Go to the visitor center to pick up maps and brochures, watch a short video, and enjoy a handful of exhibits but the real reason for stopping is to get tickets to Independence Hall. Completed in 1753 as the Pennsylvania State House, this is the building where both the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and finalized. Tickets for timed guided tours are free. Arrive a little early for security screening.
Independence Hall is accessible. Both of the double doors may need to be opened for wheelchair access. The website indicates that the second floor, which is not accessible, is part of the tour. This was not offered when we visited. The property is surrounded by fencing and the accessible exit is not marked. We wandered from one exit to another before a guard let us out the entrance gate.
The building housing the Liberty Bell is located on the long grassy mall between the visitor center and Independence Hall. Everyone must go through security screening so there may be a long line. We visited in late afternoon and did not have to wait. There are exhibits and a short video about the bell. The building is accessible.
This was also the location of the the executive mansion where President Washington stayed from November 1790 to March 1797 and President Madison from March 1797 to June 1800. The mansion was demolished in 1832 but the walls have been partially reconstructed. Exhibits and videos explore the lives of the presidents, their families, and the slaves who lived in the mansion and the contradiction between forming a free nation but keeping part of the population in slavery. The exhibits are accessible.
We parked along Dock Street which is about 1/2 - 3/4 of a mile from the historic district where all of the museums and landmarks are located. Dock Street is much wider than most of the other streets and we could always find an open parking space. The spaces are not marked so a ticket from the kiosk – payable by cash, credit card or phone app - is good for any size vehicle. Parking is limited to 3 hours however we were informed by a friendly local man that a disabled placard would get us an extra hour for free. This was confirmed later by a parking officer. Almost all of the sidewalks and curb cuts are in good condition and the terrain is fairly level. Independence Park 39.9521, -75.14957
Once the bell was outside...starnge to see it inside.
ReplyDeleteHave a great winter wherever you are heading.
Surrounding it with a railing is strange too - hard to hurt a solid brass bell. A ranger told us that it was to keep the crowds at a distance so that everyone could get a picture.
DeleteHeading to the southwest for winter!