Presidents Day is February 15th 2016 and since it is a Federal Holiday, schools are closed and many non-essential federal government offices are too. So what is there to do? As it turns out Philadelphia has lots of fun, free, and educational ways to spend the day dedicated to our leaders of the free world.
What a better way to spend a day off from school then learning about the executive office, especially in a year where we will be choosing a new President. Here are five things to do this Presidents day that won’t put a dent in your wallet!
National Museum of American Jewish History
Free admission from 10am-5pm
Celebrate Presidents’ Day at the Museum and explore how American leaders impacted history, American society, and the American Jewish community. Meet George Washington and examine his original letter written in 1790 to the Jewish community of Newport, Rhode Island, declaring the importance of religious freedom.Have fun with interactive story telling, and enjoy arts and crafts projects. Take history in your own hands!
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Liberty Bell
Open on President’s Day from 8:30am-6pm – Always free
Check out the bell that let freedom ring! The Liberty Bell arrived in Philadelphia in 1751 to honor the 50th anniversary of William Penn’s charter of Privileges in 1701. It was rung on July 8th 1776 after the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Independence Hall
Open on President’s Day from 8:30am-6pm – Always free
Timed ticket required during summer hours – No ticket needed in winter
Once you check out the Liberty Bell head right across the street for a guided tour of the building where the Declaration of Independence was written in the balmy month of July in 1776. It is said that our forefathers did not even open the windows for fear that someone might over hear their plans before they were ready.
The President’s House
Open air museum – Always open – Always free
When our first President took office Philadelphia was our nation’s capital so our city essentially has the very first “White House”. Back in 2010 the President’s House opened after many months of carefully digging up the area to find artifacts and map out exactly what the house looked like. Though you will need to bundle up it is an incredibly interesting piece of history that profiles the slaves that lived in the President’s house. A perfect exhibit for both President’s Day and Black History Month.
National Constitution Center
Free this President’s Day curtesy of TD bank
Visit the National Constitution Center this Presidents Day to learn about the role of the president and what it takes to be commander-in-chief. Be the first to see the Center’s newest feature exhibit Headed to the White House. It is the only exhibit designed to engage visitors of all ages with the election season.
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