PRESS CONTACT: Cari Feiler Bender, Relief Communications, LLC (610) 416-1216, [email protected] HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA, INC. 2013 SPRING FACT SHEET DESCRIPTION: Historic Philadelphia, Inc. makes our nation’s history relevant and real through interpretation, interaction, and education, strengthening Greater Philadelphia’s role as the destination to experience American history. Historic Philadelphia, Inc.’s Once Upon A Nation brings history to life, featuring immersive walking tours, History Makers, Storytelling Benches throughout the Historic District and at Valley Forge, and the Benstitute to specially train all staff. Franklin Square is a family-friendly play place with Philadelphia-themed Mini Golf, the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel, and SquareBurger, hosting parties and special events in the Pavilion in Franklin Square. Liberty 360 3D Show, an inspiring journey led by Benjamin Franklin, is a year-round indoor attraction shown in the PECO Theater. The Betsy Ross House takes visitors into the life and stories of America’s most famous flagmaker, with interactive and changing exhibitions. TOURS: FOR ALL TOURS: recommended to arrive 30 minutes in advance to pick up tickets and see the Liberty 360 3D Show for only $5. Independence After Hours Independence After Hours is an evening walking tour visiting some of the landmarks of Philadelphia’s Historic District and immersing the visitor with Colonial characters who bring history to life right in the place where it happened. In this exclusive opportunity to visit inside Independence Hall at night after public hours, tour-takers experience what those late nights of the summer of 1776 were like for the Founding Fathers. The evening begins with a delicious three-course meal at the Historic City Tavern where Colonial townspeople entertain guests. The Colonial host then “sneaks” everyone into the Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall), once he talks his way past the vigilant night watchman. Inside the Hall, visitors witness several Founding Fathers deep in discussion over the creation of the Declaration of Independence. Add on Liberty 360 3D Show to complete your night for only $5. April 19 – June 8: 5:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays June 11 – August 10: 5:30 pm, Tuesdays - Saturdays August 16 – October 26: 5:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays Departs from the Historic Philadelphia Center, 6th & Chestnut Streets $85 adults, $55 children 12 & under, $80 senior/military/student (dining gratuity included) Duration: 2 ½ hours. Wear comfortable shoes. Recommended for children 10 and older. – more – Historic Philadelphia, Inc. 2013 Spring Fact Sheet * Page 2 of 6 Tippler’s Tour The Tippler’s Tour is Historic Philadelphia, Inc.’s weekly tavern tour of Colonial and modern day watering holes, where visitors join a Colonial host sharing authentic stories and drinking traditions with fun and lighthearted songs and toasts of the era. With drinks and snacks at each of four stops – Red Owl Tavern at the Hotel Monaco (new for 2013!), Salon 401 at Omni Hotel, National Mechanics, and the historical City Tavern – the tour guide entertains guests with songs and stories of the drinking traditions from Colonial times, and shares some of Benjamin Franklin’s most fun phrases for someone who is drunk, including “nimptopsical” and “tipsicum grave.” Hear tales about how taverns were used as recruiting stations (getting people inebriated sometimes helped convince them) and how news of the day was discussed in the taverns. April 18 – December 26: 5:30 pm, Thursdays (except November 28) Wind through the streets of Old City, imbibing drinks and a little sip of history at Colonial and modern-day watering holes. September 19 – November 7: Tippler’s Tour: Ghosts & Toasts: 5:30 pm, Thursdays Special seasonal tour! Historic Philadelphia’s Colonial pub crawl gets spiked with seasonal beers and tales that will give you goosebumps! Cheers to the spirits of ‘76! November 14 – December 26: Tippler’s Tour: Yuletide Cheers & Beers: 5:30 pm, Thursdays (except Nov. 28) It’s the most wonderful time… for a beer! Raise a glass of cheer on Once Upon A Nation’s Colonial pub crawl through Historic Philadelphia. It is 1777 and the British are occupying Philadelphia…will there be holiday celebrations during this tumultuous time? Step with us into the holiday season in charming Old City, circa 1777, whilst enjoying winter brews and festive libations. Departs from the Historic Philadelphia Center, 6th & Chestnut Streets $40 adults, $35 senior/military/student. (tastings & gratuity included, 21 and over with valid I.D.) Duration: 2 hours FRANKLIN SQUARE: Fun family entertainment and a beautiful park are just steps away from the Liberty Bell, in one of William Penn’s original five squares, and the only one dedicated to fun. Award-winning Franklin Square is a family- friendly play place located in the heart of Historic Philadelphia, featuring Philly Mini Golf, a renovated vintage marble fountain, playgrounds, the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel, and the acclaimed SquareBurger, with offerings from STARR Restaurants. After a day of experiencing the treasures of Philadelphia’s history, putt through some of the city’s most famous icons, take a ride on hometown racehorse heroes Afleet Alex or Smarty Jones aboard the carousel, enjoy a rest next to the refreshing fountain, and dine on the finest burgers and shakes in town. All summer long, enjoy stories about our nation’s history from the Once Upon A Nation storyteller. Awarded Best of Philly® two times by Philadelphia Magazine and one of the Five Coolest Playgrounds in the United States by Yahoo! Franklin Square: 6th & Race Streets. Franklin Square opens daily, 7 days a week, at 10 am. SquareBurger is open 7 days a week through October 31, opening at 11:30 am Mondays - Thursdays, 11 am on Fridays - Sundays through Labor Day. Closing hours vary by season. All hours are weather permitting. 2013 Franklin Square Season Operating Hours: March 1 – March 22: 10 am - 5 pm, daily March 23 – May 23: 10 am - 7 pm, daily May 24 – September 2: 10 am - 9 pm, daily; until 10 pm, Fri & Sat – more – Historic Philadelphia, Inc. 2013 Spring Fact Sheet * Page 3 of 6 September 3 – 30: 10 am - 7 pm, daily October 1 – 31: 10 am - 7 pm, daily; until 9 pm, Fri, Sat, and Sun November 1 – December 23: 10 am - 5 pm, daily (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas) December 24: 10 am - 3 pm December 26 – 30: 10 am - 5 pm, daily December 31: 10 am - 8 pm SquareBurger Season Operation Hours: March 23 – May 23: 11:30 am - 6 pm, Mon - Thurs; 11 am - 7 pm, Fri & Sat; 11 am - 6 pm, Sun May 24 – September 2: 11:30 am - 8 pm, Mon - Thurs; 11 am - 9 pm, Fri & Sat; 11 am - 8 pm, Sun September 3 – October 31: 11:30 am - 6 pm, daily December 31: 11 am - 7 pm • Philly Mini Golf: Putt around the city on this Philadelphia-themed miniature golf course! $9 adults/$7 children (3-12), FREE for children under 2 • Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel: A zebra, a lion, an eagle, horses and more! Hop on this spectacular all-American style carousel with hometown racehorse heroes Afleet Alex and Smarty Jones. $2.50 per person (adult or child), FREE for children under 2 • Playgrounds: Slides, swings, and spinners…bring the kids and enjoy two playgrounds! Open year-round and free. • SquareBurger: STARR Restaurants presents a delicious menu featuring burgers, hot dogs, french fries, and delectable frozen treats such as The Cake Shake with Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpet© and a Shake-of-the-Month! • The Pavilion in Franklin Square – Host a birthday party, family reunion, and corporate or special event in this charming space adjacent to the carousel and fountain. Enjoy the Pavilion heated, air-conditioned, or open-air all year long. Made possible by the William Penn Foundation. 2013 Special Events at Franklin Square [12 - 3 pm, except where noted] All free activities are available during stated times or while supplies last May 12, 11 am – 2 pm – Mother’s Day Brunch in the Square – Treat mom to a delicious breakfast, followed by a round of Philly Mini Golf. Kids can also make a special gift for mom ($20 advance ticket purchase required). May 16, 5:30 pm – An Evening in Franklin Square presented by Parx – A magic night of fun, dancing, and fundraising in Philadelphia’s prettiest setting (tickets required). May 25 – 27 – Memorial Day Celebration – Kick off the summer season with fun featuring carnival games ($.25 per play) and the Lightning Bolt Express Train ($5 adults, $4 children).* July 1, 11 am – 1 pm – Go 4th & Learn/Wawa Dairy Day – Storytelling, learn about the history of dairies, and more as part of the Wawa Welcome America celebration. FREE! June 16 – Father’s Day in Franklin Square! – A special dad/child combo: a round of mini golf followed by a SquareBurger, fries, and a soft drink (2 for $30!). July 4 – Independence Day Family Fun – Celebrate America’s birthday with fun featuring carnival games ($.25 per play) and the Lightning Bolt Express Train ($5 adults, $4 children).* July 31, 11 am – Franklin Square’s 7th Birthday Party – Wish the Square happy birthday with cake, cut by Ben Franklin himself, and make-your-own party hats. FREE!* August 31 – September 2 – Labor Day Celebration – Celebrate the end of summer with fun featuring carnival games ($.25 per play) and the Lightning Bolt Express Train ($5 adults, $4 children).* (*sponsored by Adventure Aquarium ) – more – Historic Philadelphia, Inc. 2013 Spring Fact Sheet * Page 4 of 6 HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA The Historic Philadelphia Center, across the street from Independence Hall and the CENTER: Liberty Bell, is the gateway to an authentic Historic Philadelphia experience, including attraction tickets, immersive walking tours, historic-themed gifts, and the one-of-a-kind Liberty 360 3D Show in the PECO Theater.