Independence Hall (photo:GPTMC)

During the sweltering summer of 1776, fifty-six unlikely revolutionaries defied the King of England and gathered at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia to declare independence for the fledgling United States of America.

 “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”   

Liberty Bell (photo: GPTMC)

The Liberty Bell has a new home on Independence Mall, but the symbol of American freedom was originally installed in the Pennsylvania State House in 1753. According to tradition, the 2,080 pound bell was rung on July 8, 1776 to summon Philadelphia citizens for a public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

National Constitution Center (photo: GPTMC)

The U.S. Constitution is only four pages long, but it’s one of the most influential documents ever produced. Philadelphia’s new National Constitution Center explores and explains this amazing document through exciting interactive exhibits, high-tech displays, films and original artifacts. Rare copies of the Constitution are also on display.