A Trip To The Past: Philadelphia and Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I haven’t been to Philadelphia in decades and Valley Forge is still on my bucket list. Visiting there is like taking a trip back into history. Ben Franklin said, “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” Let’s see what we can learn.

Independence Hall, Philadelphia.  Pick up free-time tickets at the Visitor Center to tour Independence Hall (distributed daily from 8:30am on).  You’ll see the Liberty Bell and can visit nearby sights such as Congress Hall, First Bank of the U.S., the Free Quaker Meeting House, the National Liberty Museum, the Franklin and Betsy Ross Houses. Maps are available for walking tours. Before arriving, visit www.PHLvisitorcenter.com for tickets to purchase to over 100 area attractions.

Parkway/Museum District.  Located along the Schuylkill River, the district is home to over 30 works of public art featuring masterpieces by three generations of Calders, including the Swann Memorial Fountain, William Penn on top of City Hall, and the Shakespeare Memorial, as well as my favorite, Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker. At the Philadelphia Museum of Art (www.philamuseum.org) visitors are encouraged to discover their imagination through study and play. The famous Rocky Statue is also in the museum’s vicinity. At The Franklin Institute (www.fi.edu) explore the fun side of science through 11 hands-on exhibits.

At The Philadelphia Zoo (www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org/winter) you can walk among the wild as big cats, great apes and more roam Zoo360 as well as visit the Outback Outpost and the new Wings of Asia.

Valley Forge Park (www.meet.valleyforge.org), 18 miles from Philadelphia, is a place for history buffs and the young to learn about our nation’s history.  The site of the 1777-78 Continental Army’s winter encampment remains today as a testimony to their determination and focus.  The March-In of the Continental Army takes place in December. Discover more sites at www.PatriotTrails.com.  Valley Forge was the site of the first public birthday party for George Washington and is celebrated yearly on February 19.  Washington’s Birthday Party includes activities such as games and crafts, a chance for children to join the Continental Army, and the ceremonial cake cutting. The Park is also popular for outdoor recreation with nearly 30 miles of trails, waterways filled with trout and catfish, and scenic picnic areas.

A final Franklin quote, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”  Happy learning!