PHILADELPHIA, PA (June 12, 2024)—Philadelphia Historic District partners gear up for the first-ever Red, White, & Blue To-Do celebration for July 2, 2024, commemorating a day of “pomp and parade,” as declared by John Adams in 1776, encouraging visitors to celebrate independence in the place where it all began.
A vibrant display of patriotic celebration, Red, White, & Blue To-Do will bring together museums, historic sites, and local businesses in America’s most historic square mile to honor our nation’s founding. This monumental occasion promises to be a memorable experience for all, featuring the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, festooned decor, concerts, games, extended visitation hours at area historic attractions, restaurant specials, and much more.
“In what is certain to be a tradition for years to come, visitors to Philadelphia’s Historic District on July 2 will have the opportunity to experience the rich history of our area’s landmarks and institutions and the vibrant culture of our community,” said Vince Stango, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the National Constitution Center. “The confluence of these two will provide an unparalleled display of festivities and fun for all who come out to celebrate with us.”
“The Red, White, & Blue To-Do is a true partnership where Historic District cultural institutions and attractions have come together to create a meaningful and fun experience for Philadelphians and visitors from around the region and across the country. It is exciting to create this inaugural event and look toward more celebrations in the future,” said Amy Needle, President and CEO of Historic Philadelphia, Inc. “We know that visitors will have an easy time navigating all of the treasures here with so much to see, hear, and do.”
The public is encouraged to sign up to participate in the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade. (Pre-registration to march in the Pomp & Parade is required, but everyone is invited to watch along the parade route.)
Red, White, & Blue To-Do Decorating Days
To prepare for this historic celebration, Wagon Decorating will take place at the National Constitution Center, free and open to the public. Anyone can help create one of the official wagon “floats” for the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, but space is limited and advanced registration is encouraged. The District will have Red, White, & Blue To-Do Decorating Days from June 29 -July 1, 2024, 10 am – 1 pm and 2 – 5 pm.
Decoration Stations will be available at each of the Philadelphia Historic District attractions and partner organizations for visitors to festoon themselves for the parade.
The District itself will get a boost of bunting, balloons, and begonias to bring a festive atmosphere throughout Independence Week.
Red, White, & Blue To-Do Schedule of Events – Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Philadelphia Historic District Attractions July 2 Happenings
Betsy Ross House, Children’s Naturalization Ceremony, 9 am
239 Arch Street
Thirteen children from around the world take the Oath of Citizenship during this moving ceremony in the courtyard, part of the inaugural Red, White, & Blue To-Do. FREE. historicphiladelphia.org
Athenaeum of Philadelphia, 300 Years of the Carpenters' Company, 9am - 7 pm
219 South 6th Street
Stop in to explore three centuries of the Carpenters’ Company and informal building tours. FREE. philaathenaeum.org
Arch Street Meeting House, Scavenger Hunt, 10 am – 7 pm
320 Arch Street
Explore the burial ground and building as you follow clues and explore the hidden history of the Meeting House. The activity is fun for all ages, especially kids. Families will also enjoy hand-on activities throughout the day. FREE. historicasmh.org
Carpenters’ Hall: Welcome America Lego Event, 10 am – 4 pm
320 Chestnut Street
Make Lego buildings with help from members of the Carpenters’ Company, leading architects, engineers, and contractors, plus family-friendly activities in the courtyard. The event is presented in partnership with the Franklin Institute, whose first exhibit in 1824 was held in Carpenters’ Hall. FREE. carpentershall.org/2024
Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Satire as Political Speech, 10 am - 5 pm
1300 Locust Street
Drop-in activities will explore the ways Americans have used cartoons to poke fun at political opponents and to draw attention to serious issues. Draw our own cartoons to make sure your voice is heard. A special appearance by Pulitzer-winning cartoonist Signe Wilkinson at 2 pm. FREE. portal.hsp.org
Museum of the American Revolution, Red, White, & Blue To-Do Happenings, 10 am - 7 pm
101 South 3rd Street
Meet historical figures, create your own flag and more! Plus, enjoy outdoor activities on the plaza all day long. Outside activities are FREE; others free with admission. amrevmuseum.org
National Liberty Museum,life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness, 10 am - 7 pm
321 Chestnut Street
Outside the museum, find games and activities and inside, a Creation Station with button making, a photo booth, and a collaborative art experience all designed to focus on art as civil dialogue. Free with admission. libertymuseum.org
Science History Institute, Science of the Revolution, 11 am - 3 pm
315 Chestnut Street
The Science History Institute will host an exhibit exploring the science of the Revolution. FREE. sciencehistory.org
Independence Seaport Museum, Red, White, & Blue To-Do Special Offerings, 11 am - 3 pm, 211 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Join the museum for special Seaport Storytimes at 11 am and 1 pm, and a special Triple 6-pounder salute from Olympia to celebrate the occasion at 1 and 3 pm. Free with admission. phillyseaport.org/calendar
18th Century Garden, Colonial Kids’ Quest from Historic Philadelphia, Inc., 11:30 am
339 Walnut Street
The Declaration of Independence has gone missing. Help track it down during this fun, interactive puppet show. FREE. historicphiladelphia.org
Betsy Ross House, Old-Fashioned Carnival Games, 12 – 4 pm
239 Arch Street
As part of the inaugural Red, White, & Blue To-Do, try your hand at some old-time carnival games in the courtyard and leave with patriotic prizes. FREE. historicphiladelphia.org
Independence Visitor Center, Red, White, & Blue To-Do Craft Fair, 11 am – 4 pm
599 Market Street
Curated by and for local artists, the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Craft Fair features Philly-themed souvenirs, locally made crafts, and fun gifts. Stop by for a showcase of the best of the City’s contemporary makers and artisans. Curated by Art Star. Pay-as-you-go. phlvisitorcenter.com
National Constitution Center, Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, 11 am
525 Arch Street
A highlight of the Red, White, & Blue To-Do, the parade kicks-off at the Constitution Center with a variety of youth performance troupes, miniature, hand-decorated floats, and community members decked out in patriotic flair. FREE. constitutioncenter.org
Signers’ Garden, Fun With the Declaration, 11 am – 3 pm
5th & Chestnut Streets
The American Philosophical Society sponsors fun activities related to the Declaration of Independence. Don’t forget to stop by the museum also from 10 am – 5 pm. FREE. amphilsoc.org
Franklin Square,Red, White, & Blue To-Do Special Offerings, 1 - 3 pm
6th & Race Streets
Meet and greet with Wonder Woman, patriotic red, white, & blue temporary tattoos, and free fun for children. Hear true stories of history at the eight Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches around Historic Philadelphia and receive a star for each one on the Once Upon A Nation 13-star flag. Redeem the completed flag at Franklin Square for a free carousel ride and special surprises.
African American Museum in Philadelphia, Red, White & Blue To-Do at AAMP, 2 – 8 pm:
701 Arch Street
The party kicks off with Mad Beatz Philly’s Block party on the plaza and continues in the gallery with light bites and music by DJ Lady FX at 5 pm. A historical interpreter portraying Frederic Douglass asks, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” in a thought-provoking program at 6:30 pm, followed by a discussion led by local scholars. The current exhibit, Imprint: Dox Thrash, Black Life & American Culture will be open for tours. $19 adults; $15 child/senior/student/military. aamp.org
Signers' Garden, Colonial Muster by Historic Philadelphia, Inc., 2 pm & 3 pm
5th & Chestnut Streets
The Continental Army is looking for a few good kids. New recruits will join a Revolutionary War soldier to learn what it takes to fight for freedom. FREE. historicphiladelphia.org
Independence Mall, 18th Century Games, 4 – 7 pm
Between Market & Arch and 6th & 5th Streets
Independence Historical Trust, in partnership with Independence National Historical Park invites you to try your hand at games including Hoop & Stick, Graces, Ball & Cup and Jacob’s Ladder on the lawn next to Independence Visitor Center. FREE. inht.org
National Constitution Center, Taste of History Trivia Night, 5 – 7 pm
525 Arch Street
Wrap up the inaugural Red, White, & Blue To-Do by grabbing a bite, exploring exhibits, and showing off your trivia skills in the birthplace of American democracy. Enjoy free food, games, tours, and a trivia contest as the Center kicks off Civic Season 2024. FREE. constitutioncenter.org
Independence National Historical Trust, 5:15 pm
Liberty Bell Viewing Window (near Chestnut Street, across from Independence Hall)
Join the Twilight Tours for a free walking tour of Philadelphia’s National Park. Explore the people and sites where America united in support of liberty, vigorously pursued independence and, ultimately, formed “a more perfect Union.” Free. Approximately 60 minutes. inht.org/twilight-tours/
African American Museum in Philadelphia, What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?, 5 - 7 pm:
701 Arch Street
This dramatic reading and reenactment addresses this fascinating topic, embracing the spirit of Frederick Douglass, who first asked the question. Enjoy bites and beverages and a tour of the current exhibit. FREE. aampmuseum.org/calendar
American Philosophical Society, 1776, 6 - 8:30 pm
427 Chestnut Street
End the day with a screening of the 1972 movie musical 1776 in Benjamin Franklin Hall. FREE. Register at amphilsoc.org
*Musical Performances
The Philadelphia Historic District will come to life with a carefully curated lineup of musical street performances in four locations on the afternoon of July 2.
Special thanks to The Weitzman Museum’s Director of Public Programs, Dan Samuels, for creating this diverse representation of communities that enrich our city and nation.
For updated schedules and participating attractions, visit phlvisitorcenter.com/red-white-blue-to-do-philadelphia-pa.
Philadelphia Historic District Partners
A variety of cultural and historical sites will participate in the Red, White, & Blue To-Do:
- African American Museum in Philadelphia
- American Philosophical Society
- Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust
- Athenaeum of Philadelphia
- Betsy Ross House
- Carpenters’ Hall
- Elfreth’s Alley
- Franklin Square
- Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania
- Independence National Historical Park
- Independence National Historical Trust
- Independence Seaport Museum
- Museum of the American Revolution
- National Liberty Museum
- National Constitution Center
- Old City District
- Independence Visitor Center
- Science History Institute
- Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Old City Specials
Neighborhood restaurants will be showing off their red, white, and blue spirit as well with a variety of discounts, treats, or specialty cocktails. Participating businesses include:
- 3J's Cafe
- AMINA
- Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
- Forsythia
- Khyber Pass Pub
- Kick Axe Philadelphia
- Las Bugambilias
- Malooga
- Royal Boucherie
- Sassafras
- Vanderwende Farm Creamery
For a complete list of restaurants and their offered specials, visit oldcitydistrict.org.
Red, White, & Blue To-Do has received support from the Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial.
Know the History
The official Independence Day—July 2, 1776—came to be when the Second Continental Congress voted in Independence Hall to approve a resolution declaring: “That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.”
John Adams thought July 2 should be marked as a national holiday for generations to come: “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival…It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade with shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this continent to the other from this Time forward forever more,” Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail Adams.
The Declaration of Independence was signed by representatives from the Colonies two days later, on July 4, 1776.
About the Red, White, & Blue To-Do
A partnership of cultural and historical institutions and Old City businesses, the Philadelphia Historic District has created a new event for 2024 and beyond—the Red, White, & Blue To-Do—to take place on July 2. John Adams declared that July 2 should be a day of “pomp and parade” from one end of the continent to the other. Philadelphia’s Historic District will welcome the world to celebrate in the place where it all began. The Red, White, & Blue To-Do will take place throughout America’s most historic square mile with the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, festooned decor, concerts, games, extended visitation hours at area historic attractions, restaurant specials, and much more. The Red, White, & Blue To-Do will debut on July 2, 2024, continuing to get bigger and more joyful each July 2 through 2026 and beyond, creating memories for residents and visitors. For more information, including a list of participating institutions and businesses, visit phlvisitorcenter.com/red-white-blue-to-do-philadelphia-pa.
Photos courtesy of the National Constitution Center. For high-resolution images, visit the press room at https://bit.ly/RWBTD_PressKit.
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About the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. A private, nonprofit organization, the Center serves as America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate, fulfilling its congressional charter “to disseminate information about the U.S. Constitution on a nonpartisan basis.” As the Museum of We the People, the Center brings the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages through interactive programs and exhibits. As America’s Town Hall, the Center brings the leading conservative and liberal thought leaders together to debate the Constitution on all media platforms. As a Headquarters for Civic Education, the Center delivers the best educational programs and online resources that inspire citizens and engage all Americans in learning about the U.S. Constitution. For more information, call 215-409-6700 or visit constitutioncenter.org.
