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 18^th 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