NOTE: Normally we would be outside at 5 spots around Independence National Historical Park (INHP), but because a high of 20 degrees is expected that day, we’ll be chatting with visitors inside the Independence Visitor Center (IVC). We’ll share short stories from Black history and the history of other underrepresented groups, and if any guests are interested, one of our guides can take them outside to the 5 INHP spots. Stop by – we’d love to see you!

Members of the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) will present a teach-in, HISTORY MATTERS: Free Talks with Tour Guides, at various sites within Independence National Historic Park (INHP) on Saturday, January 24 from 1-4 pm. These free, short significant snippets of history will include the history of Blacks and other marginalized groups. Participants can follow a route that starts at the Visitor Center, continues past the President’s House, Liberty Bell Center, and goes along Chestnut Street to Congress Hall, Independence Hall, and Old City Hall. They can visit all five stops or take in as many as time and interest allow. The stories at each site are not sequential.

Those who would like a little extra explanation and some camaraderie can join free tours that will leave the Independence Visitor Center at 1:15, 2:15, and 3:15 pm to escort guests around to all five sites. Look for the APT table and ‘Ask Me’ name tags!

This public education program is APT’s response to a March 27 executive order called “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” This order directed the secretary of the Department of the Interior to make sure that displays at national parks do not “inappropriately disparage Americans past or living (including persons living in colonial times).” Instead, he said, they are to “focus on the greatness of the achievements and progress of the American people.”

On Saturday, guides will discuss true stories about colonial slavery, Black resistance and self-determination, and other underrepresented narratives in early American life. The public is encouraged to attend the HISTORY MATTERS: Free Talks with Tour Guides to learn a more complete account of our country’s history.

The event is free, nonpartisan, and family-friendly. No registration is required. All are welcome!