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Christ Church was founded in 1695 by members of the Church of England. Christ Church’s congregation included 15 signers of the Declaration of Independence. American Revolutionary War leaders who attended Christ Church include George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross. Christ Church is a National Historic Landmark and a unique historic site that continues its original function as an Episcopal parish.

Congress Hall served as a seat of the Congress between 1790 and 1800 when Philadelphia was the country’s capital. During your school tour to Philadelphia, you will see the House chamber on the first floor and the chamber of the Senate on the second floor. While on this tour, your students will see the old desks and chairs as well as historical portraits, a fresco of an American Bald Eagle painted on the ceiling and many others. In this Hall you will also learn about several historical events including the admittance of three new states, the ratification of the Bill of Rights, the second inauguration of George Washington and the first inauguration of John Adams.

The Eastern State Penitentiary is a former prison in Philadelphia. This penitentiary was operational from 1829 until 1971, and refined the revolutionary system of separate incarceration. Notorious criminals such as bank robber Willie Sutton and gangster Al Capone were held there

A location where Ben Franklin’s home formerly stood. The house is gone, but a steel skeleton outlines the structure, and its foundations may be seen in the ground. There is also a historic print shop, a post office, and an underground museum dedicated to Franklin. Everybody must venture into the bowels of the underground museum and view “Franklin on the World Stage.” It is a diorama sunken into the floor with talking dolls that describe Franklin’s greatness.

In 1824 the Franklin Institute originally opened in Independence Hall to honor Benjamin Franklin and his inventiveness. The Institute moved in 1934 to a newly constructed building and is a hands-on science museum. This is Pennsylvania’s most visited museum and is an important stop on your school trip. In the museum’s rotunda is the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, with a 20-foot-tall marble statue of the scientist and Founding Father.

This open space park was renamed in 1825 as Franklin Square to honor Benjamin Franklin, a leading printer, scientist, inventor, civic activist and diplomat. A legend maintains that this is the spot where Benjamin Franklin conducted his famous “kite and key” experiment.

Independence Hall is the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park and a very important place to see while on your student tour to Philadelphia. It is known primarily as the building where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and adopted. In the same room, many other historical events occurred, including the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress, where George Washington was appointed commander in chief of the Continental Army, and where the design of the American flag was agreed upon.

Independence National Historical Park comprises 40 buildings, half are open to the public, on 45 acres land. Located in the Park are Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, the Independence Visitor Center and the National Constitution Center.

]The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American independence, as bells were rung to mark the reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776. The Bell, commissioned in London, was formerly placed in the steeple of the Pennsylvania State House (renamed Independence Hall). Out of fear of potential harm during the Bicentennial, in 1976 it was moved to a nearby glass pavilion. In 2003, the Liberty Bell was moved to the larger Liberty Bell Center. As part of your school tour, your kids will see a video presentation and several exhibits about the Liberty Bell, including the reasons it was cracked.

The National Constitution Center explores and explains the U.S. Constitution through high-tech exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. The Kimmel Theater, a 350-seat star-shaped theater, features “Freedom Rising,” a multimedia production combining film, a live actor and video projection on a 360° screen to tell the stirring story of “We the people.” At the museum, your students will see one of the rare original public copies of the Constitution, explore the role of the Supreme Court, and explore many other exhibitions. This is a “must see” while on your educational tour.

The National Liberty Museum is dedicated to preserving America’s heritage of freedom by promoting good character, civic responsibility and respect for all people. The Museum includes 78 exhibits, 179 works of contemporary art, and stories of 2,000 heroes within eight expansive galleries.

Penn’s Landing is the waterfront area of Philadelphia along the Delaware River. This section is where the founder of Pennsylvania, William Penn, docked his ship in 1682. The area is the site for several summertime events in the city. This area also has several war ships, submarines and the Independence Seaport Museum.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is among the largest art museums in the United States. It has collections of more than 227,000 objects that include world-class holdings of European and American paintings, prints, drawings and decorative arts. The 72 stone steps before the entrance of the Museum have become known as the “Rocky Steps” as a result of their appearance in the film Rocky and four of its sequels. While on your school trip to Philadelphia, many students get a thrill of mimicking Rocky running up the steps to the song “Gonna Fly Now.” A bronze statue of Rocky sits at the bottom right of the steps.

A historical neighborhood that has old brick roads and restored homes to make you feel you were back in the 18th century. Located close to both the Delaware River and Independence Hall, the neighborhood soon became one of the city’s most populous areas and had several market halls, taverns and churches.

]Tour of facility of the United States Mint is very interesting to view both the present state of coin manufacturing as well as the history of the Mint. During this educational tour, your students will learn craftsmanship required at all stages of the minting process, from the original designs and sculptures to the actual striking of the coins.

Visit the Valley Forge National Park, where George Washington’s troops camped out during the winter of 1777. When you arrive at the Park, tour guides will lead your group to a fun and educational tour. Your kids will see Washington’s Headquarters and learn about the army’s accomplishments.