5 Historic Sites You Can Walk to From the Pennsylvania Convention Center

As the Birthplace of America, the Cradle of Liberty, and the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia is a hotspot for out-of-town visitors. If you’re exhibiting at or attending a Philadelphia trade show, it’s worth taking a little time away from the event to view some of the most important sites in American history. Since many of these sites are a mile or less from the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC), you can walk to them—as long as your feet aren’t too tired from the show floor, of course!

Independence Hall

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Independence Hall is the quintessential American historical site for everyone visiting Philadelphia, and it’s less than a mile from the PCC. Here’s a brief timeline that captures just some of the many important events in the building’s history:

1732: Construction of Independence Hall begins, known then as the State House.
1776: The Declaration of Independence is signed.
1780: The U.S.’s first Gradual Abolition Law is passed inside the building.
1787: 55 delegates attend the Constitutional Convention, including iconic forefathers like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton. The U.S. Constitution is signed on May 17^th of that year.
1844: Frederick Douglass visits and speaks against slavery in Independence Square.

Over the decades, Independence Hall has continually been the site of freedom-forward events. Celebrations of National Freedom Day, Reminder Day, and sit-ins supporting civil rights in the 1960s solidified the Hall’s place as a symbol of the American dream for freedom and equality. And you can experience all of this history just a short walk from the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Liberty Bell

Around the corner from Independence Hall, check out one of the most famous artifacts from the early days of the United States: the Liberty Bell. Made in 1752 and weighing in at over one ton of copper, tin, and other metals, the bell earned its name from abolitionists who dreamed of the end of slavery. Though it’s not actually known whether the bell actually rang to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, visitors can still revel in its history, inspect the infamous crack, and reflect on its inscription: “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof”.

President’s House Site

Long before Washington, D.C. was named the country’s capital, the American presidents resided in Philadelphia. Since the site of this home is only half a mile from the Pennsylvania Convention Center, it’s a convenient must-see when you’re in town for a Philadelphia trade show.

Although only the foundation remains today, the President’s House Site allows you to walk in the footsteps of George Washington and John Adams, who inhabited the building during their presidencies. This is a self-guided museum that features indoor and outdoor exhibits, and it’s free to all visitors.

Betsy Ross House

While you’re in America’s birthplace, why not visit the building in which the very first American flag was likely created? The Betsy Ross House features artifacts, documents, and even actors in contemporary dress to help you learn about life early days of the United States. This is the upholstery shop that very well may have been where the first Stars and Stripes was crafted. You can take advantage of a self-guided tour or an audio guide to get the most out of your visit. And since it’s less than a mile from the PCC, there’s no reason not to check it out!

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

Edgar Allan Poe is sometimes more closely associated with Baltimore than Philadelphia. However, his six years in this house on 7^th Street inspired some of his most famous writings—and it’s just over a mile away from the PCC.

This site lets you walk through the home where Poe wrote two of his most famous works: The Tell-Tale Heart and The Black Cat. There’s an interactive exhibit that puts you inside the enigmatic writer’s mind and guides you to solve a mystery. And before you leave, be sure to snap a picture with the giant raven statue, an 8’ bronze bird perched atop a 12’ pedestal.

Enjoy History While We Take Care of Your Exhibit at the Pennsylvania Convention Center

America’s birthplace is meant to be enjoyed by all who visit. So while you’re in Philadelphia for a trade show, let us take care of everything at the Pennsylvania Convention Center! From exhibit design to onsite installation and dismantle, we’re your one-stop-shop for all of your trade show services and needs.