guide made the history very interesting and took us all around the park and explained things in great detail that we didn’t know about until now.

Rutabagarecipes

Had an absolute blast on this walking tour! Bill was an amazing guide - and everything he showed and told us more about had so much history behind it. The stories behind how Philadelphia came to be are super captivating - and Bill shared all these details with us, with great passion and joy. Also - will Bill being a local, he was able to answer all the questions the group had about anything throughout our time together! I learned so much - and I could not recommend this tour enough for anyone wanting to know more about Philadelphia’s origins and how it became the Birthplace of America. -Paul

CuriousTravelGi

Joseph was amazing, insightful, funny and incredibly knowledgeable about Philly history. Even my otherwise skeptical 17-yr old gave him 9/10 would do again and that never happens! (1 point off because I made her do an educational activity on the weekend:)

645marycatherineb

We enjoyed our tour. Kyle conveyed both passion & enthusiasm for history. We briefly inhabited another era. Thank you!

AK_RV_travelor

Great tour. We thoroughly enjoyed it. The docent was very knowledgeable. We learned more about our history. Hearing more about Robert Morris and our founding fathers was great.

Christina A

Today, my husband and I went on a tour with Kyle. Despite the chilly weather, Kyle's charismatic personality shone through as he kept everyone entertained with jokes and engaging interactions. The walking distance wasn't far, and at each stop, Kyle shared fascinating backstories that taught me new things. As active military members, experiencing history in a fresh perspective was especially intriguing for us. I wholeheartedly endorse Kyle as a tour guide and commend the business for their customer-focused approach.

dvleucsd0

Bill was an amazing guide and really put his heart into the your. Lots of information and so enjoyable! Would highly recommend!

Beccaboo555

Bill was our tour guide, and wow did he know his history! He made the tour not only informative but fun too. The tour is not just walking around pointing to buildings etc, he tells the stories behind the buildings and the people who were first here that started the city. I can imagine that he knows even more to tell but just not enough time and the tour was 2 hours! Thanks Bill!

David Y

Joseph was the best! Clearly knew his stuff and wasn’t just telling us canned falsehoods. Also gave us great recs for bookstores and record stores. Highly recommended.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-04 15:16