My father was a Navy Veteran of WWII, who served in the Pacific on the Aircraft Carrier Randolph (CV-15). I am a husband of more than 40 years, father of three, and a retired chemical engineer of 43 years.
My ancestors came from Italy with nothing to make a better life in America. Across American history, people have left their homelands in every other country of the world to do the same. Our Founders achieved something new: durable self-government with a written Constitution, arising from a peak in political philosophy which was based on freedom of the individual.
This exciting moment happened right here in Independence National Historical Park in the heart of downtown Philadelphia.
Please come and join me to walk in the footsteps of history!
You may have heard of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and John Adams, but have you heard of Tamanend and Tootemastubbe? In this tour, we focus on the many fascinating stories of the nation’s founders in Philadelphia.
The founding of the US Army, the US Navy, and the US Marines all took place here in Philadelphia 250 years ago! Join us in remembering the service of our countrymen and women and learn about the stories of those who rose up for the cause of independence.
Join us in learning about the stories of women and Black trailblazers in Philadelphia during the Revolution. We’ll pass by the Slate House and learn about Hannah Callowhill Penn, who governed when William Penn was disabled as well as after his death. We’ll learn about Black Alice, who operated a ferry to Philadelphia and rode to church on horseback at the age of 95. We’ll marvel at the bravery of Deborah Franklin, who faced down a mob to defend her home.
When William Penn issued his Charter of Liberties in 1701, it led to the flourishing of many different houses of worship in Philadelphia, including Jewish, Roman Catholic, Quaker, and Protestant communities. This idea was part of the rapid growth of Philadelphia. We will see many of their houses of worship together and tell their stories in the City of Brotherly Love.
Here is a man like no other who had four successful careers as businessman, inventor, civic founder, and statesman. We will see six of the institutions he founded on this tour as well as his home property. We’ll also hear several stories from his life and the life of his family.
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