The red-bricked Georgian building in the midst of the 45-acre (18.2-hectare) Independence National Historical Park is one of the most recognizable historical landmarks in the nation, emblematic of the culmination of a series of epoch-making events that led to the birth of an independent America. The place where both the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the Constitution of the United States (1787) were signed, the Independence Hall has come to be synonymous with the the ideas of freedom and democracy that the declaration is hinged on, and stands tall on Philadelphia's historic Chestnut Street, flanked by side wings and a steeple. Constructed between 1732 and 1753, the famed Independence Hall was the brainchild of Andrew Hamilton and Edmund Woolley, and also served as the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention. The iconic Liberty Bell is located right around the corner, although its original home was Independence Hall's bell tower.
Barclay Farm House is a Federal-style farmhouse dating back to the 19th Century. Spanning across 32 acres (12.95 hectares) of land, the farmhouse features a herb garden, farm buildings, playground, community gardens, orchard and nature trails following River Cooper. Besides numerous tours of the interiors, the house also plays host to outdoor concerts, craft fairs and other such cultural events. If you want to glimpse at a slice of local history and culture, then a visit to Barclay Farm House can be a great idea. Note that besides the usual timings, Barclay Farm House is also open to the public on the first Sunday of every month from April to November between 12p to 4p.
The Delaware Art Museum is a grandiose exhibition space that features an impressive collection of paintings and illustrations belonging to the Pre-Raphaelite period and the artistic trend of 19th and 20th Century America. Here, you get to see artworks by masterminds like Dante Rossetti, Simeon Solomon, Thomas Dewing, Raphaelle Peale, among several others. Besides featuring an awe-inspiring collection, the museum also hosts various art-related activities like exhibitions and workshops. Apart from that, the various halls located within the premises of the Delaware Art Museum are rented out for corporate functions, meetings, private gatherings, cocktail parties, and several other events.
Named after the American revolutionary leader Caesar Rodney, John J. Raskob built a historic and public square- Rodney Square in the 20th century and is now considered as the pulse of the city. The square is used for festivals and other celebrations. It is a perfect blend of architecture from ancient to modern time which includes Italian Renaissance, Classical Revival, Beaux-Arts and Moderne.
Rita of Cascia was born in Italy in 1386. At the age of twelve, she was married to an abusive man and was forced to endure his rage until his death eighteen years later. Rita delighted in her two sons until they also died; she then entered a convent and devoted herself to Christ. Rita is worshipped as the "Saint of the Impossible" and the "Saint of Desperate Causes." In 1907, George Lovatt built this Renaissance-style church in Philadelphia. It has become a national center of devotion to St. Rita.
During the day this park is alive with skateboarders, sunbathers and dog walkers; at night couples stroll on romantic walks. The natural sanctuary of lovely trees and green grass is surrounded by one of the city's most upscale eating, shopping and residential districts. Renamed Rittenhouse Square in 1825 for esteemed clockmaker and astronomer David Rittenhouse, this spot is the ideal place to take refuge from modern distractions. A few steps down the path at any of the six gates, and the noise and traffic of the city seem to disappear.
The Germantown Mennonite Church, established circa 1690, is North America's oldest living Mennonite congregation. It hosted North America's first gathering of Mennonites in 1725 and served as the home of a summer school taught by pioneer educator Christopher Dock in the 1730s. The Mennonite heritage promotes peace and personal responsibility through the worship of God. The Congregation transcends differences of ethnicity, race, gender, sexual identity, physical ability, marital status and class.
This is a city location for Muslim worship and other services. Celebrations of festivals, lectures on Islam are one of the few services undertaken. The sole aim being upliftment of the Islamic community. It takes the brotherhood feeling promoted by Islam a step further.
This is the centre for Jewish life in Philadelphia, located at the University of Pennsylvania, this facility was set up to promote the Jewish culture in America. They have services and lectures explaining the various aspects of Jewish tradition and cultures. The Penn Hillel even has parties and social events for the Jewish people. It fosters a warm community that is always open to new ideas and initiatives. Invitation is given to any person willing to learn about the faith and culture.
Established in 1799, Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church is one of the town's oldest places of worship. The modest church building has been constructed in the 19th-century Revival style of architecture. The church played a significant role in the history of the African population of the time, by serving as an Underground Railroad station.
The St. Paul's Episcopal Church is a historic church located in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania. This Gothic style gray stone structure was first built in 1861 and modifications were made by Jay Cooke and Horace Trumbauer over the years. The stone structure of the church also features a two story clock tower and an adjoining cemetery. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Perched on top of a hill, located within a green estate that covers nearly 72 acres (29 hectares), Woodmont is a mansion built by renowned architect Will Price in 1894. The building's architecture is Châteauesque, drawing inspiration from French and Gothic designs. The mansion was known to accommodate revered spiritual leader Reverend M. J. Divine during the early 50s, which was when the building was at its peak in terms of popularity. Its association with Father Divine allowed it to be mentioned as a National Historic Monument, frequented by tourists from far and wide.