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

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 3^rd and 4^th 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

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 2^nd 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

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

Being in the presence of Independence Hall on the July 4^th 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 39^th 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

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

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

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 8^th.  Below are some photographs from previous years’ re-enactments.

-          Jane Cowley

Public Affairs Officer for Independence National Historical Park