Year Long in Philadelphia

research library focuses on U.S. society and culture from the 17th to 19th centuries and has a vast collection of rare books, manuscripts, prints, and more. Then, tour the place of worship for numerous Founding Fathers and visit Benjamin Franklin’s tomb at Christ Church & Burial Ground founded in 1695. A block from Independence Hall is Washington Square, one of the city’s original squares, and home to the memorial to Washington and unknown soldiers of the American Revolution.

All these historical moments and locations are recognized in a multi-week-long celebration of Independence Day every year in Philadelphia. Culminating in an epic concert and fireworks show on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the city holds its annual Wawa Welcome America festival from June 19 through July 4. The annual event includes 16 days of free multicultural and multigenerational family-friendly special activities and events such as free concerts, museum days, community events, outdoor movie screenings, block parties, and firework shows – all in celebration of America’s birthday.

Plan a visit to Congress Hall, which oversaw two major presidential inaugurations starting with the swearing-in of George Washington in the Senate Chamber for his second term in 1793. Four years later, John Adams took the oath of office in the House Chamber, marking the first peaceful transfer of power in U.S. history.

Visit the oldest learned society in the U.S., the American Philosophical Society which was co-founded by Ben Franklin in 1743. Its museum is a treasure trove of historic items, including William Penn’s 1701 Charter of Privileges, a draft of the Declaration of Independence, and the chair Jefferson sat in to write it.

Benjamin Franklin founded the Library Company of Philadelphia, the country’s first successful lending library, in 1731. Today, the

The Wawa Welcome America festival also includes events commemorating Juneteenth, the anniversary of the ending of slavery in the United States. The festival explores the history of freedom and liberty in the United States, and the ties between two of the nation’s most significant holidays.

Philadelphia is where the United States of America came to be, and the city is proud of its vital role in the country’s history. Celebrating American independence isn’t limited to one day out of the year — the 4th of July — in Philadelphia, it’s a place to celebrate freedom all year round.