The oldest learned society in the US was founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin with the aim of 'promoting useful knowledge.' It continues on its mission by mounting a different themed exhibition each year on American history and science in their museum on the east side of the Independence Hall, the only section of the complex not run by the National Park.
American Philosophical Society
Philadelphia
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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Independence National Historical Park
0.16 MILES
This L-shaped Philadelphia park, bound by 6th, 2nd, Walnut and Arch Sts, protects and honors the institutions that formed the foundation of the United…
2.07 MILES
The premier cultural institution in Philadelphia, this epic art museum would stand out even without Rocky's famous antics on the east steps. Every visitor…
1.47 MILES
Since 2012, Dr Albert C Barnes' eye-popping collection of artworks – predominantly focused on French masterpieces from the late 19th and early 20th…
0.04 MILES
The 'birthplace of American government', this modest, early 18th-century Georgian building is where delegates from the 13 colonies met to approve the…
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Although the fortress-like exterior of this 1873 building is pretty impressive, it's the spectacular interiors – which took a further 15 years to complete…
0.8 MILES
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Museum of the American Revolution
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Nearby Philadelphia attractions
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It was in this building, Philadelphia's Old City Hall, that the US Supreme Court made its first decisions between 1791 and 1800.
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The 'birthplace of American government', this modest, early 18th-century Georgian building is where delegates from the 13 colonies met to approve the…
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6. National Museum of American Jewish History
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0.13 MILES
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0.14 MILES
Erected as a calling card for the skillful work of the Carpenters' Company of Philadelphia in 1774, this is where the First Continental Congress met.