Independence Hall

A fascinating point in the history of the US, and political history in general. Don’t expect to learn anything about women, black people, native americans etc. etc. It’s all dead white guys here, but still worth it.

Renting a cart is the best way to look around.

Cheap to use parking place.

It’s hard to explain; but this place seems to incredibly humble and yet very significant. As kids, my folks took us to tour Ind. Hall; and we had a chance to sit in the chairs and tour the areas that are now sectioned off.

Years later when I went back as an adult, I was amazed at how small everything was! Still, it is a beautiful place to walk around. (sadly, I wish the security after 9/11 wasn’t such and eye-sore!). But if you ever visit Philly, put on your walking shoes and tour Ind. Hall and the surrounding areas. Go to Constitution Center and then stroll along Old Towne. If you walk down any street from 3rd through 9th south of Market, you will find adorable neighborhoods, many “firsts” (first church, first hospital, etc) and plenty of eye-candy for history buffs.

While the whole process is much more processy (pick up tickets for timed tour, security check), it was nice to visit a place I had seen since I was about 12. Enjoy the irony of the cradle of liberty being surrounded by chains and security guards. And to think I used to cut through the courtyard to get to work 6 summers ago.

Aside from present circumstances, the openness of the design really seems to exemplify the idealism and hope that this country was built on.

My husband and I saw the Liberty Bell while visting Philadelphia. We did a tour and this was one of the destinstation the tour guide took us.