Our journey to the early years of the republic

This week, we took 21 students to visit Independence National Historical Park. In a couple of tours, we saw some of the Greatest Hits of 18th century American history, all within several hundred yards of each other:

• We went on a tour of Independence Hall, the United Nations World Heritage Site where the nation's founding documents were signed.
• We saw original copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.
• We explored Congress Hall, where the legislative branch of the federal government was located for ten years.
• Finally, we went to see the Liberty Bell, passing George Washington's presidential house along the way.

Having majored in history in college, I love living in a city with such an amazing and significant past. Many of the students have only arrived in the United States several months ago. I appreciated having the opportunity to show this side of Philadelphia to them.