52 Weeks of Firsts

52Firsts W-PHD_ Multi Color

52 Weeks of Firsts at the National Parks of Philadelphia

 

For 250 years, Philadelphia has been first — first in freedom, first in innovation, first in fun.

 

In 2026, the city celebrates that legacy with 52 Weeks of Firsts, a yearlong, citywide series of events highlighting the groundbreaking ideas, inventions and milestones that began right here.

 

Check out the Firsts that happened in Philadelphia’s national parks.

First Postmaster (1737)

Saturday, April 25 @ Franklin Court

 

Before there was email, there was Ben! Franklin became America’s first postmaster, creating a system that did more than deliver mail, it brought people together. See how one man’s mail shaped a new nation.

 

Event details:

Date:  Saturday, April 25, 2026

Time: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Location: Franklin Court, 322 Market Street

First Bank of the United States (1791)

Saturday, July 4 @ First Bank of the United States

 

America’s first big investment! Founded by Alexander Hamilton (yes, that Hamilton), the First Bank built the financial foundation of the nation, and it all started right here in Philadelphia.

 

Event details:

Date:  Saturday, July 4, 2026

Time: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Location: First Bank of the United States, 120 S. 3rd Street

First Naming of the United States (1776)

Saturday, September 19 @ Independence Hall

 

What’s in a name? Everything. At Independence Hall, “The United States of America” was spoken into being, giving a brand-new nation its identity. We still say it proudly, but Philadelphia said it first.

 

Event details:

Date:  Saturday, September 19, 2026

Time: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Location: Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street

First Modern Detective Story Written (1841)

Saturday, October 31 @ Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

 

It was a dark and stormy night… an another Philadelphia first! Edgar Allan Poe penned the world’s first modern detective story here, giving birth to mystery, suspense and serious shivers. Case closed.

 

Event details:

Date:  Saturday, October 31, 2026

Time: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Location: Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, 532 N. 7th Street