Petit Fours » Philadelphia

Around Philadelphia by Sia Huff

Sia Huff — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 05:57:02 +0000

Across the Delaware River from Philly in Camden, NJ, Battleship New Jersey is harbored. The U.S.S. New Jersey is America’s most decorated battleship in Naval history. Launched exactly one year after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1942, the New Jersey saw a lot of action until its final decommissioned in February 1991. She participated in the Pacific theater of World War II, the Korean War, and was the only battleship in the Vietnam War. She was the first vessel to fire a Tomahawk missile under President Ronald Reagan.
Today there are self guided or volunteer guided tours. They even have Overnight Encampment program, where you can sleep in the restored crew’s quarters. There are five levels of ship. The crew was as many as 151 officers and 2,637 enlisted sailors all working together on this floating city. For more information contact www.battleshipnewjersery.org .
Things I missed: The Barnes Foundation (art museum) The Franklin Institute, Mutter Museum (College of Physicians of Philadelphia), Penn Museum, Academy of Natural Sciences, Eastern State Penitentiary (former home of Al Capone), Reading Terminal Market, Free Library of Philly, Valley Forge, and Bucks County.
This picture was taken from out hotel room. This section is known as Avenue of the Arts because of all the museums.

Historic Sites of Philadelphia

Sia Huff — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 05:04:47 +0000

Downtown Historical Philadelphia is all within walking distance. In about four city blocks you can visit The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Ben Franklin’s print shop and gave site, and Betsy Ross’s house. There are several tours you can take, including a hop on-hop off bus tour.

Betsy Ross’s house: Betsy Ross was a pioneer woman entrepreneur who made great contributions to the Revolutionary War. Not only is she credited with making the first America flag, she also owned a sewing shop, and made bullets for the Revolutionary Soldier. Her house was thin and long, consisting of three floors, because the tax rate in Philadelphia was based on the width of your home. She was married three times, widowed twice, and had to support her seven children.

Considered by many as one of America’s greatest citizens, the industrious Ben Franklin left his mark on Philadelphia. Founding Father, publisher, inventor, firefighter, ambassador starts a list of a life dedicated to improving life others in his beloved city. You can visit his home on Franklin Court, his printing press, the first fire station in the United States and his gravesite, (where people leave a penny on the stone).

The Liberty Bell, a symbol of freedom, was cast in London, England, but recast by John Pass and John Stow because of a defect. Originally hung in the tower of Independence Hall, the bell now resides in its own building across the street. It weighs 2080 and is made of 70% copper. The original inscription read, Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof. Leviticus 25:10.

Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and ratified at Independence Hall when Philadelphia was our Nation’s capital. The assembly room is the same, including George Washington’s famous “rising sun” chair, as when the signers made history. Next, you can take about twenty steps to Congress Hall, where John Adams, second president of the United States was inaugurated. Tickets are required, but are free. You can reserve tickets ahead of your visit or just go to the Independence Visitors Center for times available. http://www.independencevisitorcenter.com/historical-sites/independence-hall

National Constitution Center in Phildelphia, PA by Sia Huff

Sia Huff — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 05:06:00 +0000

The National Constitution Center is the only museum honoring the U.S Constitution. This one of a kind place isn’t just a museum, as the Constitution isn’t just a piece of paper.

An experience like few others, you enter a circular theater where a multimedia award-winning production called Freedom Rising, brings to life the importance of our “living” document. An actor narrates while powerful images are projected on a 360 degree screen, telling the story of this revolutionary document from it’s inception through today.

Next, walk through an interactive journey of the Constitution. The center is filled like a treasure trove of our Nations history. Exhibits and artifacts range from Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s hat to Sandra Day O’Connor’s, the first female Supreme Court Justice’s, robe. You can stand behind the Presidental podium and take the oath of office or give a press conference. Even if you aren’t eighteen, you could cast your vote in a mock election. These are just a sampling of what the museum holds.

Then on to Signer’s Hall where forty-two life-sized bronze statues represent the thirty-nine delegates who signed and the three dissenters. Here I am with one of my top Signers, Ben Franklin.

I wish every American could participate in this enlightening experience. That it could travel to schools and teach our children.

To find out more about this unique museum go to: www.constitutioncenter.org