Hosted by Lora Lewis, Philadelphia Focus introduces you to the people and organizations making a difference in our community, from health and safety issues to education, employment, and even entertainment opportunities. Philadelphia Focus looks for solutions and positive action to make our region a better place to call home.
Historic Philadelphia isn’t just a place. It’s an organization – dedicated to making our nation’s history relevant and real through interpretation, interaction and education, strengthening Greater Philadelphia’s role as the destination to experience American history. Historic Philadelphia, Inc. maintains the following organizations:
ONCE UPON A NATION. Most visible through the branded Storytelling Benches located throughout the Historic Philadelphia area and in Valley Forge Park Once Upon A Nation also offers visitors a chance to interact with historical players. History Makers, citizens of the 18th & 19th centuries, share their stories, interact with visitors and guide our Adventure Tours.
THE BETSY ROSS HOUSE. One of Philadelphia’s most popular historic attractions (only Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, both run by the National Park Service outdraw it), The Betsy Ross House is the former home of the famed Quaker flagmaker, located at 239 Arch Street.
FRANKLIN SQUARE. Fun family entertainment and a beautiful park are just steps away from the Liberty Bell, in one of William Penn’s original five squares. Award-winning Franklin Square is the family-friendly play place located in the heart of Historic Philadelphia, featuring Philly Mini Golf, the Parx Liberty Carousel, playgrounds, a vintage marble fountain, and SquareBurger, operated by Cooperage. After a day of experiencing the treasures of Philadelphia’s history, putt through some of the city’s most famous icons, take a ride on hometown racehorse heroes Afleet Alex or Smarty Jones aboard the carousel, enjoy a rest next to the refreshing fountain, and dine on the finest burgers and shakes in town. All summer long, enjoy stories about our nation’s history from the Once Upon A Nation storyteller. Awarded one of the Five Coolest Playgrounds in the United States by Yahoo! and declared Best of Style 2013 by Philadelphia Style for “Philly’s Best Photo Op” and in 2017 for “Family Bonding.” In addition, Franklin Square was named by the Philadelphia Area Concierge Association as “Best Family-Friendly Venue” in 2016, and is featured in the book 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia Before You Die.
Franklin Square continues to be a popular attraction for residents and visitors alike. Since the reopening, over 8.7 million guests have visited, with over 1.1 million visitors in 2016, a record-breaking year. The Philadelphia Inquirer has called it “the most beautiful park in America’s most historic city,” and a “model for how to reclaim and preserve public space.” In 2013, The Inquirer also called Franklin Square, “One of the city’s great public spaces,” and in 2017, awarded the Square a Readers’ Choice award for Top Fun for the Whole Family.