The Independence Historical Trust (‘The Trust’) has partnered with a group of Philadelphia-based organizations (the ‘project partners’) to develop a strategic framework for improving the visitation experience by improving the public realm of historical Philadelphia. This vision framework is predicated on the idea that historical Philadelphia will be more accessible, better connected, and inviting to all who wish to visit. While the framework is primarily physical in nature, many of its recommendations will improve connectivity to and within historical Philadelphia. The project partners believe this framework achieves progress toward these goals by:
There is more to come on the Vision for Historical Philadelphia. Check below on updates for current projects and be sure to sign up for the e-newsletter to hear about future updates.
Tamanend Plaza is the first implementation project of the Historical Philadelphia Vision Framework. By enhancing the pedestrian environment on Market Street, this project establishes a new public space in Old City that activates streets, parks, and commercial corridors in support of community and economic development. The plaza is named after Lenni-Lenape Chief Tamanend, the leader of the tribe who formed a peaceful land pact with William Penn upon his arrival in the late 17th century. There is a statue of Chief Tamanend one block east and the Trust aspires to relocate the statue adjacent to 2nd and Market Streets and to create interpretive wayside signage at the adjacent park in front of Christ Church. Tamanend Plaza will connect Old City’s unique historical assets and tourist destinations to the surrounding neighborhoods and elevates the visitor experience by honoring and including indigenous people in our shared historical narrative.
Commerce Street is the second Vision Framework project to be undertaken. With a series of connective pathways that originate at the Independence Visitor Center and stretch east, then south towards Carpenters’ Hall, the trail passes several historic and cultural institutions including Christ Church Burial Ground, Commodore Uriah Phillips Levey Park and the Benjamin Franklin Museum. This pathway offers a curated pedestrian route off the beaten path that would be activated by the local institutions.
This project is in partnership with Old City District and Old City Green with support from the City of Philadelphia.
Nestled at the corner of 5th and Arch is the historic burial ground of some of our nation’s famous founders, including Benjamin Franklin. Still in the concept phase, this project reimagines a space where visitors can gather 24/7 to visit the final resting place of Franklin with extended sidewalks for safety, seating and wayfinding signage. This project, while not in the original Vision Framework, is one of the projects that came to be after others reviewed the Vision Framework and asked themselves… “What else could be possible when we reimagine the Historical District.”
For more information on the Vision for Historical Philadelphia, please reach out to Jonathan Burton, Director of Development at Jonathan@inht.org.