NEWS
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim Murphy:
Cell: 610-506-3024
Email: murfman1@comcast.net
Philly Tour Guides to raise awareness of Black history with “Truth Talks at Independence”
Hear free, short talks at 6 sites around Independence National Historical Park, 1-4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 7, 2025 — Certified members of the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) will present a teach-in with free, short “Truth Talks” on the history of Blacks and other marginalized groups at six Independence National Historical Park (INHP) sites from 1-4 pm on Saturday, September 20.
These locations are: the Independence Visitor Center, President’s House, Liberty Bell Center, Congress Hall, Independence Hall and Old City Hall.
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.
In it, he 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.”
Guides will tell truth no matter what signs may say
“Our organization was founded to combat incorrect information being told by guides in the city,” said Marianne Ruane, president of APT. “Our members are committed to telling the whole truth about Philadelphia’s history, especially when it comes to slavery.
“We’ll continue this work, no matter what changes they make to the signs. America’s greatness is in the stories of everyday people who stood up to injustice and changed history for the better.”
Guides will discuss true stories about colonial slavery, Black resistance and self-determination, and other underrepresented narratives in early American life at Independence Park sites.
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.
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 stop at all six stops or as many as time and interest allow. The stories at each site are not sequential.
The Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides includes nearly 200 corporate and individual members. Founded in 2008, APT conducts a robust education program and certifies Philadelphia city guides.
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