Members of the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) will present a teach-in at various sites within Independence National Historic Park (INHP) on Saturday, September 20 from 1-4 pm. These free, short “Truth Talks” 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 behind Congress Hall, Independence Hall, and Old City Hall. They can visit all six stops or take in as many as time and interest allow. The stories at each site are not sequential.

This public education program is APT’s response to an Executive Order called “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” signed by the president on March 27. 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 Truth Talks 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!