In early March, my mom and I enjoyed a week of sightseeing in Philadelphia. As a history and culture buff, a visit to Philly has been on my bucket list for years, as I’m a descendant of two signers of The Declaration of Independence. The city exudes history and character from its Colonial roots to its revolutionary role as the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution; it is a center of arts and culture with dozens of world class museums like the Barnes Foundation and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Over the coming weeks I’ll be sharing blog posts about our adventures in Philly, along with travel tips to help you plan your Pennsylvania adventure.
To kick off our series on Philadelphia, this first post will dive into a historical overview of Philadelphia, followed by a recap of our Philly itinerary…later posts will detail city tourist highlights like Independence Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
To truly appreciate Philadelphia, a journey through its history is essential. Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in America, and the location of the First Continental Congress, and the Birthplace of the United States where both The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution were written and signed. Its story is formed by a diverse blend of cultures, from the Lenape Native Americans to the Quaker ideals of William Penn, and later, waves of European immigrants who shaped its neighborhoods and industries. Understanding the history allows a visitor to more deeply appreciate the historical sites they will be visiting.
Philadelphia is located near the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers.
Prior to European Settlement, the area was inhabited by the Algonquin speaking Native Americans known as the Lenni-Lenape. They were a peaceful hunter-gatherer people that were semi-nomadic. Their descendants continue to live through Pennsylvania and the Northeast. Europeans referred to the Lenape as ‘Delawares’ given the tribe’s proximity to the Delaware River Basin.
In 1609, Henry Hudson, an English explorer working for the Dutch, sailed into the Delaware and claimed it for Holland. Dutch navigators like Captain Cornelius Hendricksen (1616) and Cornelius Jacobsen (1623) continued to explore the area, eventually leading to a number of trading posts including one on the Schuylkill in 1633.
Ironically the first settlement in Pennsylvania was not the Dutch or William Penn, but a group of Swedish Lutheran settlers. The Swedish settlers originally settled in Wilmington Delaware in 1638, before moving to the area around Philadelphia in 1643. New Sweden survived until 1655 years before being taken over by The Dutch, who at the time claimed the rights to New Amsterdam aka New York. The Dutch controlled the area until 1664, when the British took over New Amsterdam and renamed it New York after The Duke of York in England.
Becoming ‘Pennsylvania’:
Born in 1644, William Penn was the son of a wealthy British admiral, who while attending Oxford felt called to join The Religious Society of Friends – also known as The Quakers. Quakers are Christians who advocate for pacifism and equality. At the time, joining The Quakers was considered offensive. He was expelled from school and imprisoned for his faith.
His family connections helped him to retain influence in the King’s Court. King Charles II owed Penn’s father 16,000 pounds, as repayment, he agreed to give Penn a Charter for Pennsylvania equating to 45,000 square miles of land between Maryland and New York.
As the ruler and proprietor of Pennsylvania, Penn could govern as he wished. The restrictions on his grant simply required the laws he instituted be in harmony with those of England and be agreed upon by a representative assembly.
Penn wanted to create a colony espousing a refuge of religious freedom. William Penn called this a ‘holy experiment,’ a province would serve as a refuge – a place of religious freedom and almost self-government. He advertised his colony throughout Europe, offering 100 acres for 40 shillings. HIs promise of refuge appealed to other religious nonconformists including The Amish, Moravians, Baptists, Catholics, Huguenots, Jews and Mennonites. The important impact of these early settlers is still evident in the fabric of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.
Penn arrived in the colony at present-day New Castle Delaware in 1682. Shortly thereafter he decided to found his capital on the convergence of The Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. He named it Philadelphia, meaning ‘The City of Brotherly Love.’
Having witnessed the devastating Great Fire of London in 1666, William Penn envisioned a ‘green countrie town,’ a wholesome setting where citizens could live safely, free from the threat of similar destruction. To realize this vision, Penn collaborated with architect Thomas Holmes to design an innovative city structure based on a grid system. Philadelphia became the first city in the United States to implement this organized layout, with streets intersecting at right angles and five centrally located public squares, each designed with tree-lined areas to promote community and natural beauty. These squares were lined with house lots large enough for families to have their own gardens.
Why a grid: The grid system was also intended to promote order, efficiency and a sense of community reflecting Penn’s Quaker values of equality and community.
- Fun fact: Four of Penn’s original five squares still exist as city parks, with the fifth square now being the site of City Hall. Park names: Washington, Rittenhouse, Logan, Franklin and Centre
Penn and The Native Americans:
Penn wanted peace and harmony with the native Lenape. Prior to his arrival, he sent gifts to the Lenape and learned several Indian dialects to be able to negotiate with them.
He also introduced laws to give native peoples a fair trial in disputes with European settlers, promising an equal number of native and colonists on the jury. He unfortunately did not give The Lenape citizenship status however.
The Road to Revolution:
By the time of the American Revolution, Philadelphia, guided by Penn’s ‘holy experiment,’ was considered one of the most sophisticated and diverse cities in the Colonies, boasting a thriving intellectual community and a bustling port that attracted people from various backgrounds.
The road to revolution was a simmering pot that eventually boiled over with the shots fired in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, on April 19th 1775. Throughout the 1760s and early 1770s, the British government imposed increasingly harsh taxes on the American colonies, without granting them representation in Parliament. Boycotts and demonstrations, most notably the Boston Tea Party, dramatically escalated tensions. While some of these acts, such as the Stamp Act, were repealed, the lingering Townshend Acts, and other measures, made it increasingly clear that Britain did not consider its colonial citizens equal to those living in Britain.
On May 10, 1775, a Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania State House to discuss the growing hostilities. The delegates named John Hancock of Massachusetts as the presiding officer, and John Adams proposed that George Washington command the Continental Army.
The Continental Congress initially worked for peace with Britain; in July 1775 they sent King George III, The Olive Branch Petition to King George entreating peace and the end of fighting, but King George III refused. The colonies, he declared, were in open rebellion.
By July 2nd 1776, the Continental Congress declared Independence, drafted in The Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson. The final draft was approved on July 4th right in the heart of Philadelphia, at what is now known as Independence Hall.
My ancestor Thomas Heyward Jr (of South Carolina) who signed The Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1776 became an advocate for Independence after attending university in England. He realized how The British viewed the colonists as second class citizens and did not respect their freedom. Heyward had a lot to lose by becoming a patriot. He was a wealthy planter and attorney who could lose his fortune and life for signing the Declaration of Independence and fighting for freedom. To him, however, pursuing liberty was more important than attempting to keep the status quo. He ended up being imprisoned for three years in St. Augustine Florida (1780-1783) by the British after the capture of Charleston.
During the Revolution, Philadelphia was occupied by the British and the Continental Congress moved their capital to York Pennsylvania.
Following the war, the colonies had a government based on The Articles of Confederation, which didn’t have enough federal power to regulate important trade and foreign policy. In 1787, delegates returned to the State House of Pennsylvania to tweak The Articles of Confederation. Instead, after much debate, with help from the likes of James Madison and Alexander Hamilton they came up with an entirely new form of government – a Democratic Republic and our current Constitution. We’ll delve deeper into the history of the Constitutional Convention in a future post.
For the first ten years of the United States (post ratification of the Constitution), Philadelphia served as our nation’s capital while Washington City (DC) was being built.
Following the birth of a new nation, Philadelphia continued to grow and change, from a city of immigration and industry, a major port and times of turmoil – it continues to carry the seed of Independence and liberty and the hope that all Americans can be as one. A visit to Philadelphia helps all people, American citizens and foreigners to lean into questions of freedom, equality and what the pursuit of happiness entails. Philadelphia’s history is a living heartbeat that should compel any traveler to leave the hallowed revolutionary streets asking: what can I do to help our nation and strive for freedom?
Our Philadelphia Adventure: Here is a quick recap of the highlights of our Philadelphia adventure. In future posts, we’ll dive deeper into each landmark, including Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and include history, culture and ideas to help make your itinerary great.
Day One: Tuesday March 4th 2025
My mom and I arrived in Philly late Monday night and checked into the Wyndham in Philadelphia’s Old City. I highly recommend this hotel, conveniently located just a block from Independence National Historical Park. The Wyndham features an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The staff were exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable about the area; especially the bartender, Carol, a true history buff who knows Philly history inside and out.
We began our day at the impressive Independence Visitor Center, situated in the heart of Independence National Park. This visitor center is the ideal starting point for any Philadelphia adventure, offering on-site staff to assist with trip planning and answer questions about the city’s historical and cultural sites. They recommended several must-see museums and points of interest, including the Museum of the American Revolution and the National Constitution Center. National Park Rangers are also onsite to answer any questions about Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and other park sites.
You can also enjoy interactive exhibits and historic films – for free!
Click here to learn more bout the Independence Visitor Center.
Knowing Independence Hall’s popularity, I booked our noon tour tickets well in advance. I strongly recommend doing the same; reserving timed tickets is essential to guarantee you won’t miss these significant historical sites. Book your timed entry here
The Independence Hall tour, lasting approximately twenty minutes, was led by a knowledgeable park ranger who guided us through the rooms where American democracy was born. We began with the building’s history; formerly known as the State House of Pennsylvania, it was completed in 1753 and served as the Pennsylvania colony’s state house. From 1775 to 1776, this building hosted the Second Continental Congress, where representatives from the thirteen colonies debated the path to American liberty. Initially, they sought reconciliation with Britain, but escalating tensions and irreconcilable differences made that impossible. On July 4th, the Declaration of Independence was signed in this very room, formally declaring the colonies’ intent to separate from British rule.
As a descendant of two signers (Thomas Jefferson on my dad’s side, and Thomas Heyward Jr on my mother’s side) I’ve always had a passion about The Revolutionary War and our role as active citizens in the democratic process. As I mentioned earlier, Thomas Heyward Jr was imprisoned for three years for his role as a patriot. These men risked more than we realize to take on the fight with the largest Empire in the world at that time.
The ability to stand where they stood is a moving experience. While these men have become almost myths in the modern age, they were simply men seeking to create a better and more equitable future in their time. We too must be called with resolve for freedom in our own time and ask what does that mean now? How can we be active and meaningful citizens in our nation’s future?
As you step back in time at Independence Hall, you are immersed in a recreation of the 1787 Constitutional Convention. A highlight of the experience was seeing the original ‘rising sun chair,’ where George Washington presided over the historic assembly.
After our tour of Independence Hall, we walked across the street to The Liberty Bell Museum, where you can see this iconic American symbol of liberty. Originally rung to signal Pennsylvania Assembly meetings in the State House (Independence Hall), the bell bears the inscription ‘Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land unto all inhabitations thereof.’ *the Liberty Bell is a free museum site, just be prepared for a line on busier days* We’ll learn more about The Liberty Bell in a future post.
Just steps from the Liberty Bell Center, the President’s House open-air museum offers a poignant glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to walk among the foundations of the residence where America’s first presidents, George Washington and John Adams, lived before the capital relocated to Washington D.C. in 1800.
My mom and I decided to take a quick break and returned to our hotel, where we enjoyed lunch, before continuing a jam packed afternoon of adventure. Philadelphia’s Old City is highly walkable and has dozens of historic sites and museums to explore within close proximity to each other.
Our hotel is located adjacent to both the historic Christ Church Burial Ground, which is open for public tours for a small donation. The 2-acre churchyard is the final resting place for over 4,000 souls, including five signers of The Declaration Independence (Benjamin Franklin), Revolutionary and Civil War heroes and early medical pioneers. Christ Church, which is one of the oldest churches in the city is located a few blocks away from the burial ground and is also open for public tours.
While it can seem morbid to visit an old graveyard, I find meandering through cemeteries to be a place of peace and reflection. While I was honored to visit Benjamin Franklin’s grave, I also wanted to pay attention to the ordinary Americans who lived and died in Philadelphia. Women, children, businessmen, educators…they all have a story and made an impact in the fabric of Philadelphia and America’s history. Sadly many of the souls buried here died during the tragic Yellow Fever epidemic of 1793. I always take time to say prayers for all the dead – may the light of God perpetually shine upon them.
Across the street from Christ Church Burial Ground is another important historical point of interest: The Arch Street Friends Meeting House. Since 1682, this site has served as a worship site for Philadelphia Quakers. The burial ground was plotted out in 1701 after being deeded to the Society of Friends (Quakers) by William Penn. The current meetinghouse (church) was built between 1803-1805 by Quaker master-builder Owen Biddle Jr. The building has been an epicenter for Quaker worship for over two centuries of continuous use. The meeting house is an example of plain quaker design to reflect simplicity and equality.
The Arch Street Friends Meeting House and Burial Ground is open on most days to the public for prayer and tours. Notable members of the meetinghouse included two of my ancestors – abolitionists Sarah and Angelina Grimke (first cousins through South Carolina relatives), as well as the renowned folk painter Edward Hicks (Peaceable Kingdom).
The Burial Ground is the final resting place for Philadelphians, including Charles Brockden Brown (first American novelist), Lydia Darrah (Revolutionary War spy for the patriots), Caspar Wistar (physician who mentored Meriwether Lewis).
Also near the hotel is a monument to Philadelphia’s favorite son Benjamin Franklin, for his role in establishing the first organized volunteer fire company in the United States in 1736.
We capped off the afternoon at The Museum of the American Revolution. The museum was a twenty minute walk from our hotel. En route we passed The Betsy Ross House (home of American flag maker Betsy Ross), Mikveh (the oldest Jewish synagogue in the city, dating to 1740), Christ Church (where George Washington and Benjamin Franklin worshipped).
The Museum of the American Revolution is a MUST-See while in Philadelphia. It gives a detailed overview of the historical events leading up to Independence, varying aspects of the war effort including interactive exhibits about Valley Forge and the Oneida people who supported the patriot cause.
The museum’s prize artifact is the tent used by George Washington throughout the war. This tent was preserved by his family before being sold to a Pennsylvania preacher following The Civil War, and eventually ended up in the museum. I will be dedicating an entire post to The Museum of the American Revolution in the coming weeks.
With 20,000 steps we ended our day grabbing dinner at the hotel.
Day Two: March 5th 2025
Don’t rain on our parade! Unfortunately Philadelphia was under a major storm advisory most of Wednesday, so we were unable to partake in the walking tour itinerary we had planned. In spite of the stormy weather we made the best of the day with a morning tour of The National Constitution Center. This is one of the most important museums for Americans because it tells the story of how our Constitution came into existence and what it means. You can dive into each of the Articles of the Constitution through interactive exhibits and the living history of the Constitution. The museum has a timeline of key congressional legislation, events and court cases that helped to define our current understanding of the constitution.
It was awesome to see elementary and middle school students having fun at the museum learning about the foundations of our government and what it means to be a citizen. I will dedicate a specific post to this amazing museum soon.
Day Three: March 6th 2025
“For those who follow American Nomad and our sister site Art Expeditions, you know that I am an art history enthusiast and amateur artist. Philadelphia is a world-renowned destination, home to world-class art museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the Barnes Foundation, Rodin Museum, and many more, showcasing a rich tapestry of artistic expression. Needless to say, I was beyond thrilled to finally make the pilgrimage to explore Philly’s art museums.
On Thursday morning, we took an Uber from Wyndham Old City to The Philadelphia Museum of Art, which is located roughly three miles away in the city’s Parkway Museums District.
Founded in 1876, The Philadelphia Museum of Art houses over 240,000 objects of art spanning 2000 years. The current building, dating to 1928, with its massive steps was made famous in the movie Rocky. A statue of Rocky Balboa plays tribute to the film’s iconic scenes at the museum.
The collection is vast and I recommend blocking off an entire day (or two afternoons) to visit. We’ll dive deeper into the highlights in a future posts, but for me several artistic collections stood out:
- Late Medieval art by Duccio
- Renaissance art by founder of three-point perspective Massacio, works by Fra Angelico and Botticelli
- Wonderful collection of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism artists like Monet, Manet, Van Gogh and Cezanne.
- Asian art
- Local Philadelphia artists like the powerhouse Peale family, whose family tree included artists like Rembrant Peale, Raphael Peale and many others.
We spent over six hours at the museum, grabbing lunch at the onsite cafe.
Tickets to the Philadelphia Museum of Art can be purchased online and also includes admission to the nearby Rodin Museum.
Day Four: March 7th, 2025
In 2011, I discovered a Netflix documentary about The Barnes Foundation and became fascinated by Dr. Albert Barnes and his expansive collection of modern art. Dr. Albert Barnes, a scientist who made his fortune with eye drops called Argyrol, used his wealth to establish the Barnes Foundation, an educational institution and art collection that encourages visitors to consider the ‘plastic means’ of art—color, line, light, and space. ‘Plastic’ refers to the idea that these four core elements of artistic expression are present in all art forms, yet are pliable, or plastic, depending on interpretation. The Barnes Foundation uses these four plastics as a framework to aid visitors in art appreciation.
For an art lover, a day at The Barnes was heaven on earth. Meandering through the gallery style rooms, who feel an intimacy with the artwork and can dialogue with each piece. The Barnes is home to more paintings by Renoir and Cezanne than any other museum in the world, as well as pieces by Matisse, Picasso, Modligiani and more.
What takes you by surprise are works by lesser known artists, including Philadelphia’s own William Glackens, as well as major old master paintings including a purported Giorgione as well as works by Titian and Rubens.
Stay posted for my in depth post about our visit to The Barnes.
*Purchase tickets and plan your trip to The Barnes here
After finishing up at The Barnes around four p.m., we took an Uber back to the hotel and rested for an hour before heading back out for additional sightseeing.
We explored the historic streets of Old City, visiting Elfreth’s Alley, with its charming colonial architecture, which is the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in America.
We also viewed important landmarks like the Second National Bank, US. Mint, and American Philosophical Society. I was disappointed we couldn’t visit The American Philosophical Society during this trip (it was closed for the season). The APS, founded by Benjamin Franklin, houses the original journals of Lewis and Clark (I’m a Lewis and Clark enthusiast)—just means we’ll need to come back for another visit.
We enjoyed dinner at The Red Owl Tavern, located within the historic Kimpton Monaco Hotel. (https://redowltavern.com/) The tavern offered a warm and inviting atmosphere, and the staff were extremely friendly and accommodating, especially with their gluten-free options.
Day Five: March 8th 2025
Goodbye Philly
I could have easily spent another week exploring Philadelphia’s rich history and vibrant culture. We were unable to visit other bucket list sites, like the Philadelphia Zoo, the oldest in America, the bustling Reading Terminal Market, scenic Penn’s Landing, and other area museums. I look forward to returning for more Philadelphia adventures…
Never ones to take the direct road home, my mom and I decided to explore the scenic byways of Philadelphia’s Amish Country, where we drove to Ephrata and Lancaster.
Lancaster is a true jewel. The historic downtown is bustling with activity, from amazing restaurants and shops to informative walking tours.
Stay tuned for a post dedicated to Lancaster and The Amish Country.
We then continued onto Gettysburg. I visited Gettysburg in 2006, immersing myself in its somber and pivotal history. While we didn’t have a ton of time to explore Gettysburg this trip, my mom and I did visit one of the graveyards, offering a mercy prayer and reflecting on the war.
Visiting Philadelphia and the region has been an impactful trip. I look forward to continuing to highlight Philadelphia and the region on American Nomad.
Quick resources:
I highly recommend the DK Eyewitness Travel guide on Philadelphia, which provides detailed information about museums, restaurants, lodging as well as an overview of the city’s history and culture.
You can also purchase an official tourist handbook from the Visitor Center, which is a great souvenir, providing a detailed historical overview about Philly and information about the city’s top tourist attractions.
Official resources:
National Park Service – Independence Mall
Lodging: As I mentioned earlier in the post, we staying at The Wyndham Old City. I definitely recommend this hotel, for its affordability, convenience and helpful staff. To book your stay at Wyndham Old City click here.
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