Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
- Powel House
- Christ Church
- St. Peter's Church
- Independence Mall
Photos & Highlights
- Get the full picture of Philadelphia through social, architectural, and political lenses including insider tips along the way
- Led by a local historian
Select a date
Tour Description
Founded in the 17th century by William Penn as a haven for persecuted Quakers, Philadelphia quickly became the most important city in America. By the dawn of the revolution it was the largest English-speaking city in the world outside of London. Covering some of the most significant sites in Old City Philadelphia, this Philadelphia History Tour explores the social and political mechanisms that defined the city and set the stage for the Declaration of Independence and the Continental Congress.
Philadelphia History Tour
We begin our Philadelphia History Tour with the plan of the city and a discussion of the critical figure of William Penn, founding father of the colony of Pennsylvania and architect—in a very real sense—of the city of Philadelphia. Using the plaza-scale plan of the city located near Second Street as our reference point, we'll look at how Penn's rational plan set the stage for an explosion of commerce and trade and the influx of immigrants from all over the world. As we make our way through the well-preserved historic core of the city, past buildings that still stand after more than 200 years, we'll look at some of the key themes that defined Philadelphia in those early years including Quakerism, religious tolerance, and unfettered trade.
A Glimpse at the Past in Historic Philadelphia
Depending on venue visiting hours, our Philadelphia History Tour may also take us into historic houses and house museums along streets dating to the 18th century, and as well as some of the churches that played a role in the founding of the U.S. These may include Carpenter's Hall, Old St. Mary's, St. Peter's, and Independence Hall. As we walk we'll move forward through history to discuss how the city evolved socially, architecturally, and politically through the colonial period until the dawn of the revolution. As this area of the city saw the construction of some of the largest houses, we'll focus specifically on the emergence of a wealthy merchant class in the 18th century and how they defined the city at the dawn of Independence and through the war.
Take Aways
We will typically end our Philadelphia History Tour at Headhouse Market in Society Hill, a historic center of trade in the city that is today the most vibrant farmer's market in Center City. This walking tour is a good introduction to Philadelphia during the colonial period and exploration of the major sites in Old City south of Market Street.
FAQ
Does this tour visit the interiors of the venue stops as well?
This tour includes only exteriors as it's a walking history tour. Depending on your interests and venue opening hours, you may have the opportunity to enter 1 or 2 venues along the way. It is a good idea to carry some cash in case you choose to enter a stop along the way, at your own expense.
Where You'll Start
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102 Reviews
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Justina pitched perfectly for our family of 4: the children (aged 9 and 6) were a bit tired/jet-lagged and Justina did so much to engage them and keep them interested.
And - as any parent will know - if the children are interested, the parents will enjoy the experience so much more too. She kept up the fun facts and anecdotes throughout the whole tour.
It was a good day - I’m not sure it would have gone so smoothly if the weather had been wet. But then again, I’m confident Justina would have had some great ideas up her sleeve.
There was a slight issue with our meeting point (which didn’t actially affect us, but could have done), as google maps seemed to be throwing up 2 alternative locations for the meeting point (City Tavern). Justina was aware and was letting Context know in any case.
Ann
Reviewed on:
Apr 6, 2019
Although there was a plan Joella was always improvising giving more in depth detail and seeking opportunities to see places not originally planned. Thoroughly enjoyed this well worth the ticket price. Joelle is very knowledgeable and extremely pleasant. Joelle made our one day in Philadelphia very enjoyable. We came mostly to get a true sense of colonial America and we got it in spades.
Corina
Reviewed on:
Mar 18, 2019
Context Travel has hands-down the best tours. Engaging, amazingly knowledgeable guides. I highly recommend this company.
Holly
Reviewed on:
Mar 16, 2019