Mission Statement:
The purposes of the Corporation are to raise funds to fulfill the mission of Independence National Historical Park (“INHP”) and to promote its historical, scientific, educational and interpretive activities.
Our Mission
Who is the Trust
Independence Historical Trust, a 501(c) 3, is a philanthropic organization that partners with Independence National Historical Park, the national park that protects, preserves and interprets Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the 54 plus historical acres located in the City of Philadelphia. As a partner, the Trust invests your philanthropic dollars in park programs, conservation efforts, and capital campaigns. The Trust also works with other partners in the historic area to enhance the visitor experience.
Why the Trust Exists
The Independence Historical Trust (formerly Friends of Independence NHP) was created in 1972 and is the first Friends group in the National Park Service. Over our long history we have purchased or acquired over 1,000 artifacts for the park’s permanent collections, fund-raised for large public spaces in the park and provided educational tours and programs to visitors and locals alike.
As an independent charitable organization, we work with the National Park Service to support preservation and conservation projects, enhance education and public engagement, and protect the national treasures of the park for future generations. We do this with your generous support
What is a Friends Group?
“Friends groups have long been the primary philanthropic partners of the National Park Service (NPS). They go by many names, such as Foundation, Trust, Association, and Conservancy. They maintain long-term relationships with the NPS, and they support parks and programs in a variety of ways, including fundraising and providing volunteers, donated goods, and services. While some groups maintain full-time fundraising staff and engage in multi-million dollar capital campaigns, others provide valuable volunteer support or more targeted philanthropic support, especially for smaller or lesser-known parks or programs. Regardless of their size, their importance in addressing park needs, being a voice in neighboring communities, and creating future stewards is invaluable.”
-National Park Service, Director’s Order #21