May - Arts and Culture (Continued)

Edgar Allan Poe and the Publishing World of Philadelphia
Wednesday, May 9, 2007 10:00 am - 12:00 p.m.

Many people do not think of what the Historic District was like during the 19th century, when Philadelphia was one of the publishing capitals of the world while a writer, essayist, and publisher by the name of Edgar Allan Poe was carving a name for himself.

This tour will visit the sites that were important to Poe and the publishing world of the 19th century. The tour will begin at the Independence Visitor Center and conclude with a dramatic reading of Poe’s most famous works, many inspired during the time he spent in Philadelphia.

A souvenir booklet of Poe’s poems is included free with the tour.

Guided Walking $25

Independence Park by Candlelight
Thursday, May 10, 2007 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

This one-of-a-kind tour will include a nighttime tour of Independence Hall, which is being offered specially to the public through Philadelphia Open House. Explore the "Greatest Park in History" in a most unique way - by candlelight.

Become educated about the Historic Area with expert guides as they tell the stories of Jefferson, Washington, and Franklin. Travel along the same cobblestone streets, paths, and alleyways taken by these great men over 200 years ago as they discussed and initiated our independence from the Crown.

Guided Walking $25

Schuylkill Stroll
Friday, May 11, 2007 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy a new perspective on Philadelphia’s most famous esplanade, Boathouse Row. The Park House Guides of the Philadelphia Museum of Art will present the Fairmount Park Azalea Garden, an in-depth tour of the Water Works as a marvel of 1815 architecture and technology, and the impressive boathouses along the Schuylkill River.

Your stroll will also feature a tour inside one of the historic private boathouses that adorn the Schuylkill River.

Guided Walking $20

Architectural Treasures of Independence National Historical Park
Wednesday, May 16, 2007 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Enjoy an insider’s tour of the varying architecture that constitutes Independence National Historical Park. This tour will compare and contrast the architectural styles of the park’s major public buildings.

The tour will include Independence Hall, the First and Second Banks of the United States, and Congress Hall. Learn how the First and Second Bank buildings impacted public architecture around the country.

The tour will also include a look at the park’s Architectural Study Collection to learn the means and the methods used by National Park Service architects to restore the park’s premier public buildings.

Guided Walking $25

Italian Market Tour
Thursday, May 24, 2007 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Come hear, see, smell, and taste why Food and Wine Magazine featured the Italian Market Tour. Explore this outdoor market and ever-evolving neighborhood with Celeste Morello, historian and author of The Philadelphia Italian Market Cookbook.

While learning about the Ninth Street Italian Market and other historical and cultural sites in the neighborhood, you will enjoy food-making demonstrations and tasting, as well as learn how the neighborhood historically draws newly arriving immigrant groups.

Guided Walking Food Tasting $35

Bucks County Wineries: One of the Finer Crafts of the Delaware Valley
Saturday, May 26, 2007 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Experience one of the finest products to come out of the Bucks County region - its world-class wines. This tour will feature up-close and personal tours of picturesque wineries in the Bucks County region and tasting with families that have been making wine for generations.

Learn how the wine is made, and speak directly with those who make the fine products we will be sampling. Included in the tour is a wine education class with a gourmet food and wine pairing, given by Crossing Vineyards.

Guided Motorcoach Luncheon $80

Littlest Streets: Philadelphia’s Hidden Neighborhood
Sunday, May 27, 2007 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

West of Washington Square is a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with tiny 19th-century homes, redesigned carriage houses, and quaint trinities. Stroll along these well-preserved streetscapes as guides from the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks educate you about the various groups who inhabited this neighborhood over its unique history.

Participants will also tour inside various private artistic clubs that date back to when this was the "red-light" district of Philadelphia.

Guided Walking Reception $25

George Washington and the Battle of Trenton
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Retrace one of the most romanticized and decisive battles of the Revolutionary War. Tour participants will take guided tours of where Washington’s army embarked on that cold Christmas day over 200 years ago.

After crossing the Delaware, participants will visit the key battle sites in Trenton and learn of the Trent House Mansion’s significant role in the Battle of Trenton.

The excursion will then lead to the Old Barracks where much of the action took place. While there, participants will learn about the Battle of Trenton and meet some of the people who faced difficult choices during our country’s struggle for independence.

Guided Motorcoach Luncheon $80

Page 3 > June Tours