Today started out with a short jaunt over to College Hall.

Our first speaker, David Waldstreicher is the author of the book “Runaway America”.

In his talk he touched on three aspects of Benjamin Franklin; the leader, the politician and the scientist. He mentioned that in 1787 Franklin served as the President of the Philadelphia Abolitionist Society. He then went on to connect the fact that Franklin himself was an indentured servant who ran away from the remaining service with his brother. Waldstreicher seems to base Franklin’s connection with abolition (to a certain extent) with this background. After running away from servitude with his brother, he sails to New York. Being unable to find work he went to Philadelphia where he was in fear of being “picked up” and forced into labor or returned to his brother. By 1729 Franklin had his own printing operation in Philly. By 1736 (at the age of 30) he was sending his own apprentice to Charleston, SC to set up a printing shop. During this time period he invented the Franklin Stove and established the American Philosophical Society. (The APS actually grew out of the group Junto, that he had previously formed in 1727). By 1748, at the age of 42, he handed over the day-to-day operations of the print shop to his partner. Throughout the lecture Waldstreicher traced the growth of Franklin from runaway to businessman to gentleman. He also is of the opinion that slavery is not mentioned in Franklin’s autobiography, probably because it was embarassing.

Franklin had given several reasons (excuses) for slavery in America to the English who saw Americans as hypocrites who want freedom but owned slaves. Some of his arguments were 1.) American slaves were well treated 2.) that slavery was practically non-existent in the north and 3.) that because the British didn’t allow America to control its own economy they were having slave labor forced upon them.

The second speaker, Robert Engs, gave a talk of “The Great American Slave Rebellion”. He bases this title on the opinion that the slaves won, and that the victorious slaves were denied the right to write their own history, and that is why this isn’t common knowledge or discussed.

When referring to the Civil War (or the War of Northern Aggression) Engs says there were 2 myths. 1.) that Mr. Lincoln freed the slaves. Engs says this wasn’t the case, that the slaves freed themselves by participating in the war as soldiers and helping northern troops. The Emancipation Proclamation only freed slaves in states and areas where the federal government had control. 2.) Emancipation was genuine and the South suffered a decade of “negro rule”. Blacks were still the oppressed, not the oppressors during Reconstruction. In 1861 the north had four questions regarding slaves. 1.) Would they rebel? 2.) Did they want freedom? 3.) Would they fight for it? 4.) Would they know waht to do with it if they got it?

Initially the norths’ goal was simply to reunite the union and that included the concept of slavery. There was no intention at the onset of the war to free the slaves. By 1863 the slaves knew the war was about their freedom but they wouldn’t rebel like Turner. They knew what the consequences of a rebellion like that would be. Theirs was a quiet rebellion through dissertion and non-cooperation. They formed their own army of resistance.

Engs went on to detail the events of May 1861 at Ft. Monroe, VA and the 1st slaves who went there to claim freedom and sanctuary. Then in April 1862 the Union Navy landed on the “sea islands” of SC (Hilton Head). The confederates fled, trying to take their slaves with them. Their slaves hid in the woods until their masters left and then went to the Union troops.

Black laborers for the Union army were essential to northern victory. The north wouldn’t have had enough manpower to win without them. In the end, the Union (whites) felt that it would be far better for the slaves to think white America and Lincoln had given them their freedom and didn’t want them to realize that their own initiative and power that they seized actually brought their freedom.

Several black regiments were discussed including the Louisiana Navy Guard which was organized in New Orleans, the 54th Massachusetts infantry and the 1st South Carolina Volunteers. Approximately 180,000 blacks served in the Union Army and 20,000 in the Navy.

This is a very different perspective on the Emancipation Proclamation and slave involvment in the Civil War that students should be presented with. Engs makes a very good argument that the war could not have been won without their manpower. Students today never see any perspective other than the victorious North.

After the lectures we walked over to Elfreth’s Alley and took a demo cell phone tour that they just started. You call a phone number, enter the house number and it gives you a brief history of the house, its architectual style, who lived there, etc. The recording was hard to understand at times and there are 37 options to listen to which could certainly run up your cell phone bill. It was nice to see these homes on the longest existing street. They are all private residences now, and are beautifully maintained.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We then went to the Christ Church Cemetery to visit Benjamin Franklins’ grave as well as those of the other 4 signers of the Declaration who are buried there. We had to pay a $2 admission and $1 for a map of the graveyard, but it was worth it. Buried beside Franklin and his wife is their daughter Sarah Bache (Sally) and her husband. We also visited the gravesites of Joseph Hewes, George Ross, Francis Hopkinson and Dr. Benjamin Rush. It is a very peaceful place even though it is right in the middle of town. The walls block out the city noise and it is quite a tranquil resting place.

Today we went to the American Philosophical Soiety.

Membership in the society is 900+ and the only way to become a member is to be nominated by a member. They see themselves as a History of Science repository. Their collection touches on anthroplogy, genetics and evolution (having the largest Darwin collection outside England), physics, Native Americans and many others.

They possess over 250,000 volumes (journals and books), over 150,000 photos and over 20,000 recordings dating back to the 1920’s.

We were shown 4 documents from the collection beginning with the “first air mail”. This was a letter sent from William Franklin to his son, William Temple Franklin via hot air balloon. It traveled over the English Channel to Paris in January 1784.

The second document was a letter written by George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, dated June 12, 1784. In it he discusses Thomas Paine, stating he had heard he was “in distress” and asking what they could do to help.

The third document was a letter writen by Thomas Paine while in prison to George Washington and was dated September 20, 1795. It was a rather scathing letter, being none too friendly.

The fourth document was actually a set of sketches done by Charles Willson Peale of mammoth bones that were being put together to be placed on display.

It was awe inspiring to see such original documents. However, they do not have digital scans available on the internet and we were not provided with copies so there is no way that we could use these in our classroom. (He had one copy that he passed around for everyone to look at.) I did ask Charles, the gentleman who was showing us the documents, if he could supply me with copies of what he showed us. His response to me was that he usually makes copies but they get left behind and he didn’t want to get stuck with 30 copies. I told him I was interested, and wouldn’t leave them, but he did not make the copies for me. With the wealth of information that was contained in those walls it is a shame that you cannot access anything without being physically present. Guess I will just have to wait until a Nobel Prize winner or Supreme Court Justice nominates me for membership!

Ursula gave us a tour of the “5 explorers” exhibit that they currently have set up. She was very friendly and informative. She did recommend a Franklin book for us by Isaacson, and Matt said it was a good read.

After lunch we went to the Atwater Kent Museum which is the museum of Philadelphia’s history. We were shown several artifacts by Cynthia and viewed a PowerPoint presentation about those artifacts. I think the most shocking was the shackles. It is unthinkable that these men, women and children would have both their hands and feet locked in these shakles. They would literally be bent over at the waist, having their hands locked between their feet. That would have killed me, no question. How they ever endured…

It was also very “cool” to see the gun used by John Brown at Harpers Ferry. If that weapon could speak, oh the stories it could tell. 

I am one of those who has always been curious about the Amish and Mennonites. I have never understood the difference between the two and honestly never really tried to find out. When we first got our itinerary for the trip and I saw that this was on the schedule, I was very excited. Having been raised in a very strict Christian home with a father as a minister, I wondered how childen of other “religious” families lived. Was my dad really that bad? Looking back I appreciate everything he did.

Our guide, Ada Fisher, reminded me so much of my great-grandmother (who was Quaker from Indiana). Just her mannerisms and character were “familiar”. She instantly made you feel welcome, comfortable and genuinely willing to answer your questions. According to Ada…

the Mennonites came to America in 1535 and were called the Anabaptists. This means rebaptizers. The Mennonites believed in adult baptism, not infant baptism. This is because they felt your dedication to God should be a voluntary choice, not one made for you by your parents. The adults were, therefore, re-baptized.

Then Jacob Amman (a Swiss German) and John Rice felt that the Mennonites were not disciplining their members strictly enough so they broke away from the church and were called the Amish. John Rice eventually went back to the Mennonite church but Amman did not. In the late 1600’s the 1st Mennonites arrived in PA and then in 1740 the 1st Amish. Eventually another group called the Amish Mennonites formed who felt that the Old Order Amish were too strict.

Their lives are based on community and unity. An average farm would have 80 acres and each acre would be worth $6,000-$10,000. On average each family has 8-10 children. Only 60% of Amish are farmers, with the others working outside the home as carpenters, etc. Of those who do farm, most have a “side project” they work at.

They have no restrictions on medicine. They will receive transfusions and undergo surgery if necessary, but do tend to use homeopathic remedies.

Amish children do not attend public school. There are over 200, one room school houses in a 50 mile radius (Lancaster County). Each school would have 25-30 students. They only attend to the 8th grade (about age 13). Then they keep a diary at home detailing their work on the farm, etc. until they are 15 years old. That is reported to the state for educational documentation. They “get away” with this because they do not accept any federal funding for education. In addition, the teachers also only have an 8th grade education.

This would be so easy to incorporate into the classroom. I am not one to shy away from teaching religion, as it is an important part of my life. I approach it from that standpoint that all religions are historical and if I give equal time and information on each, students have every right to learn about them. I would love to incorporate a lesson comparing the Quakers and Amish. These are two groups present in Pueblo (even though they are small in number). Students constantly ask me questions about these two groups. I think this would be an excellent way to teach diversity and tolerance to students and help them have an appreciation of these religions and cultures. It would teach them that different isn’t wrong or weird, it’s just different. I would love to find someone in the community who would be willing to come in and speak with my students, explaining why they believe and practice the things they do and answer their questions. Middle schoolers need to understand tolerance, and also understand that it is okay to be “different”.

On a personal note, I truly felt blessed after meeting Abner, Katie and their children. They seemed so at peace with themselves. To have such a connection to nature and God; what a joy. The kids were so happy and carefree. I only wish every child could live such a loving, inclusive and carefree life and not be caught up in the chaos and entrapments of the world around them.

We had a late start today which was very much appreciated. Gave us time to stay up a bit later last night and get all the laundry done! LOL We were able to have a nice breakfast at the Phily Diner which is only a block from the dorm. Wonderful food and service.

We then went to the Philadelphia Museum of Art for the afternoon. We had an amazing guide named Linda. She was very good at showing us pieces or art from each time period. She also chose pieces that would represent certain styles and genres of art ranging from sculpture, stained glass, wood work, an of course paintings. She was very friendly, knowledgeable and a true joy to have guide us through the museum.  I had never heard of a Daves pot.

This is a rather ordinary looking piece of pottery made by Dave Potter, who happened to be a freed slave. He had been taught pottery by a former master but even more remarkable, he could read and write. The pots have inscriptions on them. I loved seeing the Copley paintings as well as the Charles Willson Peale, Eakins, Mary Cassatt, and the Tiffany pieces. I never realized that TIffany did more than stained glass (which was an idea he ‘borrowed’ from La Farge!) such as the vases and candlesticks that were on display. The La Farge piece was masterful.

The way the stained glass caught the light was remarkable. However, I absolutely loved seeing the teapot made by Paul Revere. Nothing like making a visual connection to history. To actually see something that he created, there aren’t words. I wanted to purchase a print of a Cassatt painting, but they didn’t have any available.

Had a great dinner with ten of my colleagues at “The New Deck”. Very enjoyable environment. Having a FABULOUS time. I am so anxious to go to Amish country tomorrow. This will definitely be one of the highlights of our trip.

This morning we trekked out to Washington’s Crossing Historic Park. It was “chilling” to see the place where Washington and his men actually made the journey across the Delaware River. That’s an odd word to use to describe it since it was 99 degrees (according to the bank across the way )with over 50% humidity. Needless to say this was a place where the cheesy history teacher in me was completely enthralled. To actually stand in the area where they all were.

We were then taken on a walk through several homes, the Durham Boat barn, and McConkey’s Ferry Inn. The last would have been where Washington acquired the ferry boats that were used to take the artillery and horses across the river. Our guide was not the most considerate man, and seemed to be genuinely having a bad day. When the tour was complete he just walked off towards the visitors center, leaving us all standing on the opposite side of the road.  I’m not quite certain what occurred but we apparently upset him in some way. When we arrived back at the visitor’s center Matt saw him walking out and tried to thank him for the tour but he just walked right past and did not acknowledge him.

From there we drove to Monmouth Battlefied State Park. (Thank you Matt for limiting the amount of walking in that heat!) Our guide was very informative, explaining in detail the events of the battle. We then went by bus to the Old Tennet Church which was built in 1751 and is located next to the battlefield. 

From there we went out to an area of the battlefield. Our guide warned us as we were getting off the bus to stay in the areas that had been mown down, not to venture into the tall grass because there were deer ticks. He then went on to tell us he has had Lyme disease five times. AUGH!!! So we went schlumping throught the mown grass a ways down the hill to view the battlefield which really was beautiful. I cannot imagine how those soldiers could wear those uniforms, be around that hot artillery and fight in that sweltering weather. Between the weather and enemy it seems that the battle would be impossible. Getting back on the bus (I decided not to walk the 2/3 mile back to the visitor’s center) I found a tick on my shoe and have never killed a bug quite as enthusiastically as I did that one! Then I had the creepy, crawlies all the way back to the dorm.

While enjoyable and informational, this was by far not my favorite outting of the trip so far.

We went to the Franklin Institute today. Upon walking into the foyer, there is a very large statue of Ben Franklin. It reminded me A LOT of the Lincoln Memorial in DC. Same basic type of stone, a sitting statue and even the way he his seated and his hands are situated are reminescent of Lincoln. I will have to check and see if they are by the same sculptor.

We then were able to walk through the exhibit where we saw items invented by Franklin including the lightning rod, the glass armonica, bifocals, a tool for reaching things on high shelves and quite a few others. We then walked through an exhibit about the heart. They had an actual walk through heart so you could see how the blood actually travels through the heart. They had a mannequin laying on a gurney, with a video screen in the chest cavity where you could watch a video of an actual open heart surgery. I also held a preserved horse brain and cow brain. (My kids would be so impressed with me! LOL) Then we were able to see a lobe of a regular human brain and a lobe of a human brain that was from an alzheimers patient. It was amazing the noticable difference. In the alzheimer affected brain, the tissue was “smaller” but with more area between the “folds” which seems to cause the synapses not to fire or when they do fire, to not connect. I was stunned at the difference in the two brains.

We were then able to go into the Board Room where John, our guide, had some Franklin artifacts for us to look at. This is the “stuff” history teachers live for. We were able to hold his sterling silver tankard, to see a 5 pound note and a 15 shilling note that were printed in his print shop. We also saw a cup and saucer set that was given to him as a gift. We also saw his 2nd will. It was amazing to see it in his own writing. He had such beautiful penmanship. Other items included the glass tube that he used to conduct static electricity experiments, but I was too afraid to hold it. I am such a clutz, I would be the one to break the irreplaceable piece of history. It was quite an experience.

We then had the afternoon to go through other portions of the exhibit. We went to the planitarium show “Cosmic Collisions”. It was a remarkable show. I have a problem with my eyes which causes a problem with depth perception so I started to feel a little sick about half way through. I decided to skip the 3D “Bugs” show in order to keep my lunch down!

I returned to Independence Hall to retake some pictures of the signing room. Since tickets were not needed today, I was able to get in fairly quickly. While standing in line a woman in front of me made a comment that she wished she knew what to expect so she could decide whether or not to stay in line. The woman behind me said she agreed. So I told them what we had experienced on Monday. While speaking with the woman behind me I found out that she lived in Washington DC but had moved there from Rocky Ford, Colorado of all places. I chuckled and told her that I used to teach there. She looked at me rather quizzically and asked what school. I told her Jefferson Middle. Then she really looked at me funny and asked when. I told her, and as it turns out I had taught her daughter Sarah for 2 years!!!!  What a small world. Just can’t get away from home

Got some advice from locals on great places to eat. Went down in to Old City and experienced a bit of “First Friday”. Apparently on the first Friday of every month all of the art galleries on Elfreth Street are open, there are art exhibitions on the streets, music, etc. (Kinda like our Festival Fridays but a bit more culture I think.)  

Came back to the room to soak my aching dogs and prepare for the cross-state hike Matt, Johnathan and Scott have planned for us tomorrow! I’ll be ready to go bright and early!

 

Arrived at the National Constitutional Center this morning for our lecture with Carol Berkin. I was so excited to meet her! She gave a talk about the Constitution. (Duh!) She started out describing the 2 birth myths of the country. The first being about the Revolution which the “story” tells us had all American united, rising up against the tyrannical King of England, winning the war, establishing a democracy and living happily ever after! The second myth is about the Constitution which the “story” tells us came about in 1787 when a group of brilliant men came together, knowing exactly what they wanted to accomplish and that they wrote a novel, unique document knowing that it would last.

She also put forth the idea that the Articles of Confederation were not weak. That they were restrictive yet they perfectly conformed to the ideals of the Revolution. Once the Revolution was over, they no longer served the same purpose and did need to be revised/changed. Some of the problems with the Articles were the fact that the country had no money and couldn’t tax to get any, by 1786 most men no longer wanted to participate in the government because it couldn’t accomplish anything, and there was no navy to protect the merchant marines so Barbary Pirates were a problem.

She described these men as being terrified when they meet in Philadelphia. They were afraid that their little experiment as a republic had failed and if they couldn’t find a solution, “the game was up”. They understood that the form of government that they produced had to contain familiar elements or it would not be accepted.

She went on to explain that these men faced up to a crisis, admitted that they did the wrong thing with the Articles and wanted to fix it. This was a “work session” where they tried to avoid inflaming others. They were obsessed with the dangers of power and knew that all other republics in the world had failed. They really didn’t think the Constitution would last, with one prediction being 10 years. They believed that power corrupted everyone and she points out that they were brilliant in the adding of the amendment process. They were smart enough to know that knew ideas and new solutions would have to be added.

In the afternoon Eli Lesser, the Director of Education at the Constitution Center, explained their learning model which includes civic knowledge, public action and democractic deliberation. We then saw a presentation of their theatrical performance “Freedom Rising” which I though was incredible (despite being surrounded by middle schoolers without their chaperones!). The way they presented the information was engaging, fresh and definitely kept your attention. Being the weepy mom that I am, I got teary eyed during the presentation (but hey, I cry at kleenex commercials! LOL) We then toured their exhibit which was a fresh take on informational displays. Very interactive and engaging for kids of all ages. Loved the signers hall with the life size statues of the signers.

Eli then led us through a demonstration of an election activity that he created, and then ended by giving us a bunch of “stuff” which teachers truly do love. Such a pleasing, informational and enjoyable afternoon. How I wish Colorado was closer to the east coast!!!!

Took Eli’s advice and hiked on down to Jim’s Steaks. Well worth the hike, wonderful cheesesteaks. Jonathan you would be proud, no one asked for ketchup, only whiz and onions (a few substituting provolone) however, everyone around us was using ketchup! LOL

 

 

Quite wet and rainy this morning. I love days like this…when I can stay home and sleep! Nice drive in to Princeton. When we arrived at the battlefield it had quit raining for the most part, but everything was completely soaked which soon included all of us. The battlefield was a rolling expanse of green, dotted by trees. Of course there were fewer trees in 1777. 

We visited the Thomas Clark house which was built in 1772 by Thomas Clarke who was a Quaker. It was a 200+ acre farm and is the spot where the January battle at Princeton was fought. In fact General Mercer died in the house about 9 days after being wounded. I really felt that the somewhat dreary and wet conditions added to the ambiance of the place. We all know the winter of 1777 was miserable (but not the coldest). Things would get cold and frozen then it would rain, or melt off and be muddy. As we were sloshing through the yard of the house, we could identify to a certain extent.

Took a short walk down a trail to the Quaker meeting house which is apparently still in use today. In the cemetary there, Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a fairly prominent figure from Princeton, is buried. Were able to visit the burial spot.

We then went in to the town of Princeton itself for lunch at one of Jonathan’s haunts, Conte’s. As promised, the pizza was fantastic. Wonderful service and a great place to relax, drink a diet Coke and visit about the morning.

We then went to Bainbridge House which now serves as the headquarters for the Historical Society of Princeton. Most of the original structure, which was built in 1766, is still there. We briefly toured the historical society and then were taken on a walking tour of Princeton by Ms. Morales. She took us on to the Princeton campus where we first visited the University Chapel which was an amazing structure. Designed in the “gothic revival” style it reminds me a bit of the National Cathedral in DC, although not near the size. They began building the church in 1925 and finished in 1928, although they took several more years to finish the stained glass windows. You definitely felt on hallowed ground while in that building.

We then walked across to Nassau Hall which was completed in 1756.

 At that time it housed the entire College of New Jersey (which is now Princeton). The building was able to remain standing during the Revolutionary War. Portions of the building were damaged in two fires. It also served as the first capitol of New Jersey and is the place where the Declaration of Independence was read in 1776. As if this all wasn’t prestigious enough, it also was the nation’s capital when the Continental Congress met there in 1783. Today it houses the University Presidents’ office.

We then went on to see the Nassau Presbyterian Church, buildings of the Princeton Theological Seminary, Albert Einstein’s house (which I was disappointed to discover is a private residence and we could not go in), Morven (which was Richard Stockton III’s house and later the Governor’s Mansion), the Battle Monument and Palmer Square.

I then went with Dana to the Princeton Cemetery where we visited the graves of President Grover Cleveland and also that of Aaron Burr. This was a very beautiful, well-tended and tranquil place and I’m very glad we took the time to find the entrance and walk through the grounds.  

 

Began the day heading out to Valley Forge. Our Park Ranger, Bill Troppman was great. He was humorous, entertaining and knowledgable. I went in expecting to hear a lot about the “myth” of Valley Forge; the coldest winter, how the soldiers suffered with little provisions, etc. I was fairly pleased with the way that he handled these ideas and basically dispelled them. He made it clear that there were deaths at Valley Forge but the majority of them were due to disease. Until the arrival of von Steuben, the American Army was unfamiliar with how to set up camp. The basic military issues of latrines, cooking, surviving in wet conditions, etc. was something that these boys and men were unversed in. He also made it clear that there were provisions to be had. Can you imagine, baking 14,000 loaves of bread A DAY!!! Three, eight hour shifts of cooks baking bread. I also liked the tidbits of info that he gave us, such as the fact that it would take 1,000 deer to feed the troops for two days. I also found it interesting that they had an “order” for the type of meat they preferred beginning with beef, pork, lamb, ???, and ending with fish and poultry.

Our first stop at the huts was fun! I like to see the reinactment of how we believe history occurred. The huts are nothing like what the mythical picture of Valley Forge portrays, with soldiers stuck in make shift tents, without proper clothing, cold, hungry and miserable. I’m sure they were uncomfortable even in the huts, but they look like they would remain fairly warm and dry and would give them some security. I cannot begin to imagine what the site of 400 tents, stretching across those hills for 3 miles would look like. I also found it interesting that they knew where each states troops were housed at. The rangers dressed in the colonial military uniforms were very helpful and willing to answer questions. They even allowed us to take pictures of specific gear and items of their uniforms so we would have visuals to better explain them to the kids. THe shooting demonstration was great. Our books always touch on the rifles, and how difficult it was to load them with the black powder from the horn, the ball, etc. The explanation they gave with the muskets and the demostration showed that they could reload quickly, in approx. 15 seconds and fire again!

Walking into the house that General Washington used as his headquarters was awe inspiring. The woman there that was working in the house told us that the handrailing on the stairs was the original one. When we all touched it, she commented “hands on history!” I thought that was great. I spoke to her a moment and she was a retired 7th grade American History teacher. She felt like she was among kindred spirits with all of us there. The house is amazing. I love seeing original structures such as this. It really helps being perspective to what you read in books. Can’t wait to us the pictures in class to show my kids the type of winter quarters that Washington had.

 

Back at the education center my favorite thing, obviously, would be “the vault”. Seeing those historical items that were donated to or found at the site is a history teachers’ dream. I was amazed that they would allow us to see and hold many of the items. The 1779 edition of Von Steuben’s field manual was simply amazing. I only hope someday I come across a treasure trove of a garage sale and find something such as that!! LOL  And to see a letter actually written by George Washington; how amazing. How I wish our kids could experience history like this.

I am anticipating logging on to the Valley Forge National Park website and looking through the curriculum materials that are available there. I’m sure there are many that can be incorporated into my classroom next year.

Beautiful day in Philly! Weather was fantastic and definitely added to our touring.

We began our morning on the Philadelphia subway and arrived a short time later at Independence Hall. What an amazing building. The park ranger who was speaking with us told us that the items in the building were 80% original. That about the only things that weren’t were the stairs and the floor. The courtroom was stunning and I thought the idea of the person on trial standing in that “cage” was interesting to say the least.

To me the most spectacular part was standing in the Assembly Room where the Declaration was “written”. It was stuffy, with all the windows shut, much like they would have been during that hot July. Our guide pointed out where John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson sat during the proceedings. It was such a phenomenal feeling to stand in a place where so many important decisions were made that still affect our lives today.

We then met up with our tour guide, Pat Stallone (no, she’s not related to Sylvester!) What a spitfire! She was so knowledable and so easy to listen to. She definitely kept us all in line and on task. She walked us through Congress Hall (where we received a presentation from another Park Ranger) and then over to Old City Hall.

We then walked by the 2nd National Bank, which is a maginificent building with huge marble columns. If I understood correctly there is some amazing artwork in the building. Unfortunately it is closed on Mondays so we couldn’t go in, but should be able to visit on our free time over the next 2 weeks. Pat then took us by the 1st National Bank.

After lunch we walked to see the Liberty Bell. As silly as it may sound, I did not realize that the “scar” that you see across the front was not actually where the bell was cracked. It is actually where the repair was made using a system called “stop drilling”.  I seem to recall maybe having heard that somewhere in my past, but it struck me as very interesting. Just one of those wonderful tidbits to pass on to the kids!

On a side note, the security was impressive to me at the National Park. They searched EVERY pocket, bag, etc. by hand. I have been to Washington DC 8 times and NYC three, and I have never experienced a security check point such as that.

After the Liberty Bell we went to Christ’s Church. What a building!! This is not the original structure from the 1600’s but is from the 1700’s. The church is still used every Sunday for service, and I hope to be able to attend this coming Sunday morning. They had a 600 year old baptismal font where William Penn was baptised. It was georgous.

After that we walked to the area where Benjamin Franklin’s house used to stand. His grandchildren had it torn down, not thinking of its importance. They wanted to build rentals. They have excavated the foundation of the old structure and have areas enclosed in plexiglass that you can look down on to get an idea of the layout of the house.

We then went to the Religious Society of Friends meeting house (Quaker church). I found the information our guide Neil gave us very informational. Even though my great-grandmother was a Quaker from Illinois in her youth, I never understood the basis for their worship. Having been raised by a father who is a minister you can imagine that it struck me as odd that they have no minister in their church. They convene in silence and rely on each other to provide guidance and messages. (I can’t remember what he called this. Can someone let me know?) He also explained the “S.P.I.C.E” of their religion. S is for simplicity. P is for peace. I is for integrity, C is for community and E is for Equality. (This is from memory so if I got one of them wrong please correct me   They truly are pasifists; they do not believe in war. Their “motto” is Let’s See What Love Can Do.

From there we went to the Betsy Ross House. It was a very small and sometimes cramped home. It is not certain that this is where she lived. If it is the house she lived in, she and her husband(s) did not own the home, but rented it. It is also not certain whether or not she actually sewed the new flag. I personally like to believe the idea that she did, although its probably not historically accurate.

That ended our afternoon of touring, but the fun didn’t stop there. Another subway ride took us to Citizen Bank Park where we watched the Phillys beat the Reds 5 to 4. We sat next to some fantastic people (the woman was a 5th grade teacher!) and had a great time.

Looking forward to more days filled with superior touring, knowledge, learning and FUN!