Ben Franklin's Philadelphia: A Guide

by Tom Huntington

Book Overview

This unique, user-friendly guide follows Benjamin Franklin's footsteps through Philadelphia. The author takes a chronological journey through surviving landmarks from the Founding Father's time and the sites that preserve his legacy today. On his way, he speaks to curators, park rangers, and even Franklin impersonators to tell the story of this fascinating American icon. - Visitor information on Franklin sites - Convenient walking tour - Helpful maps...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1493049844
• ISBN13: 9781493049844
• Release Date: January 2020
• Publisher: Globe Pequot Press
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

TOURING OLD PHILADELPHIA!

When one thinks about the early American history and the colonial period it's natural to associate this history with the New England region. But if there is one area outside of New England that can boast a history that is just as rich and as important, it is certainly the city of Philadelphia. "Ben Franklin's Philadelphia" by Tom Huntington is equal parts a tour guide, Franklin Biography, and a history, all blended in one enjoyable, and informative book. Huntington takes readers on a tour of colonial Philadelphia, stopping at many well known, and many unknown historical buildings and landmarks, including many of those frequented by Franklin himself. Along the way Huntington provides biographical information about Franklin in relation to these various stops. 2006 marks Franklin's 300th birthday and there is no better time to visit historical Philadelphia than during this year long celebration of one of America's greatest Founding Fathers. In all there are just over two dozen different places to visit in the guide and Huntington greatly assists readers by providing the address and phone number of each site, hours of operation, admission prices (if applicable), and finally, a walking map with each site numbered so you can plan your route when you visit. Certainly many people know about Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center, both of which can be visited free of charge, but there are many other interesting, out-of-the-way sites that are not quite as well known but are equally tantalizing for history buffs. For instance this is Elfreth's Alley, which has the distinction of being the oldest, continually occupied residential street in America, with homes that date back to the 1720's. Two of these buildings served as the Elfreth's Alley museum with a modest admission price. Near Elfreth's Alley is the Fireman's Hall Museum. The Museum recognizes Ben Franklin's contributions as the founder of the city's first fire company in 1736. Another marvelous site is Christ Church where he and his wife Deborah attended services on occasion. It was Franklin who helped organize the funding for the church's massive 200-foot tall steeple that has become one of the city's most visible landmarks. The Franklins are buried in Christ Church Burial Grounds, which, oddly enough, are actually a few streets over from the church. A large slab covers Franklin's final resting place and it has become a tradition for visitors to toss pennies on the slab for good luck. The thing that strikes me about all of the sites in Huntington's guide is the modest admission fees for visiting most of them. Many of these sites can be toured for free, while others are less than $20 for a family of four, making them not only historically enriching, but a heck of a bargain as well. If you plan on visiting Philadelphia, do yourself a favor and pick up this book and have a great time walking around old Philadelphia. Reviewed by Tim Janson