(7/27) We had a good day today. It all started with a great parking spot we were able to get only one block east of Independence Square. We ended up parking there for a full 3 hours with several trips back to add more time.
We began by looking at and reading about original copies of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States accompanied by quotes from various founding fathers about the importance of their work - with a focus that all made comprises to draft these wonderfully inspired documents. We followed with a very informational tour of Independence Hall, which was of the first Supreme Court room followed by the common room where the Constitution was drafted. George Washington's actual chair was a highlight.
We then toured the American Philosophical Society's museum and its adjoining garden grounds. A highlight was some conversations we had with several members of our Revolutionary time period. Thomas Jefferson called Tim a traitor as he was admittedly a Redcoat. One of the Loyalist ladies really wooed him and it was very entertaining. We learned from the first African reverend about his upbringing in Delaware and life of how he earned freedom before coming to Philadelphia to work and eventually start a Church comprised of Lutheran and Episcopal faith.
After a brief lunch, the Liberty Bell was next. Further north, we enjoyed the current U.S. Mint building along with a complete history of the previous 3 mints our country has run back to its founding. A staggering number of coins have been minted there and we enjoyed studying and watching the creation process of all our different coins along with some info about Congressional medals - which are made there, too.
Edgar Allen Poe's house was next up in a northern neighorhood of the city. Although it was closed, we were able to read about his short time there (only one year in that particular home and six years in the city). He only lived to 40 and his wife only made it to 25 years old! The neighborhood was definitely the projects, but we were surprised at how well-kept most individual apartments were on their porches.
Next, we headed to the famous Art Museum and Rocky Steps! We did several runs up the steps, then toured several fountains in the area. We also got pictures with Rocky's statue before heading back around the building to a large park overlooking the Schuygill River with several gazebos, walking paths, lots of grass and a view of the skyline and the Interstate 76. We ate snacks, talked and played some softball to take a break.
Next, we went and located the Philadelphia Temple only one mile away, nestled in the high rises. We were very impressed with the cleanliness of the city throughout. We headed back across several big bridges to Chester and gassed up at our highest rate of the trip (but still cheaper than home). After getting the kids the Phillies box at Mcdonald's, we ate a wonderful meal with Brad and Jennifer at the Upland Diner before coming back and getting to bed at 10 (early for us).
We began by looking at and reading about original copies of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States accompanied by quotes from various founding fathers about the importance of their work - with a focus that all made comprises to draft these wonderfully inspired documents. We followed with a very informational tour of Independence Hall, which was of the first Supreme Court room followed by the common room where the Constitution was drafted. George Washington's actual chair was a highlight.
We then toured the American Philosophical Society's museum and its adjoining garden grounds. A highlight was some conversations we had with several members of our Revolutionary time period. Thomas Jefferson called Tim a traitor as he was admittedly a Redcoat. One of the Loyalist ladies really wooed him and it was very entertaining. We learned from the first African reverend about his upbringing in Delaware and life of how he earned freedom before coming to Philadelphia to work and eventually start a Church comprised of Lutheran and Episcopal faith.
After a brief lunch, the Liberty Bell was next. Further north, we enjoyed the current U.S. Mint building along with a complete history of the previous 3 mints our country has run back to its founding. A staggering number of coins have been minted there and we enjoyed studying and watching the creation process of all our different coins along with some info about Congressional medals - which are made there, too.
Edgar Allen Poe's house was next up in a northern neighorhood of the city. Although it was closed, we were able to read about his short time there (only one year in that particular home and six years in the city). He only lived to 40 and his wife only made it to 25 years old! The neighborhood was definitely the projects, but we were surprised at how well-kept most individual apartments were on their porches.
Next, we headed to the famous Art Museum and Rocky Steps! We did several runs up the steps, then toured several fountains in the area. We also got pictures with Rocky's statue before heading back around the building to a large park overlooking the Schuygill River with several gazebos, walking paths, lots of grass and a view of the skyline and the Interstate 76. We ate snacks, talked and played some softball to take a break.
Next, we went and located the Philadelphia Temple only one mile away, nestled in the high rises. We were very impressed with the cleanliness of the city throughout. We headed back across several big bridges to Chester and gassed up at our highest rate of the trip (but still cheaper than home). After getting the kids the Phillies box at Mcdonald's, we ate a wonderful meal with Brad and Jennifer at the Upland Diner before coming back and getting to bed at 10 (early for us).
No comments:
Post a Comment