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Celebrate the Star Spangled Banner with a visit to Independence Square
Inspired by the sight of the American flag still waving in the early morning air following the relentless British assault on Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, the poem that would later be known as the Star Spangled Banner actually did not become our official national anthem until 1931. Before that, we didn’t have a national anthem at all! When a petition signed by five million people was submitted to Congress, however, that changed and President Herbert Hoover approved the national anthem on March 3rd,1931.
Celebrate the Star Spangled Banner on National Anthem Day (March 3rd) with a visit to Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park, the site where it all began. Here, you’ll find the rooms and halls where the United States took their first steps as an independent nation in the building once known as the Pennsylvania State House. You’ll also find the Liberty Bell Center which houses the international symbol of liberty and the unique President’s House Site. Before you start exploring, though, stop in to the Independence Visitor Center to enjoy the brand new exhibit area. Browse through the touchscreen computers for a self-guided exploration of the park and enjoy the new interactive exhibits that detail the park’s history.
Take a short guided tour of Independence Hall, visit the Old City Hall to see where the Supreme Court made its first decisions, or view the silver Syng inkstand that was used to make the 56 signatures on the Declaration of Independence on display in the West Wing’s Great Essentials Exhibits. Other exhibits include original printed copies of the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and U.S. Constitution. The President’s House Site is an interesting outdoor exhibit that examines the paradox between slavery and liberty, particularly within the households of some of our Founding Fathers. While the house was demolished in the 1830s, the foundations of the home where George Washington and John Adams lived and worked are still embedded in the ground. Text panels shed light on the monumental work of the executive branch to the trials of slavery. Don’t forget to stop by the museum store before you leave to shop a variety of souvenirs and mementos like miniature Liberty Bells, postcards, magnets, t-shirts, books, and gifts.
For more information on Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, click here and plan your adventure into America’s heritage today with a stay at a PA bed & breakfast!
Independence Hall
525 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215.965.2305
