Top Spots To Learn About Philadelphia History

Philadelphia is of course full of history, and much can be seen by visiting various landmarks, taking tours and visiting the many museums in the city. There are so many top spots to visit, you really can't pick the wrong one. If you want to learn some more about Philadelphia history, here are the top five places to visit that won't bust your budget.

The Mummers Museum
1100 S. Second St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 336-3050
www.mummersmuseum.com

Parades are common throughout all of America; the Mummers, however, are completely unique to the city of Philadelphia. If you want to enjoy a more flamboyant and fun side of Philly history, then you should stop by the Mummers Museum down on Two Street. The Mummers Museum opened in 1976, and it houses former costumes and show memorabilia dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. Admission is now free with donation, and the museum is open year round Wednesday through Saturday 9:30-4:30.

Christ Church
22-26 N 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19105
(215) 922-1695
www.christchurchphila.org

If you are into architecture and history, you may want to visit Christ Church. It is one of the oldest churches in the nation and was founded in 1695, and the building was built in the early 1700s. It was once referred to as "The Nations Church" because of the prominent historical figures who are buried on the property. Graves you can visit include Ben Franklin and 15 other signers of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. William Penn was baptized in this church, and that baptismal is still used today.

National Constitution Center
525 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215)409-6600
www.constitutioncenter.org

One of the top places to visit to learn about Philly history is the National Constitution Center. The center was opened in 2000, so it's one of the newest museums to visit in Philadelphia. It offers a very thorough experience into the nation's early history in Philly. There are three main permanent exhibits, along with different traveling exhibits, as well as a walking tour which will take visitors to over 20 different locations throughout Philadelphia, including some of the most popular places to see history (Betsy Ross House, Liberty Bell). The tour is just two miles and takes about 75 minutes.

Related: Top Historical Tours in Philadelphia

Independence Mall
520 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(800) 537-7676
www.nps.gov

Independence Hall is of course where both the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were debated and eventually signed. Tours are given daily. Independence Mall is considered one of the nations "National Parks" (it is run by the National park service), therefore it is open all year except for Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day. It is also within walking distance to many other city attractions and is free.

The Lights of Liberty In The PECO Theater
Sixth St. & Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 629-4026
www.philadelphiapass.com

If you want to enjoy some Philadelphia history, but don't have a ton of money to spend, one of the places to stop is in the historic district to see the Lights of Liberty at the PECO Theater. This is an interactive 3D film that is hosted by Ben Franklin. It uses some special effects to keep the young ones interested. It also answers questions you may have wondered about, such as why the liberty bell is important, or what makes America special. There is a show every 20 minutes from 10-6. They also have a gift shop with books and other patriotic merchandise. The price for admission is between $5-$6, but is complimentary with the Philadelphia Pass.

Related: Top Bars With History In Philadelphia

Christina Dagnelli is a freelance writer in Philadelphia and the author of Little Squares with Colors: A Different way to look at autism. Her work on examiner can be found here Examiner.com.