Between Friends

Between Friends

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Reflections on a New Year

The New Year is just around the corner.  It is a time to reflect on the past, to make resolutions to change the future and to celebrate another year.  At the Friends office, we are doing just that, we are looking at the past year to see what we have accomplished:
  • The reintroduction of a monthly Speaker Series which has been sold out each month
  • A successful membership campaign where our member’s gave the gift of membership to friends and family
  • A fantastic float created and made by volunteers to represent a “Green” Liberty Bell and then a great showing of all the volunteers and people who work in the park at the Independence Day Parade, along with so much more

And yes we are making our resolutions for 2012 because what is New Year’s without a resolution or two?

In 2012, we resolve to:
  • Be more visible to our members, to our supporters and to the visitors of the park.  The Friends of Independence is the only way you can support Independence National Historical Park and we want everyone to know that about us
  • Increase our programming.  One of the great benefits we can offer as the supporting arm to Independence NHP is great educational programs held in some of the most historic buildings in our country.  Our goal is to increase what we are currently doing and find new ways to bring people back to the park
  • Increase our communications.  If we do not communicate all of our great programs and events as well as the news happening in and around the park, then we are not doing the most fundamental task that we were assigned from the beginning of our origins.  Our goal for 2012 is to increase that communications so that our members and supporters are always aware of what is happening at Independence NHP
  • Say thank you more often because at the end of the day, everything we do means nothing if we do not take a moment to thank the people who support us and our good works every day.
Thank you for your past support and we hope in the New Year, you will continue to support the Friends of Independence because that is the only way we can support the Best Park in History!, Independence National Historical Park.

Happy New Year to You and Yours!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Happy Holidays

The Friends of Independence
National Historical Park
would like to wish you 
Happy Holidays and
a very Happy New Year
to you and yours!

We are excited for 2012
as it marks 40 years of
supporting the
Best Park in History!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

LIVING IN HISTORY

                One day a few months ago, I was walking home from the Ritz movie theatre on Walnut Street.  As I passed the rose garden between 4th and 5th Streets, I noticed a barricaded area with a sign in front of it near the entrance to the garden. I walked over to get a better look and saw what the Park Service had apparently determined to be part of a colonial cobblestoned street, which up until now, had been concealed under two feet of dirt.  How incredible, I thought, that we are still discovering these relics of the past right in our midst.  I continued up Walnut to Washington Square.  At the corner of 6th St., I noticed several people sitting on the benches in back of Independence Hall, reading newspapers, playing with children or walking home with grocery bags.  Of course, there was the usual contingent of tourists milling around the Hall.
                Entering Washington Square, I didn’t notice many tourists but saw that the Square was being used by various people for the same quotidian purposes -- relaxing, reading, dog walking, ball playing.  Like me, some people were cutting through the Square on their way home.  Being a student of Philadelphia history, I knew that I was walking over the final resting place of many victims of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 as well as fallen soldiers from the Revolution.
                My walk ended on the west side of the Square at St. James Street. Other residents of the neighborhood walk home on the same brick sidewalks used by the colonials, past tiny streets and tinier houses dating from the 18th century.  Of course, the 18th century structures stand cheek by jowl with modern buildings built in the last several years, as well as buildings dating from significant architectural periods of the 19th and 20th centuries, from the early 19th century PSFS bank building on the west side of the Square to the modern houses on Spruce and Pine, from the artisan cottages sprinkled around Society Hill to the 20th century Art Deco Ayer Condominium.
                Philadelphians have lived in the shadow of New York City since being eclipsed by it at the start of the industrial revolution.  New York became the boom town, constantly reinventing itself, and in the process wiping away just about every vestige of its architectural history.  While it is true that, to its detriment, Philadelphia’s economic progress diminished considerably in the 19th century in comparison to New York, the silver lining in that cloud is that Philadelphia didn’t do much redevelopment, retaining the greatest collection of colonial period houses in the United States, as well as dozens of fine examples of period architecture dating from the early 1700’s to the present, all positioned against the backdrop of Independence National Historic Park.  Another felicitous result of Philadelphia’s “stagnation” is that the residential “greene countrie towne” that grew so rapidly in the 18th Century is still just that – a residential town.  I know of no other large city in America where one can live in an 18th century setting, amid block after block of 18th century houses, and still be within the present day business district or a short walk away.
                Unlike other cities, our history is not barricaded behind bollard and chain barriers (Independence Hall’s barriers are part of another story), sanitized and remote.  We live our history in Independence National Historic Park.  We live that history in the houses. We walk it by traversing the same sidewalks that Jefferson and Franklin used, along the same streets that were part of Penn’s original grid.  We get a free architectural history presentation just by walking through the Park.
We can thank New York for allowing us to retain our historical setting by outgrowing us in the 19th century.  And, we certainly can thank the National Park Service for maintaining our legacy, allowing us to truly “live in history.”
~Antoinette Stone
  Friends member and Board Member

Monday, December 5, 2011

The Edgar Allan Poe House

Not far from the National Park surrounding Independence Hall is another historically certified site, the Edgar Allan Poe house located at 532 North Seventh Street in Philadelphia. Poe lived in this house several years (approximately 1838 to 1844) and almost all scholars concur that these years were among his most productive and some of his very best work was done during that time.

Poe came to Philadelphia because it was then a great literary center and had many publishing houses. During this period, he wrote over 30 short stories, many magazine articles and wonderful poetry. He lived with his wife, his mother-in-law and their cat, Caterina. Poverty and drunkeness followed Poe all of his life and the family was extremely poor. It is unknown how the Poe house, which was rented, was furnished.

The house has now been restored by the National Park Service. There is a really good 8 minute film that visitors can view. The Park Service guides are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The ranger-guided tour lasts about 35 to 45 minutes; There are all sorts of references in the six room house to Poe's place in literature. One room has very interesting exhibits showing biographical information about Poe and his development and perfection of gothic  detective stories. Make sure to see the wonderful fireplace in the basement of the house which reminds us of Poe's short story, "The Black Cat".

Walking through Poe's house as well as his garden is a very productive way: to learn about Philadelphia and the City's important role in publishing during the 19th Century; to experience first-hand  a typical 19th Century house and garden; and to learn more about one of America's greatest authors.

~Flora L. Becker
  Secretary of the Board

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Being Thankful

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, a day where Americans gather with their family and friends to eat turkey, watch football and hopefully give thanks for all that they have in their lives.  On the Eve of this great holiday, I would like to give my own thanks.

I am thankful to the National Park Service.  Every day in rain, sheet, snow and sun, rangers are out in our wilderness parks, history parks and monuments; interpreting, protecting and maintaining these places for the American people.  I am thankful to the Federal Government who in 1872 had the foresight to protect a little place called Yellowstone from being destroyed through development.  Today the National Park Service protects over 450 natural, historical, recreational, and cultural areas throughout the United States, its territories, and island possessions.

I am thankful to the founding members of organizations like the Friends of Independence.  They had the passion, dedication and foresight to understand the importance of preserving and protecting our American Treasures.  I am thankful that they preferred to work on a shoe string budget so that they could pool more of their resources into our great parks and to make them the place to visit.

I am thankful to members, donors and corporate sponsors who agree with us that Independence National Historical Park is worth protecting and maintaining.  I am thankful to the nearly four million visitors who come to our park each year… they remind me why I love working here.

Mainly, I am thankful that I work for the Friends of Independence and that while I will play only a small part in the impressive and extensive history of this park, I will still play a part.  As a born and bred Philadelphian who went on field trips here as a child, nothing makes me prouder than knowing that I am helping to preserve this park for future generations.

So I hope you will join me today and tomorrow and offer thanks to a government department that preserves our heritage, to the rangers who love their job and sharing their knowledge, to the groups like the Friends who tirelessly work to preserve these places and mainly, give thanks to Independence National Historical Park, there is no other place like it and after all, it is the place where America was born.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

~Maiti Gallen
  Program Director

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

An inside Look from the Top of Independence Hall

To live in the presence of Independence Hall during this historic restoration has been a once in a lifetime experience for me. To see the spectacular changes on a weekly basis as our National Icon is restored to her historic glory is a project the Friends can be proud of.  
A little history…
Two and a half years ago, the Park along with Charlie Tonetti, Chief Historical Architect’s recommendations, came to the Friends with a plan that would enable the park to work on a beloved building while preserving the visitor experience.  Independence Hall had to undergo restoration work which would cover this iconic building in heavy scaffolding for many months.  Almost 4 million visitors come to this park annually and pose for pictures with Independence Hall in the background. Independence National Historical Park wanted the Decorative Scrim so visitors’memories could still be captured with little interference from ongoing construction. This project will be completed in the next couple of months.

Don Kaufman, former Board member and neighbor describes his experience as he viewed the Bell Tower restoration:
This was not just the end of another Friends project; it was the beginning of a transformation, ….. an out of the box experience for me and as well as Board Member Ed D’Alba, I’m sure.  We were invited to participate in a Press Conference held by INHP to present the restoration of the Bell Tower.  The tower hasn't had a major face lift for many years, so we climbed the scaffolding to examine the restoration that had taken place over the past few months.

We were thoroughly impressed by the quality of the restoration.    An interesting aspect was our ability to view the restoration for the outside of the tower.   One of Ed's employee's commented that “years from now when his kids visit the Hall, he would be able to say that he was on the outside of the tower on the tippy tippy top.” What a thrill to be part of the Friends and to be able to contribute to the restoration of this historic monument.
~Don Kaufman
   Former Board Member, 2005-2010


A few words from Ed D’Alba current board member…

The ascent of the tower was breathtaking.  The opportunity to stand above the "Hall," and outside the "Tower," all of which have withstood the test of time, debate and challenge from what happened within and beyond its hallowed halls will never be forgotten. 

It took but a few steps along the highest levels of the scaffolding to observe the stately beech trees around Commodore Barry to the south, to see the openness of the multi-storied south face of the Constitution Center to the north, and the contemporary and many other historic properties around and near the mall to the east and west.  Is there any other place on earth that so vividly helps underscores the role, the need, and the importance of friends groups nationwide, and of the Friends of Independence National Historic Park in particular?  Helping to preserve and enhance this National Treasure felt very right that day, and will provide memories for years to come.  In one word - Awesome! 
~Ed D’Alba
  Board Member, 2011 -

As Treasurer and Co-Chair of the Independence Hall Scrim Committee, this is civic project that I and the Friends of Independence will never forget.
~ Karen D. Kaufman
   Treasurer and Board Member

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Excitement through Evolution

Yesterday, our Governing Board Members held its bi-monthly meeting to discuss the business of the Friends of Independence and to make decisions that will best lead our organization into the future.  Like many non-profits, our leaders are part of the business community and use their knowledge and skills to help our organization thrive and grow.

For the past few years the Governing Board meetings centered on the financial health of the organization and how we would weather the down-turning economy.  Many of our discussions dealt with future funding and the stability of the Friends.  This is not an uncommon theme for most non-profits, and in comparison, we have weathered better than most.  However, it has become a repetitive, never-ending topic.  There never will be a time when we say that as an organization we have too much, that we do not need more, and that we will not accept funding; because we know that the more funding we have, the more we can do for our park.

Yesterday’s meeting, however, was different.  While we still discussed the financial health of the organization, we also started to discuss the future:  How we wanted to see ourselves, how we wanted others to see us, and what we wanted to do to have our name reach more people.  Looking around the room, I could see my board members becoming animated as they brainstormed the possibilities.  They were so excited for what we were doing that in turn they enlivened me.

As the lone staff member for the Friends of Independence, I am charged with thinking ahead.  It is my responsibility to look for ways to connect with our constituents and to plan events, programs, and opportunities that will make our organization more visible.  Usually by the time I present an idea to the Governing Board, I am past my excited stage; I am in the business portion of the planning.  I am working out the logistics to make sure that we not only can produce the program but that it will meet tangible goals.

I walked into that meeting yesterday with my facts and figures, and I walked out feeling very excited for the future possibilities because my board members were enthusiastic and energized.  It is an incredible feeling to have a clear idea of where you are headed and to have the support of the Board.  Next year marks the 40th anniversary of the Friends of Independence.  While that is an amazing accomplishment, we know we cannot live on our past glories.

We are changing.  We are growing.  We are evolving as we should.  We know our future has unlimited potential.  And we hope that you share our vision.  We invite you to continue the journey with us as we explore and reshape the Future of the Friends of Independence.

Stay tuned for some incredible programming…

~Maiti Gallen
  Program Director

Friday, October 14, 2011

It’s Almost Here!!!!

The trees are still green and leafy, the flowers still bloom, but there is a bite in the air these days. A chilly breeze as you walk through Independence National Historical Park foretells of autumn days to come – fall days when the park is covered in leaves, our wildlife (the gray squirrel) is foraging for winter and you can hear the wind rustling through the grass.

Autumn is my favorite time of the year here at the park. The whole park comes alive with the bright reds, golds and oranges of the season. Instead of sunbathers worshiping the light of summer, we have parents and children holding hands as they scoot through the fallen leaves. People walk closer together to warm themselves against the chill in the air instead of finding solitary relief in the cool shade. I find the whole park feels warmer during these transitional days and the smell of hot cider with mulling spices wafting through the air will always make me want to stop in at City Tavern for a quick sip or two.

This is the time of the year when the park belongs to the locals. The summer tourists are gone, the ones who come here to celebrate our independence, who stand with us in spirit to fight for freedom and who happily take pictures of their experience at a national historical park. Even as the late summer tourists slowly disappear from our sidewalks, park neighbors emerge from their homes to reclaim the park as their own. Soon the benches will be filled with workers from the neighboring buildings trying to soak up the last rays of sun before winter’s gray clouds are upon us.

This is the time of the year when I feel most at home at my national park. So even though it is still in the high 70’s here in Philadelphia and the humidity levels have not dropped, I will wear a scarf and coat in happy anticipation of the chillier weather. I will also kick the leaves scattered on the ground and dream of days when I can secretly jump into the massive piles of leaves when our maintenance workers are not looking. I do all of this because I know, when there is a bite in the air, my favorite season at Independence National Historical Park is just around the corner.

~Maiti Gallen
  Program Director

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Edgar Allan Poe ~ The Master of the Macabre



Fans of literature, mystery and the macabre are drawn to the Philadelphia house of Edgar Allan Poe.  Managed by the National Park Service, the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site celebrates Poe’s amazing literary accomplishments.  Edgar Allan Poe thrived and achieved his greatest sustained success while living in Philadelphia: here Poe invented the detective story, served as America’s premier though sometimes brutal literary critic, edited the country’s most successful magazine, and wrote enduring, haunting and disturbing stories and poems.

Poe’s legacy is of national, even international, significance, which is why the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site was created by the U.S. Congress in 1978.  The site is run by the management and staff of Independence National Historical Park and supported by the Friends of Independence.

In recognition of the 200th anniversary of Poe’s death in 2009, new exhibits were created for the house, which now welcomes approximately 15,000 visitors annually.  The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site explores themes drawn from Poe’s accomplishments. Visitors are shown that Poe’s life is a case study in the expression of, and society’s reaction to, creative genius. Poe demonstrated the breadth of his creative genius by mastering and even pioneering a variety of literary forms. Poe’s influence on literary expression as well as popular culture began during his lifetime and continues today.  Through the exhibits, visitors learn that Poe’s personal life as well as the literary world in which he made his living had an impact on his creative expression.

The Poe House was built between 1840-42 by William M. Alburger, a plumber and real estate investor.  Edgar Allan Poe lived in the house with his family as renters sometime between September 1842 and June 1843, until April 1844, when they left for New York.  The house itself, following Poe’s departure to New York, continued as rental property until 1933 when Richard Gimbel, a Poe scholar and collector and heir to Philadelphia’s Gimbels Department Store fortune, acquired the property and opened it up as a museum, showing many of his own collections.  The house was maintained as a museum by the Gimbel Foundation until Gimbel’s death in 1971, at which point it was donated to the City of Philadelphia. The National Park Service assumed ownership in 1978 and created the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site.

This October, come visit the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site and experience Poe’s macabre genius for yourself!  The park has a number of programs coming up that are perfect for both new and repeat visitors.

On Saturday, October 15, at 2 p.m., participate in “Poe’s Legacy: A Discussion.”  Featuring three Poe scholars, Daniel Hoffman, Robert Regan, and Alvin Holm, this free event promises a lively discussion about Poe and his literary legacy.

Later in the month, just in time for those looking for a fun and educational Halloween outing, join us for an illustrated program on the Halloween themes in Poe’s literature.  This free program will be offered on Friday, October 28, at 2 p.m., in the Second Bank of the United States and on Saturday and Sunday, October 29 and 30, at 2 p.m. at the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site.

Entrance to the site is always free.  It is open for visitors Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For more information, visit www.nps.gov/edal.

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, 532 North Seventh Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123.




~ Jane Cowley, Public Affairs Officer for INHP

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Personal Communication in the Age of Technology

For several weeks at the Friends office, we have been experiencing issues with some of the computers. Nothing that was a state of emergency, but just the little things that can be frustrating and annoying in this age of technology.  For example, when our modem died we had to wait a few days for the replacement to arrive.  Well, we had more than enough work to keep us busy, so that getting through a day or two without a modem seemed do-able, until we realized that half of our work dealt with researching, registering and reviewing multiple groups, people and places on the internet. 

The modem arrived, we were back online, but then our computers didn’t like the new modem and refused to network with each other.  Again, we thought, not a big deal; we will get it fixed eventually.  That was until three of us were trying to work on different aspects of the same project and we were all trying to use the same computer at the same time.  Needless to say, we made sure the network was fixed immediately.  Most recently, our computers just started freezing up on us… well, there is no cure for this.  The computers are old.  So we whisper terms of endearment to them, pet them occasionally, and once in a while offer up a thanks to the powers that be.

In coping with all of the trials of the office computers, I had a constant worry about how I would be able to do my job if the computers went down.  How would I share information with the volunteers who work in the office if we cannot network?  How would I print and mail over 500 invitations for the Annual Meeting if I didn’t have a computer to help me?  Trust me, the daunting task of hand writing 500 addresses crossed my mind but was quickly dismissed. 

Through my worries and contingency plans, one thought kept coming to my mind… “How did the first members do it all without technology?”  It seemed they were constantly planning, setting up or breaking down an event every month; giving Behind the Scenes Tours to members, or sending volunteers to organizations to present slide shows of the park.  How did they do this without technology, and why were they successful?

They were successful because they believed in the cause.  They didn’t need computers, they were happier to pick up the phone and make the personal plea.  Networking was done at events with members and potential supporters.  Volunteers came in to learn and then go forth as ambassadors for the Friends; and, yes, there was someone who hand calligraphied hundreds upon thousands of invitations for all the events.   The original Friends didn’t have technology and even if they had it, I do not think they would have used it.  They understood the power of personal communication.

After weeks of computer issues, I am beginning to believe in this personal communication.  I have found myself more willing to make the call than send an email, spend time on the other side of the desk with the volunteers going through the different projects rather than putting it on the shared drive, and even writing a personal note or two to people.

I still appreciate technology, even if I have to call my computer “you sweet, old dear,” when I want it to work, and I am grateful for the advantages it gives small non-profits like the Friends of Independence. But there are lessons to be learned from the past.  Nothing can replace the personal connection we share here at the Friends and it is important to foster that relationship.  So while I am sitting here, typing out an article for the Friends blog that will be posted on the internet, I am hoping that those who read this will respond with a phone call rather than a comment - because in this age of high-speed communication, once in a while it is nice to hear a human voice.  (215-861-4971)

~ Maiti Gallen
   Program Director

One of my favorite pictures.  I admire this Friends Member in more ways than I can say

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

WHY I VOLUNTEER

The T-shirts…   It’s fun…   Because I can…   Because we should... 
We should support good things.  And Friends of Independence National Historic Park is a good thing.  I have been a volunteer with the Friends (regularly for three years, occasionally for several years before that) and have enjoyed playing a part in many Friends’ events – setting up lectures, greeting visitors at the July 3 concerts, planting flowers,fetching, carrying, counting money, etc.  But the one that I am most proud of is helping collect the funds to wrap Independence Hall in its Decorative Scrim.

When I first saw, from Market Street, the scrim in place, I was thrilled because instead of seeing scaffolding, poles, wires and planking -  it looked like Independence Hall.

I walk by the Hall at least twice a week and many, many times have been requested by park visitors to “take the family vacation picture”.   And not once has anyone whined about Independence Hall being under construction - mostly they are just happy to be here and pleased to have their picture taken in front of the place the United States was started.  And that’s because of the scrim.
See… I said it was a good thing.
~ Tag Brewer
   Volunteer, Member and Supporter

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Back to School at Independence National Historical Park

As a new school year kicks off we are starting to receive reservation for the Independence Park Institute education programs…….but perhaps I should start by letting you know that the Independence Park Institute is the park’s education branch.  We provide hands-on programs for students of all ages.  We offer programs on a range of topics including, the Liberty Bell, the Underground Railroad, and 18th century life.  My two favorites, however, are our Archeology and Franklin programs.

In our one hour “Benjamin Franklin” program students learn about a few of Franklin’s achievements.  They get a chance to set their name in type, to learn the craft of a printer.  They try solving a Magic Square, a math puzzle that Franklin enjoyed.  They experiment with electricity and optics, to learn about the scientific side of Dr. Franklin.  The students explore Franklin’s desk to discover ways he improved life for his fellow citizens.  The students also enjoy playing a glass armonica to learn about Franklin’s musical talents. 


Another of my favorites is “Archeology: History Found in Pieces” In this program the students take on the role of an archeologist learning about James Oronoko Dexter through the few traces this man left behind. The students start with archival records that mention Mr. Dexter, though only a few records could be found.  The students next analyze replicas of the archeological artifacts dug up in Mr. Dexter’s backyard which was located underneath what is now the National Constitution Center bus parking lot.  In studying these items the students have to make educated guesses to fill in more of Dexter’s life.  While learning about this interesting man, the students begin to learn the excitement and challenges of archeology.  

We also provide professional development workshops, to better prepare teachers to use the park’s many resources. The next workshop is scheduled for this October to discuss the 2012 transit of Venus.  The June 3, 1769 transit of Venus helped establish the reputation of American colonials as effective scientists.  The wooden platform built behind Independence Hall to observe this transit was used again on July 8, 1776 to announce the Declaration of Independence.  Transits of Venus are rare (there have been 4 since 1761) so this is an opportunity for teachers to use the upcoming astronomical event to teach their students its historic significance and how to safely observe the transit.

The entire park is a great place to learn, but the Independence Park Institute makes that learning fun with hands-on, active programs for students and teachers.  Well, it’s time for me to get back to making reservations…….

~Jeffrey Collins
Education Program Manager
Independence National Historical Park
If you are interested in any of the programs mentioned above, feel free to contact Jeffrey Collins at
(215) 597-2760 or email inde_education@nps.gov

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Why It Matters

Every time I walk through Independence National Historical Park, I think about how beautiful it has become over the years. The efforts of individuals, organizations such as the Friends of Independence and local, State and Federal agencies have contributed so much to create a dazzling showcase for our collective history.

This park however, is much more than trees, flowers and buildings. Take time to walk slowly through the crowds. You’ll see and hear the world in microcosm. People from around the world converge on Philadelphia, drawn to the idea of America and curious to see how we became who we are.

In an age where American prestige often takes a beating on the world stage, why do these citizens of the world still come to see where our great experiment in liberty first began? It’s because America is the world in microcosm; a swirling of cultures, ideas and languages that is often messy, argumentative and contradictory. Visitors to the Park come away with a better understanding of how our Founders struggled to create a nation where the individual is a critical part of the whole and where living as members of a free society carries with it great responsibility. To quote from the movie, The American President, “America is advanced citizenship; you’ve got to want it”.

So we plant trees, fix buildings and sweep the pavements of the Park to preserve the history that was made here. Because we do want it and you can show you want it too, by supporting the Friends of Independence.

~ Louisa Hanshew
   Governing Board Member

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

View from the Back Office, Part 2: Saying Good Bye

          

     Summer is quickly slipping away as I sit at my desk and watch the people walk by the Merchant Exchange Building. The young, the old, locals, and tourists all mosey past my window as they head towards City Tavern or The First Bank of the United States or other destinations here at the park.


People from all over the world take a stroll past my window; some stop to look at the beautiful façade of the Merchant Exchange Building and take a picture or two,  some peer into the shaded window trying to glimpse the interior, but are thwarted in their efforts by the screen shades. They are not missing much, just the National Parks Service’s administrative offices, which are not as exciting as they may sound.


               My work behind the shades goes largely unseen by the average visitor to the park. They cannot see me working on fundraising spread sheets or typing this blog. They cannot see the hours spent stuffing envelopes for potential donors or doing research for upcoming Friends programming. What they see is a beautiful old building in the most historic square mile in the country. They see Independence Hall wrapped in its beautiful scrim, and the Liberty Bell perched on its stand in the Bell Center and the portraits of the great statesmen inspire them in The Second Bank of the United States Portrait Gallery. Every day visitors experience a park that keeps our history alive, and makes it tangible. There is something incredibly powerful about being able to see, smell, and sometimes even touch history and I take pride in knowing that I help to keep that tangible experience alive.

               It is sometimes difficult working behind the scenes. Much of the work that the Friends does goes unnoticed by visitors in the park. But this is not to say that the work the Friends do is not important. The Friends help to enhance the experience that is Independence National Historical Park and I know that my work behind the shaded window is helping to preserve the experience of the visitor walking by.

               As I get ready to say goodbye to the office for the summer, and head back to Wisconsin and my school work, I am excited by all the wonderful things the Friends is currently working on. Many of these projects will help the Friends to step out from behind the shaded curtain, and be more visible in the park. Allowing us to connect with visitors, and share with them the honor of keeping the Independence NHP experience a great one. The Friends have an exciting year ahead, and I cannot wait to see the great work they accomplish when it is finished. I take pride in knowing I played my part in this great organization, even if it was only for a few short months.

~Dane Allison, Summer Intern for the Friends of Independence

**Dane's last day will be this Thursday, September 1st. He was a  tremendous asset to the Friends this summer and he will be missed. Join us as we wish him well in his future endeavors.**

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

NOT LOSING SIGHT OF THE REAL REASON I BECAME A FRIEND

It is very difficult to live in Philadelphia and not be aware that it contains the most historic square mile in America.  We are surrounded by historic buildings, plaques and statuary. Tours of the historic district, special events on the 4th of July and carriage rides all remind us of Philadelphia’s place in our nation’s history.  In fact, Philadelphia is Ground Zero as far as American history is concerned.  Everything started right here.  Our founding Fathers really did “begin the world anew.”   Anyone like me with an interest in American history would love to live in Philadelphia.  So why wouldn’t I jump at the opportunity to join the Friends of Independence National Historic Park, immerse myself in history and contribute to efforts to support the Park?
But there was more than just an interest in history that led me to join.  An event I witnessed on a cold December evening in the year 2000 continues to remind me why the Park and Independence Hall are so important.  That evening, I was walking down Chestnut St. at about 7 PM.  Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court had just ruled, 5 to 4, that George W. Bush should be our next president.  As I approached the southwest corner of 6th and Chestnut, I saw a girl, about 20 years old, walking down 6th St. toward Independence Hall.  Her hair was styled in a shocking pink Mohawk, she was wearing high black motorcycle boots and her face was studded with earrings.  She was wearing a sandwich board, on both sides of which were printed, in bold, black letters: “[expletive deleted} BUSH! “ Not the sort of person you would fail to notice.
As she walked toward Chestnut St., one of the rangers patrolling around the Hall strolled toward the corner.  She certainly noticed him.  But she kept on walking.  And he didn’t say a word, or even appear to really notice her.  When he reached the corner he turned around and began walking the other way.  When I began to think about it, I realized that this little tableau exemplified, centuries after the fact, the significance of our origins as a nation.  But why was this incident so noteworthy?  Nothing happened on that December evening, right?  Yes, that’s right, and that’s what’s important.  Not only was Miss Sandwich Board free to express her critical views of the next president in a wholly rude and insulting way, right in front of the shrine to independence, she fully expected to be free to do so, and our Park Ranger, representing our government, evidently felt the same way.  Thomas Jefferson et al. would have sighed with satisfaction had they witnessed the scene.
This is why I joined the Friends -- to have the opportunity to remind myself why the Park is so special and why it is so important to support it.  What happened here in the 18th century worked, and it’s still working.

~Antoinette R. Stone
  FINHP Member and Governing Board Member

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

An Impressive History and a Dazzling Future

I have worked for the Friends of Independence National Historical Park for exactly three years, three months and eight days.  It seems like a lifetime ago when I walked into the Friends office in the Merchant Exchange Building on my first day and was given the helpful suggestion that I should read some “old” newsletters to familiarize myself with the organization.

Three Years, three months and eight days later and I am still reading the history of The Friends of Independence.  It never ends.  Our organization has over 39 years worth of stories, board minutes, articles, pictures… you name it, we have it.  Just when I think I have read or put my hand on everything the Friends have done, something new emerges and leads to other sources of information. 

A quick trip to the archives can become hours of entertainment as I read through the past events and gaze in awe at all the things our organization has done in support of Independence National Historical Park.  Just the other day, while I was talking with a volunteer who has been working up in the archives for us, she pointed out two things in the Friends past that I did not know about.  This means two more things to add to my ever expanding list of things I need to look up the next time I am in the archives.

I have to say, this is my favorite part of working for the Friends, because it is fascinating to see how much we have done, how much we have given, and how many initiatives we have taken during our 39 years.  On the other hand, as the only full time staff member, this is also quite daunting.  It is overwhelming trying to think of new, bigger, better things we can do.  Most non-profits are always looking to have that edge, to come up with the next big thing to make them stand out and yet what they are doing now, the Friends of Independence was doing years ago.

How do we top ourselves?  How do we look back on our impressive history and say we can do better, we can outshine ourselves?  As the first Friends group for a National Park, we were the trailblazer for many of the programs and events that are now common among Friends groups.  It is difficult to re-invent the wheel when there is nothing wrong with it in the first place. 

So what do we do?  Do we rest on our laurels or do we keep going?  The answer is that we try new things, we enhance the already great ideas that have worked for us and we review our history and see what we did before that can be started again.  This is the great thing about such a long and extensive history; there is a never-ending source of ideas.  We are taking our past and creating a dazzling future for our organization and the park we love to support. 

So as Program Director for the Friends, I will continue to look for inspiration from our past, to learn the lessons from the ones that came before, and to always keep the best interest of the organization at heart.  I will do this because in another thirty-nine years, three months and eight days, I hope the staff member charged with researching the history of the Friends, will look back at the many things we did while I worked here and say “How can we top our past?”


~Maiti Gallen
  Program Director to the Friends of Independence National Historical Park

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

THE GARDENS IN AND ABOUT INDEPENDENCE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

There is a string of really beautiful gardens in and about Independence National Historical Park that adds a magical quality to this wonderful historical site. I know of no other park located in a city that has such a perfect and extended Greenway for promenading, viewing historical buildings and enjoying the landscape.

Here is a suggested walk:
Start at the Society Hill Towers located at 2nd and Locust Streets and then walk west on Locust Street. Cross 3rd Street and head south to Pine Street. Make a right on Pine. There is a small walk on the right across from St. Peters Church Between 3rd and 4th Streets. This is the Greenway which connects Independence Hall and St. Peter's Church.

After walking along the Greenway, you will arrive at Bingham Court. Cross 4th Street at Locust Street. Between 4th and 5th Streets on Locust are two marvelous gardens: the Magnolia Garden to the South or left; and, directly across to the North or right, a Rose Garden, filled with old roses, irises and daffodils. The Rose Garden is between Locust and Walnut Streets.

Now cross Walnut Street and you will be in the back of the 2nd Bank. Note the iron work and the columns on the Bank. Turn left or west and walk behind the Bank to 5th Street. On the right, you will see the garden of the American Philosophical Society.

Cross 5th Street and you will be in the back of Independence Hall. Walk through this grand space and then cross 6th Street to historically important Washington Square which lies between 6th and 7th Streets. There are beautiful plantings in this Square and wonderful walkways for strolling. 

All of these garden spaces change with the seasons. The landscaping is carefully thought out and there is a succession of blooms and changing colors from early spring to late fall.  All of us can stroll and enjoy these gardens while we learn about the extraordinary history found in the City of Philadelphia and Independence NHP. 

If you enjoy the Greenways of Philadelphia and appreciate living and working in a “Green” neighborhood, you should join the Friends of Independence.  Friends’ members help to maintain and preserve the beautiful gardens of Independence NHP and allow all of us, residents and visitors alike, to enjoy the greenery all year long.

~Flora L. Becker
Treasurer for the Friends of Independence Governing Board

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

The Independence Tower Decorative Scrim a Great Success!

Have you noticed the visitors in the Park lately?  They are looking up at Independence Hall.  They pose for pictures near the Liberty Bell, on the sidewalk across from the Washington Statue, in the Square behind the Hall, and anywhere they can get a good view of that stately building where our country’s founding documents were created.   The visitors look excited to be here, eager for photo mementos, waiting for a clear view.  In other words, just the way they always did, before the Decorative Scrim when up on Independence Hall Tower late last fall. 

The Twilight Tours have been in full swing at 6:00 PM every evening for more than six weeks.  On my tours, the feedback from the visitors about the Decorative Scrim has been overwhelmingly positive.   Of course, I mention the Friends and the work we do to enhance the visitor’s experience, such as Twilight Tours and the Decorative Scrim project.

Often, before I even refer to the Hall, visitors admire the 'painted cloth', as some call it.  When I'm on the lawn with my tour group beside the Liberty Bell Center, many others stop to photograph the Hall, sometimes not realizing at first that they are not seeing the actual building. 

Recently, I looked toward the Hall from the National Constitution Center and was delighted by how convincing the scrim looks.  Many tourists were taking photos from there, too.

Last week, visitors from Maine and Utah thanked me (i.e., the Friends) for making Independence Hall look so attractive while the important restoration work is going on.  This ‘thanks’ has happened many times this summer.  I accept those thanks in the Friends’ name.

Even though at the beginning of a project there is a vision and a driving purpose, the outcome is not ‘guaranteed’.  The purpose of having a Decorative Scrim on Independence Hall Tower was all about a welcoming, positive experience for the many visitors who come and for the neighbors who look at Independence Hall every day.  Compare the Tower scrim to the protective scrim on the Customs House at 2nd and Chestnut and you will know why this project was so important and so successful. 

Thank you, thank you to everyone who raised the funds and to all those who donated.  The scrim really makes a difference for our visitors and our Park, just as we all hoped it would.

~ Cathy Siegl
   Friends Member, Volunteer and
   Twilight Tour Guide

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

I am so PROUD to be involved with the Friends of Independence

Being in the presence of Independence Hall on the July 4th weekend was truly a thrill for me!  As I looked up at the temporary dressing (Decorative Scrim) on Independence Hall Tower, I knew that without the financial support of the Friends and others in the business community, the Tower would be without its striking and majestic façade.    The Friends of Independence were able to raise the much needed funds to properly dress the Hall with a fine casing (Decorative Scrim,) and to restore her image during the renovations.

While listening to the sounds of Peter Nero and the Philly Pops on Independence Mall this year, with so many people from all over the world, I was proud to be an active Board Member, Co-Chair of the Independence Hall Restoration Project and volunteer. (As you can see from my picture below in the new Friends’ tee shirt.)

Thank you Don Kaufman for being my photographer

I wonder what people feel when they look up and see the Tower.  Do they know the financial and historical contributions that the Friends Sponsors have made to this project?  I know what one Society Hill Resident and Sponsor said regarding her involvement…
As a Philadelphian and an Educator, I take great pride in being able to take part in a free society. Since Independence Hall embodies all that we hold dear through our Declaration of Independence and Constitution, it needs to be as beautiful as the concept of our democracy.
It is there so that those who visit may know that we are one people under
one tower -----Americans all!
Bubbles Seidenberg
Society Hill Resident

But so many of people were instrumental in the success of this project!  What do you feel or think when you look up at the Decorative Scrim that covers the scaffolding around Independence Hall ?  Please share your thoughts here on our blog…..
With the Decorative Scrim in place and renovations to the Tower underway, the Friends of Independence have started our 39th year of supporting key projects to benefit our beloved Independence National Historic Park. What will be the next project the Friends are engaged in?  You never know, but I am sure that the park has a list and the Friends will happily agree to help. 
As a Friend, Board Member and committed Philadelphia neighbor, I ask that you continue to invest in the preservation of our national treasures and consider being a life-long friend and financial supporter.   Your backing will continue to improve the parks and symbols of our freedom for generations to come.  Please contribute here.
Thank you and see you in the park!
Karen D. Kaufman
Board Member and Treasurer

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

View from the Back Office: Part 1: "Why are you back?"


        Walking through the front doors of the Merchant Exchange Building, not much has changed since last summer. Walt, long time employee of the National Park Service, is still at the front desk greeting people.  The Friends office is still the first office on the left, right across from the restrooms. My office is almost exactly how I left it in September. My desk is still in the corner next to the window, the fax machine to my right, postage meter to my left, and my trusty computer in the middle. Settling into my chair I knew I was in for another great summer with the Friends of Independence.

I came back for another summer with the Friends for many reasons. My biggest reason for returning is my love for the Independence National Historical Park. I can honestly say  I have the best commute of anyone I know. I would not trade my daily walks from Market East Station to the Merchant Exchange Building for anything. Getting to walk through the park and say hello to my favorite landmarks is always a highlight in my day. I also enjoy my daily lunch break picnics behind The First Bank of the United States, except for the rare occasion when I am accosted by a hungry squirrel. I take pride in knowing that the work I do for the Friends helps to make not only my morning walks and afternoon  picnics possible, but allows all visitors to enjoy the park.   

Working for the Friends is also a wonderful learning experience. I have gained valuable experience in event planning, fundraising, and member relations. Working for the Friends has also given me a glimpse of how the non-profit sector operates.  I  enjoy the contact I have with Park employees and appreciate learning about the work they do for the park. It is always interesting, meeting with park historians, curators, architects and rangers to discuss what is going on in the park and what projects the park needs the Friends to be involved with. Of course being in the most historic square mile in the country, I have also picked up quite of bit of history as well.
           
I think the most exciting part of working for the Friends is that no two days are ever the same.  When I walk into the office, I never know what awaits me.  Sometimes I am researching, other times I am pulling together projected expenses or creating packages for sponsors and in the case of today, I was asked to write a blog on why I wanted to come back to the Friends!  No matter what task I am charged with, I know that at the end of the day, my work makes a difference.
           
On top of all this I get to dress up in colonial garb, build Liberty Bells out of flowers, and work with many wonderful people. Who would not want to come back to a job like that?

~Written by Dane Allison, Summer Intern for the Friends of Independence National Historical Park

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Is looking for a few good Friends!

I have been with the Friends of Independence for over eleven years.  I have served as both Chairman and Vice Chairman, I have held many positions on many committees and I worked alongside the National Park Service to promote our great park and through all of this, I have had one common goal, to get more Friends!

Every year we talk about our need to increase our membership, to find more friends and while new members come in, older members move on or forget to renew.  Please do not forget us, we need your support.  It is from the support of our members that allow us to do the little extras here at the park that enhance the already great programming in the park. 

Members help us
·         Acquire artifacts for the park’s museum collections that are used as teaching tools for    
      the nearly 4 million visitors who come to the park
·         To enhance on-going projects in the park.  For example while the renovations for Independence Hall Tower were provided by the federal government, the Scrim which wraps around the scaffolding , was provided by Friends’ sponsors and members.  That scrim insures that everyone who comes to Independence National Historical Park has the same experience
·         To educate tourists after park hours.  Our Twilight Tours, a free service to summer visitors remain free and available because of member support.

So be my friend or be a Friend of Independence and help support the Best Park in History!  If you are not a member, joining up is easy through our website www.friendsofindependence.org.  If you are a member, please remember to renew your annual membership or give the gift of membership to your friends and family.  Share Independence with your loved ones because …

I NEED MORE FRIENDS!

~Thomas A. Caramanico
   Vice Chairman for the Friends of Independence National Historical Park

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Come One, Come All and Hear our Declaration of Independence

For many Americans, Independence Day celebrations wind down after the fireworks on the Fourth of July.  Who ever heard of celebrating the Eighth of July?  We did!  July 8, 1776 also plays a special role in our history.  On that day, Colonel John Nixon of Philadelphia read a printed Declaration of Independence to the public for the first time on what is now called Independence Square.  Independence National Historical Park is fortunate to have one of these first printed copies on display in the Great Essentials Exhibit, which also houses rare printings of the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution.  The Friends of Independence appreciate the value of this display and have generously agreed to work with the National Society of the Children of the American Revolution to upgrade and improve the exhibit cases that house these national treasures.

We commemorate July 8 each year with a re-enactment of Col. Nixon’s reading.  I invite you all to join us this year on July 8 at 11:30 am (for a noon reading) on Independence Square.  Join the costumed park rangers as they respond to the public reading with cheers – or jeers!  Listen to what the crowd says and chose your own loyalty!
Every year on July 8, Independence NHP re-enacts this momentous occasion in history because this is when the Declaration of Independence was first heard by the citizenry of the United States of America – by “we the people.” Not everyone was in favor of this declaration – some shouted out their support for the revolution, but others remained loyal to the crown and expressed their fear for what would become of these insurgents! And they let their opinions be known to Colonel Nixon as he spoke the treasonous words. 
Come out on July 8 to the south side of Independence Hall to join our costumed National Park Service Rangers.  You will meet Loyalist and Patriots who will share their views on the Declaration of Independence and you can receive your own copy of one of the most important documents in America.  Costumed characters will be available for questions and photographs.

Where:           Independence Square, near the Statue of Commodore John Barry, behind the secure area
When:             Friday, July 8
Time:              Introduction by a park ranger starting at 11:30 a.m.
                        Declaration reading promptly at noon

Independence NHP hopes you will join us in our celebration of July 8th.  Below are some photographs from previous years’ re-enactments.

-          Jane Cowley
Public Affairs Officer for Independence National Historical Park