Independence Visitor Center

An honest portrait of industrial roots, art scenes, resilience, and reinvention.Explore the River Wards, where generations of immigrant communities, industrial innovation, and neighborhood traditions intersect with one of Philadelphia's most rapidly evolving urban landscapes. From family-owned institutions and boxing legends to independent bookstores, vibrant arts spaces, and revitalized commercial corridors, this tour uncovers the resilience, creativity, and community spirit that continue to define Fishtown, Kensington, Port Richmond, and Bridesburg.TOUR INFOCost: FREE, registration required.Meeting Point: Independence Visitor Center (599 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106).GUESTS ARE NOT ABLE TO MEET THE TOUR GROUP WITHIN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, AND MUST MEET AT THE VISITOR

Artists, cultural workers, and institutions will highlight where art is and was created.Experience the creative energy of North Philadelphia through inspiring murals, community gardens, and neighborhood spaces where art, innovation, and grassroots leadership are transforming the urban landscape. From historic centers of Black entrepreneurship to vibrant public art and community-driven revitalization, this tour highlights the people and projects shaping the neighborhood's future while honoring its rich cultural legacy.TOUR INFOCost: FREE, registration required.Meeting Point: Independence Visitor Center (599 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106).GUESTS ARE NOT ABLE TO MEET THE TOUR GROUP WITHIN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, AND MUST MEET AT THE VISITOR CENTER

A tour centered on youth leadership, creative expression, and the places that continue to nurture young voices in North Philadelphia.This tour will center on youth leadership, creative expression, and those spaces and places that continue to nurture community storytelling and organizing focusing on the young people of North Philadelphia.TOUR INFOCost: FREE, registration required.Meeting Point: Independence Visitor Center (599 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106).GUESTS ARE NOT ABLE TO MEET THE TOUR GROUP WITHIN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, AND MUST MEET AT THE VISITOR CENTER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TOUR.Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time. Check-in at the Visitor Center

This experience takes you to significant early 1800s civil rights sites, clandestine Underground RR locations, & Black built infrastructure.Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Philadelphia's rich history with our 1838 Black Metropolis Walking Tour, an exploration of the Free Black population before the 1860s. Delve into the narratives of real individuals unveiled through meticulous research into the Black lived experience in Philadelphia around the 1838 timeframe. and the data from the 1838 Pennsylvania Abolition Society Census.Starting with data from the 1838 Pennsylvania Abolition Society Census and expanding that data set from primary sources, this immersive experience takes

Home to marquee theaters, historic institutions, restaurants, and creative energy that spills from the stages onto the sidewalks.Follow Broad Street's remarkable transformation into the Avenue of the Arts and the birthplace of iconic American music movements. Along the way, explore the stories of legendary performers, pioneering record labels, vibrant cultural landmarks, and the neighborhoods that continue to shape Philadelphia's identity today.TOUR INFOCost: FREE, registration required.Meeting Point: Independence Visitor Center (599 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106).GUESTS ARE NOT ABLE TO MEET THE TOUR GROUP WITHIN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, AND MUST MEET AT THE VISITOR CENTER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TOUR.Please arrive 30

Beyond comparison the most exciting and fact filled 2 hour adventure offered in Philly. Learn about the history of Black Philadelphia.Tour DescriptionMeet your guide (holding "The Black Journey" sign) in front of the Independence Visitor Center, 6th and Market Street, Philadelphia (North East corner of Market Street).Every Saturday and public holidays during the spring, summer, and autumn at 2:00pm. RSVP in advance required.Call 267.702.3479 for more information.Beyond comparison the most exciting and fact filled 2 hour adventure offered in Philly. Learn about the history of Black Philadelphia while soaking in the fullest array of our nation's most important and historical

Visitors will explore venues, artists and movements that shaped jazz, soul, Rhythm & Blues, and the broader Philly Sound!Follow the story of North Philadelphia's golden age of jazz as you visit the legendary clubs, theaters, and gathering places where icons like John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Cab Calloway, and Pearl Bailey performed, lived, and helped shape American music. Along the way, discover how this vibrant neighborhood also became a center for Black culture, Civil Rights activism, and community institutions whose influence continues to resonate throughout Philadelphia today.TOUR INFOCost: FREE, registration required.Meeting Point: Independence Visitor Center (599 Market St, Philadelphia,

Philly’s signature mix of sports pride, deep cultural roots, and the unmistakable South Philly edge.Explore a neighborhood where generations of immigrants have shaped one of Philadelphia's most culturally diverse communities, and discover how historic FDR Park and the surrounding streets reflect a layered story of recreation, resilience, and traditions that continue to evolve today. From the Olmsted Brothers–designed landscapes of FDR Park to the restaurants, markets, and places of worship that define Lower Moyamensing, this tour reveals how each generation has added its own chapter to the neighborhood's enduring story.TOUR INFOCost: FREE, registration required.Meeting Point: Independence Visitor Center (599 Market

Step into the living history of one of America's oldest outdoor immigrant markets on this community-led walking tour.This tour explores the 9th Street Market, popularly known as the Italian Market or La Calle Nueve. Hear the stories of the (im)migrant families who built and sustain this vibrant corridor, brought to life through firsthand accounts, murals, lightboxes, and revitalized produce stands.These tours are led by the Our Market Project which revitalizes the South 9th Street Market through public art, storytelling & community-centered programming that preserves its cultural legacy and amplifies the voices of those who make it thrive.TOUR INFOCost: FREE, registration

Where Philly Breathes, Architectural Diversity and Gilded RemnantsDiscover the history of Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy, from their colonial roots and connections to the Battle of Germantown to their transformation into thriving railroad suburbs known for distinctive stone architecture and tree-lined streets. Along the way, explore preserved cobblestone corridors, historic landmarks, and the neighborhoods’ enduring legacy of civic engagement, diversity, and community stewardship.TOUR INFOCost: FREE, registration required.Meeting Point: Independence Visitor Center (599 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106).GUESTS ARE NOT ABLE TO MEET THE TOUR GROUP WITHIN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, AND MUST MEET AT THE VISITOR CENTER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TOUR.Please

Explore Central Germantown’s evolution across five centuries through surviving landmarks, historic sites, and the stories of a neighborhoodTravel through five centuries of Central Germantown history, community & development, from the 17th century to today; see architectural landmarks still standing, learn about their beginnings and endurance through the eras, while observing locations & markers of historical spaces adapted over time due to commercial and residential expansion.TOUR INFOCost: FREE, registration required.This tour includes transportation to and from Germantown, but will predominantly include walking within the neighborhood.Meeting Point: Independence Visitor Center (599 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106).GUESTS ARE NOT ABLE TO MEET THE

Step into Chinatown and experience the stories, culture, and community that bring the neighborhood to life.Discover resistance, resilience, and rich culture on the PCDC-led Chinatown Tour in the heart of Philadelphia. This journey through one of the city's most dynamic neighborhoods goes far beyond the tourist trail, as Chinatown is a living testament to activism, community, and survival. From iconic historical landmarks and vibrant murals to beloved local restaurants, bustling storefronts, and the homes of the people who keep this neighborhood alive, every stop tells a story. Experience firsthand how Philadelphia's Chinatown has stood its ground against decades of discrimination

✊ Looking to Learn Black History With Your Family? Are your children taking African American Studies and you want to bring it to life?✊🏽 Looking to Learn Black History With Your Family?🎓 Are your children taking African American Studies and you want to bring it to life?📚 Looking to explore or add more Black history to your family’s learning?🕊️ Want a great family Black history activity after church?Come walk with us.The 1838 Black Metropolis Walking Tour is a powerful, family-friendly experience that brings Philadelphia’s early Black history to life right where it happened.👣 What You’ll SeeStarting with data from the

Beyond comparison the most exciting and fact filled 2 hour adventure offered in Philly. Learn about the history of Black Philadelphia.Tour DescriptionMeet your guide (holding "The Black Journey" sign) in front of the Independence Visitor Center, 6th and Market Street, Philadelphia (North East corner of Market Street).Every Saturday and public holidays during the spring, summer, and autumn at 2:00pm. RSVP in advance required.Call 267.702.3479 for more information.Beyond comparison the most exciting and fact filled 2 hour adventure offered in Philly. Learn about the history of Black Philadelphia while soaking in the fullest array of our nation's most important and historical

Beyond comparison the most exciting and fact filled 2 hour adventure offered in Philly. Learn about the history of Black Philadelphia.Tour DescriptionMeet your guide (holding "The Black Journey" sign) in front of the Independence Visitor Center, 6th and Market Street, Philadelphia (North East corner of Market Street).Every Saturday and public holidays during the spring, summer, and autumn at 2:00pm. RSVP in advance required.Call 267.702.3479 for more information.Beyond comparison the most exciting and fact filled 2 hour adventure offered in Philly. Learn about the history of Black Philadelphia while soaking in the fullest array of our nation's most important and historical

Beyond comparison the most exciting and fact filled 2 hour adventure offered in Philly. Learn about the history of Black Philadelphia.Tour DescriptionMeet your guide (holding "The Black Journey" sign) in front of the Independence Visitor Center, 6th and Market Street, Philadelphia (North East corner of Market Street).Every Saturday and public holidays during the spring, summer, and autumn at 2:00pm. RSVP in advance required.Call 267.702.3479 for more information.Beyond comparison the most exciting and fact filled 2 hour adventure offered in Philly. Learn about the history of Black Philadelphia while soaking in the fullest array of our nation's most important and historical

Beyond comparison the most exciting and fact filled 2 hour adventure offered in Philly. Learn about the history of Black Philadelphia.Tour DescriptionMeet your guide (holding "The Black Journey" sign) in front of the Independence Visitor Center, 6th and Market Street, Philadelphia (North East corner of Market Street).Every Saturday and public holidays during the spring, summer, and autumn at 2:00pm. RSVP in advance required.Call 267.702.3479 for more information.Beyond comparison the most exciting and fact filled 2 hour adventure offered in Philly. Learn about the history of Black Philadelphia while soaking in the fullest array of our nation's most important and historical

Beyond comparison the most exciting and fact filled 2 hour adventure offered in Philly. Learn about the history of Black Philadelphia.Tour DescriptionMeet your guide (holding "The Black Journey" sign) in front of the Independence Visitor Center, 6th and Market Street, Philadelphia (North East corner of Market Street).Every Saturday and public holidays during the spring, summer, and autumn at 2:00pm. RSVP in advance required.Call 267.702.3479 for more information.Beyond comparison the most exciting and fact filled 2 hour adventure offered in Philly. Learn about the history of Black Philadelphia while soaking in the fullest array of our nation's most important and historical

Join us for an exciting historical journey through the streets of Philadelphia in 1776!Revolutionary Philadelphia: Walking Through 1776Join us for an exciting historical journey through the streets of Philadelphia in 1776! Experience the sights and sounds of the American Revolution as we walk through significant landmarks and learn about the events that shaped our nation's history. This in-person event will take place at the Independence Visitor Center, where our knowledgeable guides will bring the past to life. Don't miss this opportunity to step back in time and immerse yourself in the revolutionary spirit of Philadelphia!Benjamin Franklin Court: Begin your tour

This experience takes you to significant early 1800s civil rights sites, clandestine Underground RR locations, & Black built infrastructure.Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Philadelphia's rich history with our 1838 Black Metropolis Walking Tour, an exploration of the Free Black population before the 1860s. Delve into the narratives of real individuals unveiled through meticulous research into the Black lived experience in Philadelphia around the 1838 timeframe. and the data from the 1838 Pennsylvania Abolition Society Census.Starting with data from the 1838 Pennsylvania Abolition Society Census and expanding that data set from primary sources, this immersive experience takes

This experience takes you to significant early 1800s civil rights sites, clandestine Underground RR locations, & Black built infrastructure.Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Philadelphia's rich history with our 1838 Black Metropolis Walking Tour, an exploration of the Free Black population before the 1860s. Delve into the narratives of real individuals unveiled through meticulous research into the Black lived experience in Philadelphia around the 1838 timeframe. and the data from the 1838 Pennsylvania Abolition Society Census.Starting with data from the 1838 Pennsylvania Abolition Society Census and expanding that data set from primary sources, this immersive experience takes

A powerful annual convening for a candid dialogue about the structural inequities that shape our society.Theme: “The Assault on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Where Do We Go from Here?”At a time when Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) efforts are being challenged across sectors, this year’s theme underscores the urgent need for community-centered spaces that resist division and promote collective action.The Summit supports Global Citizen’s mission:To promote and advance social justice through ongoing civic engagement among diverse groups.Moderated by Loraine Ballard Morrill, iHeartMedia’s Director of News and Community Affairs and a Global Citizen advisory board member, this year’s event will engage