Historic Philadelphia, Inc.050

Historic Philadelphia, Inc. uses the storytelling and interactive experiences of Once Upon a Nation to enhance the tourist experience in Philadelphia and make the nation's history relevant to today. Guides highlight major historic landmarks and some little known, hidden treasures on adventure tours and evening programs, given during the spring, summer, and part of the fall. These themed tours include topics like "Independence After Hours," and "Turmoil & Treason: The Path to Independence."

For the under-10 set, Historic Philadelphia offers the "Colonial Kids' Quest." This stroller-friendly tour takes kids on an adventure to historical sites throughout Independence Park as they help Colonial guide Phineus Bell search for clues about a missing copy of the Declaration of Independence. Kids follow the trail, meeting Colonial friends and their puppet pals along the way. Each child receives a complimentary tricorn hat before the tour begins, and at the tour's midpoint, water and snacks are distributed. While stops on the tour are generally in shady areas, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring extra water, and slather on the sunscreen before setting out, as the entire quest takes place outside during the summer and lasts about an hour. While described as appropriate for kids ages 10 and under, the "Colonial Kids' Quest" seems more enjoyable for kids under age nine. Phineus and his costumed colleagues are knowledgeable, friendly, and not easily flustered by outspoken, young tour guests.

Tours depart from Historic Philadelphia Center at Sixth and Chestnut Streets. Details, schedules, and advance ticket purchase are available online.

Also during the summer months, storytellers visit 13 different locations and reveal little-known secrets about Philadelphia's history in the Storytelling Benches program. The program runs daily from 10:30am to 4:30pm, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Visit the historic district and listen for the town-crier bell that signifies the beginning of each three to five minute story, or contact the organization for a list of locations. Children can pick up a Story Flag at any storytelling bench, and collect a star from every storyteller on their journey. Flags with all 13 stars can be redeemed at the Independence Living History Center for a Story Hunter certificate and a special book that includes coupons and special offers.

Historic Philadelphia also offers four storytelling benches and two historical tours in Valley Forge National Historical Park from Memorial Day through October. The Story of Valley Forge Trolley Tour features historically entertaining anecdotes told on a 90-minute, open-air trolley tour of the park. The Valley Forge After Hours tour takes visitors back in time to June 1778, where they can spend an evening at the famous encampment at Valley Forge and see what nights were like for the Continental Army under the leadership of General George Washington.