This trip to Philadelphia was done one day before my day trip to Washington DC. Philadelphia is no stranger to us since we have been to this historical city several times.
Friends were the reason why we were here again. Thanks to my DSLR, I got to take better pictures this trip than the first trip in 2011. Yay for me!
We started off our little tour around Philly with the popular historical sites at Independence National Historical Park.
Independence Hall, which is the centerpiece of the historic park, is located on the south side of Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets. It is the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” (from the Declaration of Independence)
Independence Hall echoes these words.
Nearby, the old cracked bell proclaims liberty.
Tradition tells of a chime that changed the world on July 8, 1776, with the Liberty Bell ringing out from the tower of Independence Hall summoning the citizens of Philadelphia to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon.
The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American independence. It originally cracked when it was first rung after arriving in Philadelphia, and was twice recast by local workmen John Pass and John Stow, whose last names appear on the bell. In its early years, the Liberty Bell was used to summon lawmakers to legislative sessions and to alert citizens to public meetings and proclamations.
Having a bulky DSLR camera can be quite a stumbling block when it comes to traveling with my toddler. I hate to feel butterfingered but thank God that I have an extra set of helping hands from my husband. Because of teamwork, I got to take as many pictures as I can while he took good care of my little girl.
Independence Hall then became the principal meeting place of the Second Continental Congress from 1775 to 1783 and was the site of the Constitutional Convention in the summer of 1787.
After an hour of exploration in the historical side of Philadelphia, we headed downtown.
There were a few interesting art statues around the city.
Philadelphia City Hall is the house of government for the city of Philadelphia, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
City Hall is the largest municipal building in the United States, containing over 14.5 acres of floor space.
The Masonic Temple is a historic Masonic building in Philadelphia, directly across from the City Hall.
Note: Remember to take memorable photos with your friends whenever the chances arise.
This view is from the rear entrance of the Grand Lodge of Masonic temple, facing into Broad Street.
This trip was quite an enriching experience to see and touch the history of liberty. It is easier to appreciate history when it is right in front of you rather than in a book or on a webpage. Until next time, Philadelphia!