NPS - National Park Service

07/03/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/03/2024 10:44

National Park Service expands access to historic Independence Square

News Release Date:
July 3, 2024

Contact:Andrew McDougall, 215-435-4372

PHILADELPHIA - The National Park Service (NPS), in partnership with the Independence Historical Trust, is pleased to announce the addition of a mobility ramp on historic Independence Square. For the first time in over 20 years, visitors will not need to go through security screening for wheelchair access to the south side of the Square. "We strive to create an equal and accessible experience for all visitors to Independence National Historical Park. Now people with mobility needs can access Independence Square without going through security" said Superintendent Steven Sims. "We are excited to work with the Trust to expand direct access to more park visitors.

"To visit the historic structures on Independence Square including Independence Hall and Congress Hall, visitors must people pass through security screening at 5th and Chestnut Streets. Because the southern half of Independence Square is above grade and only accessible by steps, visitors that use wheelchairs had to go through security screening to access this area while those who could use the steps did not. There will now be a mobility ramp to help folks access this important part of the cultural and historical landscape.

Built to be the Pennsylvania State House, Independence Hall originally housed all three branches of Pennsylvania's colonial and early state government. The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed inside this building. Originally built as the Philadelphia County Courthouse, Congress Hall was home to the U.S. Congress from 1790-1800, when Philadelphia served as the temporary capital of the United States. Finished in 1791, Old City Hall served as City Hall for Philadelphia. When Philadelphia was the nation's temporary capital, the city lent its courtroom out to the Supreme Court of the United States.

Independence Square witnessed the first formal public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776, and contains the statue of Commodore John Barry, dedicated in 1907. Commodore Barry is often called the "Father" of the U.S. Navy. Independence National Historical Park (INHP) is committed to making facilities, programs, services, and employment as universally accessible as possible. People can learn more about our accessibility services by visiting: https://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.