The Official Historic Philadelphia Walking Tour

The Official Historic Philadelphia Walking Tour will feature a Historic Philadelphia History Maker transporting visitors back in time on a loop through America’s most historic square mile. All History Makers portray real people from America’s past and deliver an authentic experience rich with historical content and first-person narrative. The tour will last for one hour.

Highlights of the tour will stop outside of President’s House, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Congress Hall, and Franklin Court. The tour guide, portraying a real person from Philadelphia’s Colonial era, will rotate among three History Makers.

Some of the History Makers you will see are:
Bishop Richard Allen was the founder and Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He was born a slave, purchased his freedom by working as a blacksmith, and went on to become a prominent leader in Philadelphia’s free Black community as well as founding Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, a denomination that served the city’s Black citizens.

Trooper Robert Hare was born in England and came to Philadelphia in 1773 to establish himself as a brewer. He was credited as the first person to brew porter in America. Hare also served in the First Troop City Cavalry and was active in politics later in his life.

James Forten heard the very first reading of the Declaration of Independence as a young boy and later became a leader in the abolition movement. Forten was educated at a school for Black children then became a successful sail maker and leader among Philadelphia’s vibrant community of free African Americans. He served with heroism in the American Revolution and spent his life working to win equality for Blacks and women.