First Bank Reopening

A Historic Reopening

Historic First Bank of the United States Building to Reopen July 1

Public ribbon cutting at Independence National Historical Park celebrates $43million restoration of historic landmark that housed the nation’s first federally chartered bank.

Press Release

The story of the First Bank of the United States is finally here! Through conversations with historians, curators, architects, and preservation experts, First & Foremost explores the history, architecture, and lasting legacy of one of America’s most significant historic landmarks.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this video!

In order of appearance:
Dr. Randall M. Miller – Professor Emeritus of History, Saint Joseph’s University
Dr. Rosalind Remer – Historian
Noel Abejo – America250PA Advisory Committee and Twilight Tour Guide, Independence Historical Trust
Jonathan Burton – Director of Development, Independence Historical Trust
Karie Diethorn – Museum Curator, Independence National Historical Park
Richard Vague – Banker and Historian
Christina Carter – Senior Associate, John Milner Architects
Mike Teti – Twilight Tour Guide, Independence Historical Trust
Morgan Lloyd – Program Coordinator, African American Museum in Philadelphia
Greg Stefan Stachowicz – Principal, Greg Stefan Studios Stained Glass
Thomas Caramanico – Executive Director, Independence Historical Trust

What’s Inside?

Two related special exhibitions:

Art and artifacts have long played an important role in American history and diplomacy. They have been used to share culture, offer gestures of friendship, and encourage understanding and appreciation of people and places around the world.

United States Department of State

Decorative Belt Buckle (Rastra con Estribos), silver, rastra buckle composed of 13 elements: a round central figure with a gaucho on horseback; six extensions; and six coins (three Spanish coins of Fernando VII dated 1824; one Spanish coin of Carlos IV dated 1796; and two coins of the Republic of Peru dated 1835 and 1872), date and maker unknown

U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires, Argentina

Marks of Friendship: 250 Years of U.S. Diplomatic Treasures—presented by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Office of Cultural Heritage and the Fund to Conserve U.S. Diplomatic Treasures Abroad—showcases a selection of gifts representing America’s relationships abroad that help tell the 250-year story of America’s rise from humble beginnings as a small, experimental republic to the heights of world leadership.

The City’s Atwater Kent Collection at Drexel University

Giant Illuminated Liberty Bell, Covered With 26,000 Electric Bulbs, postcard, John D. Cardinell, 1926 (Atwater Kent Collection, 92.14.50.57)

America’s National Anniversaries: Philadelphia on the World Stage—from the City’s Atwater Kent Collection at Drexel University—displays souvenirs and artifacts from the 1876 Bicentennial and 1926 Sesquicentennial (both world’s fairs) and 1976 Bicentennial celebrated here.

The special exhibition will be at the First Bank of the United States from July 1, 2026 to February 15, 2027.

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