Independence NHP, Edgar Allan Poe NHS & Thaddeus Kosciuszko NM

2020 was a year like no other. Despite setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Region 1 continued to make park resources available to the fullest extent possible while keeping visitors, employees and partners safe. Please join us for a look at the year 2020 in the northeast corner of the United States.

The Liberty Bell and Civil Rights Although the Liberty Bell (originally known as the State House Bell) was made in Philadelphia in 1753, it was not named the Liberty Bell until the 1830’s when abolitionists adopted the Bell as a symbol of their cause, because of its inscription: proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof. They perceived an irony in a bell that had hung in the birthplace of a nation which allowed slavery. Since then, the B...ell has symbolically been used to expand America’s definition of liberty and to whom it is given. In 1965, the civil rights movement reached a tipping point. During an incident known as Bloody Sunday, peaceful protestors, asking for basic civil and legal rights, were viciously attacked by state troopers, police, and local vigilantes on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama. Images of marchers being gassed and beaten unconscious flooded the news and led to protests across the country, including a peaceful sit in at the Liberty Bell. Such nationwide protests helped lead to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most important pieces of civil rights legislation of the 20th century, finally giving the federal government the power to enforce voting rights. (Image: 1965 Sit-In at the Liberty Bell inside of Independence Hall. Courtesy of the Special Collections Research Center. Temple University Libraries. Philadelphia PA. Urban Archives (Paley Library, Temple University) #BlackHistoryMonth #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque

We have seen a lot of snow creatures in the park over the years but this one is on a whole new level!

Happy Birthday Thaddeus Kosciuszko! His birthday is typically celebrated as February 4 1746. As pure a son of liberty, as I have ever known -Thomas Jefferson In the summer of 1776, a young Polish immigrant, Thaddeus Kosciuszko, arrived in Philadelphia full of idealistic beliefs in democracy, offering his services as a military officer in America’s War for Independence. Benjamin Franklin helped Kosciuszko get an appointment in the Continental Army as an engineer. He would m...ake a name for himself designing defenses for many strategic sites, including the battlements at Philadelphia, Saratoga and West Point. After the War, George Washington honored Kosciuszko with two engraved pistols and a sword. After helping to secure American Independence, Kosciusko returned to Poland, hoping that the Revolution could serve as a model for his homeland to resist foreign subjugation and establish democracy. Kosciuszko led an uprising against the Russians and Prussians until he was severely injured, and the rebellion was suppressed. He spent two years in prison before being released and traveled back to America. Returning to Philadelphia in 1796, Kosciuszko would draft a will, with the help of Thomas Jefferson, stating that his estate to be used to purchase and free slaves in America; his last act attempting to secure freedom for those who had none. Today, Kosciuszko is recognized as a national hero in Poland, Belarus, Lithuania and the United States. To learn more visit: https://www.nps.gov/thko Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, D.C. Thomas Jefferson's Monticello George Washington's Mount Vernon Saratoga National Historical Park West Point - The U.S. Military Academy

Oney Judge Oney Judge was born into slavery, the property and personal maid of Martha Washington. When George Washington became President of the United States, Oney Judge accompanied the first family to the President’s House in Philadelphia, leaving behind her mother and sister in Virginia. After socializing with the free Black community of Philadelphia, Judge learned of opportunities for freedom, but soon overheard that she would be given to Martha Washington’s granddaughte...r as a gift. With the help of abolitionists in the city, she fled her life of slavery in 1796, at the age of fifteen. George Washington issued a $10 reward for her return, and sent men to persuade Judge to return to Philadelphia, which she refused. She settled in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She started a family there, marrying Jack Staines, a free Black sailor in 1797, with whom she had three children. In 1799, Oney Judge’s freedom was challenged once again when Martha Washington’s nephew tried to take her back by force. With her husband away at sea, Judge was warned and whisked away to safety by abolitionist friends, both Black and white. Oney Judge did not live an easy life, ending up poor and then living with friends in Greenland. Her mother died in 1802, and she lost her husband the next year. Both of her daughters preceded her in death as well. Judge’s younger sister, Delphy, was inherited by Martha Washington’s granddaughter sadly the same fate Oney Judge fought to avoid. Although the Presidents House in Philadelphia stands no more, a historic house managed by Independence NHP, known as the Germantown White House, was also briefly lived in by Judge along with the Washington family. To learn more visit: www.nps.gov/articles/independence-oneyjudge.htm www.mountvernon.org/.../article/ona-judge www.nps.gov/inde/learn/historyculture/enslaved.. https://www.mountvernon.org/video/view/2041130/ George Washington's Mount Vernon #BlackHistoryMonth #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque.

The Tsar Bell in Russia (heaviest in the world) weighs over 400,000 pounds. The Centennial Bell in Independence Hall Tower weighs 13,000 lbs. Can you guess how much the Liberty Bell weighs?

Many people find peace in parks, local, state and national. From the glow of the northern lights to a quiet snow-covered trail, or even an urban park like ours, parks can be places of healing, inspiration, and peace. They serve as places to recreate, unwind, relax, and inspire. If you could go to any park in the world, where would you go and why? #findingpeace

#CollectionsHighlight Do you see it? This punchbowl was made in Philadelphia of locally sourced red and white earthenware clays that were mixed together to form the swirled, two-color effect you see. The white clay turned yellow under the clear lead glaze that covers the entire bowl after it was fired in the kiln, which only enhanced the colorful decoration. The bowl is dated January 11, 1771 beneath the initials "IR". While we still don't know who "IR" is, we believe they were members of the Roberts family whose descendants gave the bowl to the museum at Independence Hall in 1875. We'll update you as we learn more about the history of this wonderful artifact.

Delaware became the first state to ratify the Constitution on December 7, 1787. The ninth state, New Hampshire, ratified on June 21, 1788, and the process of turning a paper government into a working government could begin. First State National Historical Park #constitution #findyourpark

As the nation’s first Vice President, John Adams presided over the Senate during the first ever rejection of a Supreme Court nominee. This took place in the Senate Chamber in Congress Hall on December 15, 1795. John Rutledge was one of the architects of the Constitution and had actually served for one session of the Supreme Court as Chief Justice when President Washington appointed him during a Senate recess. Unfortunately for Rutledge, at the time he was appointed, there wer...e strong protests in opposition to the Jay Treaty - which the Senate had approved. In a South Carolina rally, Rutledge gave a speech where he stated that he would rather the President would die than sign the puerile instrument. When that same Senate voted on his permanent appointment, he was rejected - the only of Washington’s nominees and the only ever of twelve recess appointees not to be confirmed. John Adams wrote his wife Abigail that it gave me pain for an old friend, though I could not but think he deserved it. Chief justices must not go to illegal meetings and become popular orators in favor of sedition ... inflame the popular discontents which are ill founded, nor propagate disunion, division, contention and delusion among the people. Adams National Historical Park #findyourpark (Photo: The Senate Chamber in Congress Hall)

Never forget! #pearlharborremembranceday

On September 11, 1776, Admiral Richard Howe, commander of British naval forces in America, hosted a peace conference with an American delegation on Staten Island. The American commissioners were Benjamin Franklin, Edward Rutledge, and John Adams. Admiral Howe and his brother, William, who commanded British land forces, hoped that an agreement could be reached to bring the rebellious colonies back under the Crown. The Howe brothers had authority to discuss pardons and amnestie...s but were limited beyond that unless the Americans agreed to suspend hostilities and dissolve the Continental Congress. John Adams expressed pessimism, remarking that the conference seemed an attempt to seduce us into a renunciation of our independence. In the meeting, the Americans stated that significant negotiations were impossible unless the British recognized independence. Admiral Howe remarked that that was beyond his power and that he could only treat the delegates as British subjects rather than members of Congress. Adams replied, Your Lordship may consider me in what light you please, . . . except that of a British subject. The conference lasted 3 hours, but ultimately ended in stalemate. With the ink on the Declaration of Independence barely dry, the fledgling nation had faced its first challenge. National Parks of New York Harbor Adams National Historical Park

Don't miss this virtual tree lighting event in America's most historic square mile!

In 1774, John Adams served in the First Continental Congress, held in Philadelphia at Carpenters' Hall, not because of any political experience he had but by being one of the most famous lawyers in Massachusetts. Though he tried many cases throughout his legal career, one stood above the rest - the Boston Massacre Trial. On March 5, 1770, a group of British soldiers opened fire into an unruly mob of citizens who were harassing them, killing five and injuring three more. Adams... was asked to defend the soldiers after many other lawyers declined. Council ought to be the very last thing an accused person want (lack) in a free country, stated Adams upon accepting the daunting task. Adams attempted to prove that the soldiers had fired on the crowd in self-defense. After his famous summation in which Adams stated, Facts are stubborn things, all were acquitted except two men, who were fined and branded. Adams believed that this case proved that all people, even the hated British soldiers, could receive a fair trial. His devotion to the Rule of Law not only got Adams selected to the Continental Congress but served as the foundation for his political career. Adams National Historical Park Boston National Historical Park

In honor of Archaeology Month, Curator Debbie Miller took the Puzzle Jug challenge with a reproduction piece we have here at the museum. Northeast Museum Services Center

October and its Halloween connection may bring to mind one certain Addams Family, but the month was important to a different, historical Adams family the family of John and Abigail Adams. John and Abigail married on October 25, 1764 and John’s birthday was on October 30, 1735. Which occasion do you think was more important? According to John, his wedding anniversary earned the bigger celebration. He wrote to Abigail on October 28, 1777, I celebrated the 25th. of this Month, in my own Mind and Heart, much more than I shall the 30th. -- because I think the first a more fortunate day than the last. We don’t have to choose though. In honor of these special days, be on the lookout for Adams related posts this week! Adams National Historical Park

#ArchivesMonth Archives tell the story of WHAT work was done, as well as HOW that work was completed. A large element of that is how creators of records arrange their files that arrangement is the outline that stories are built on. At Independence, records are used and maintained by the offices that created them until a project, event, or task is completed. Many times, those records will remain in the office of their creator is retired. That’s when the archival staff arrive...! Staff will often do an initial survey of records to cull duplicates and non-permanent records, then during processing, the material will be rehoused into protective folders, archival boxes, flat file storage or saved onto our digital server. Arrangement will be maintained during processing and finally, the material will be cataloged into our collection management system to aid public and staff as they use the collections.

On the back wall of the Assembly Room in Independence Hall, just above George Washington's Rising Sun chair is William Penn’s Coat of Arms. William Penn was the first governor of Pennsylvania. A coat of arms was used in medieval Europe to help identify fallen soldiers in battle. Over time it became a symbol of family lineage, alliance, property ownership, and profession. The Penn Coat of Arms is also a family crest, the symbols and colors, have specific meanings. For ...example, the Fess has 3 plates on it, this reflects generosity. The Fess, which is a rectangle with the plates inside, represents the readiness to serve the public. If you were to see a picture of the coat of arms it would have the color black on it, which stands for constancy. The color white for peace and sincerity. These colors reflect Quaker Ideology. The coat of arms in the Assembly Room is silver. Some family’s coats of arms have a motto; which may change through the generations. In Penn’s case it was in Latin Dum Clavum Teneam , which stands for If I hold a tiller true. Meaning that success lies not in external achievement but in courageous achievement to one’s duty and one’s vision, whatever the outcome. In our case we have the words Mercy and Justice. #williampenn #findyourpark #independencehall Pennsylvania

Between 1763 and 1767, a major scientific and geographic endeavor was undertaken in an effort to bring to conclusion a great dispute between two of Britain’s American colonies. Starting from the moment that William Penn received his charter for a colony in America in 1681, a dispute with the Calvert family of Maryland over the border between the two colonies would ensue. After travelling to his new colony for the first time, Penn will meet with Charles Calvert, 3rd Baron Balt...Continue reading

Have you ever heard of the Walking Purchase? William Penn, after receiving his charter for a new colony, sought amicable relations with the Lenni Lenape and surrounding tribes. Rather than expel the tribes from their ancestral land, Penn sought to arrange for sale of the land with a series of treaties. Penn’s example of fairness did not matriculate to the next generation of Pennsylvania leadership. In 1701 William Penn returned to England, never to return to Pennsylvania and ...Continue reading

William Penn was street wise! Philadelphia was his enterprise! In 1682, William Penn broke ground for Philadelphia, his Greene Country Town. He hired Captain Thomas Holme as Surveyor-General to engineer a grid-patterned city; Penn preferred this development. It provided outdoor space and secured public safety, especially since he witnessed fire and disease devastating London 16-17 years earlier. While the new plans of London inspired Penn, Philadelphia’s grid design was con...sidered a prototype for future American cities. Holme described the city to Penn, today’s Center City: The City [] consists of a large Front-street to each River, and a High-street [Market Street] (near the middle) from Front (or River) to Front, of one hundred Foot broad, and a Broad-street in the middle of the City, from side to side, of the like breadth. In the Center of the City is a square of ten Acres; at each Angle are to be Houses for Publick Affairs []. There are also in each Quarter of the City a Square of eight Acres, to be for the like Uses, as the Moore-fields in London; and eight Streets (besides the High-street), [east-west], and twenty streets (besides the Broad-street), that run cross the City, [north-south]; all these Streets are of Fifty Foot breadth. Philadelphia changed overtime. The four Moore-fields are Franklin, Washington, and Rittenhouse Squares and Logan Circle. While most east-west streets are named after trees, Race, Arch, and South Streets had shed those names long ago; they were Sassafras, Mulberry, and Cedar respectively. Unlike Cedar, Vine Street never changed to indicate the city’s original northern boundary. Old City District Center City District Franklin Square City of Philadelphia Government National Park Service The Athenaeum of Philadelphia #williampenn #philadelphia #independencenhp #findyourpark

This one is a real puzzler! Do you know how a Puzzle Jug works? Made in Philadelphia before 1750, this Puzzle Jug is marked W.A. for its owner, William Annis. Annis was a Ship Captain who, with his family, lived in one of the many tiny two story houses on Gray’s Alley between Front and Second at the Area F site that was discussed a few days ago. The Annis’ lived on Gray’s Alley from c.1729 until 1749 when William died, and filled the privy that was once in their back yard ...with household trash throughout that twenty year period. The jug is a rare and remarkable survivor in archaeology, not only because it’s a rare form, but also because it’s intact. The cool part is - it never actually worked! The jug was unable to hold water since the handle separated from the body when it was fired in the kiln. The potter tried to patch it, but that didn’t work either. So, into the privy it went, only to be found more than two hundred years later to the great joy of the archaeologists working there. #archaeologymonth #archaeology #findyourpark #nationalparks

Have you ever hiked through Wissahickon Park? Perhaps you parked on Hermit Lane. You took your dog to explore a nice adventure, and halfway through you came upon a cave? A spring house? Whatever it is, it looks out of place. It’s not a relic of bored teenagers, or a wine cellar of a grand home. This cave links the park all the way back to Pennsylvania founder William Penn. Having spent much of his life persecuted for his Quaker beliefs, his plans for Philadelphia set up a... Holy Experiment of religious tolerance. This enticed practitioners from many faiths. Lutherans from Germany, Huguenots from France, Mennonites from Switzerland. Those of Jewish and Muslim faiths were also welcomehowever, even though Penn’s ideals allowed these groups to practice freely, it did not ensure them political involvement in the new colony. But Penn’s new colony and its religious welcoming also attracted a man named Johannes Kelpius, a mystic from Transylvania, now Romania. Along with 39 other 'hermits', Kelpius decided to wait out end of the world in the woods of the Wissahickon. When the world did not end in 1694, they dedicated their practice to hymns, music, and astronomy until Kelpius’ death in 1708. So is that cave actually his? Historians aren’t 100%. But Kelpius was real, and so is the continued influence of William Penn’s Holy Experiment on the city’s environment. Historic Germantown Friends of the Wissahickon Pennsylvania Trails of History #kelpius #quakers #williampenn #wissahickonpark National Park Service Atlas Obscura Kelpius Society

#ArchivesMonth During the height of World War II, the fear of air raids was evident, and the City of Philadelphia developed plans to construct a bomb shelter where the Liberty Bell could be safely stored as a precaution. The shelter was never constructed. When what is now Independence NHP became a National Park in 1948, the city’s drawings and documentation came with it and now serves as a reminder that sometimes the best laid plans never come to fruition. #libertybell #findyourpark #nationalparks