Mara’s Adventures

I have had such a good time here at Independence National Historical Park that leaving will be so very bittersweet.  Without a doubt, this has been the best of Park Families.  Rangers, Guides, and all the wonderful Volunteers serve as a quality team.  I have felt a part of that team from day one here.  What a wonderful experience to serve where you know each and every one of them have your back if you need them.  They have made me feel very appreciated and you all know how much I love that!

This week has been busy with planning my actual leave and making certain I get in all the things I wanted to do.  My final work day will be August 28th.  

Three of us ‘newbies’ are going this Sunday to Germantown to see the Germantown White House (also known as the Deshler–Morris House) which is a historic mansion in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is the oldest surviving presidential residence, having twice housed Founding Father George Washington during his presidency. 

On a different note, as Melissa and I walk to work each morning we walk by the Philadelphia Convention Center.  It’s a very busy location and we see the signs of what’s happening at the center each morning as we walk the blocks to and from work.  Last week was the Mathematicians Conference.  

The International Congress of Mathematicians was held July 23-30, 2026.  According to their website, the congress coincided with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 40th anniversary of when the last ICM was held in the U.S.  The ICM offers a rare opportunity to meet some of the world’s leading mathematicians and be inspired by the vast diversity of today’s mathematics.  ICM will bring together mathematicians throughout the world to collaborate, listen to scientific talks and celebrate the field’s progress and achievements.  The mathematicians were easy to identify.  

The Academy of Management held their annual meeting here this week  (July 30 – August 4).  According to their website, the AOM Annual Meeting is the largest gathering of management and organization scholars in the world – the premier event for connecting, sharing research, and advancing the field.  

Wonder what next week will bring? I had no idea Philadelphia was such an important city, one that hosts a multitude of opportunities.  It truly is a city of brotherly love and I see bits of this in all I have seen and done while here.  My expectations were so much lower than what it is.  Shame on me for judging this city before living here.  I have loved being here.

I had a visitor at work this week.  This is my landlord, Antoine Tran, who was working close by the National Park and stopped to say hello. Nice to have a visitor see what I do here!  Reminded me of when my friends Cathy & Joan came to see me at Yosemite.  What a nice gesture this is from anyone who comes to visit!  That includes my family as well who always make an effort to catch up with me (or as in Melissa’s case, just stay the whole summer with me!). I’ll not forget them ever.  

I had an assignment earlier this week at the First Bank of the US.  One of the exhibits there is a Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock, manufactured by the Fortin family, a renowned 18th Century dynasty of Parisian clock makers.   One of our visitors was an 8 year old boy who noticed an interesting oddity on the clock face and asked about it.  This boy has a keen eye as I had noticed this in all the times I had worked there.  The face of the clock is Roman Numerals but you’ll notice the “4” is not “IV” but rather “IIII”.  We learned it was nothing exceptional but more of just the style of the times.  This boy has a very keen eye!

My days off, Tuesday and Wednesday, are here this week.  Yesterday was apartment cleaning, reading, and relaxing all day!  Today is a bit of shopping, a trip to the movies, and catching up with phone calls to friends and family.  Next week I am taking the train to see my friends in New Jersey.  SEPTA, the transit system here, gives their elders free bus, subway and train access to anywhere within the state.  Isn’t that awesome!  Another great display of caring about its people. 

I trust my readers are all doing well.  For those of you that I write to each week who are on hold while I’m here, I look forward to getting back into the swing of our letters.  I think of each of you and have some special gifts for my kiddos upon my return from the Benjamin Franklin printing press.  Be Well, Stay Safe, and safe travels.  Blessings to all!

Hugs, Mara

(Please forgive the unintentional mistakes.)

Here we are.  Can it possibly be my week #9 already.  July feels like a blur of time that is now just days away from being over.  August will arrive in just a few days.  It is true what you hear that the older we get the faster time flies.

This past week Melissa had an opportunity to see a friend in Germantown, Pennsylvania.  He opened Continue reading Week #9: July 23-29, 2026

What a week this has been.  The weather this week has been hot, humid, and with scattered storms on several occasions but the weekend was terrific.  From the low 80’s to upper 90’s and a nice breeze on several days. I grew up in Indiana and this weather reminds me of my favorite summer days with temperatures in the low 90’s, a slight breeze, and absent of humidity.  These days are a delight!

Things I learned this week.

 1.  It’s called a long “s”.

Glance at the first page of one of Franklin’s books.  If you read the first page you will see it says “House of Representatives” but it appears to have ‘f’ instead of ‘s’ in some places.  Well, that is the long ‘s’ which was commonly used from the 8th century to the 18th century.  

While the letters we use to write English often roughly correspond to spoken sounds, two letters sometimes make the same sound in different words, like the “c” in “circus” and the “s” in “sir.” The letters themselves have changed over time, as well. One lower-case letter we no longer use, called the “long s,” developed in the 8th century. The long s, which looked like ſ or ſ, was pronounced just like the s in “sir.”

The long ‘s’ was only lower case, and most commonly used in the beginning and middle of words. The lower-case “s” we use today also existed then, but was largely used only if s was the last letter of a word, or sometimes in the case of a double s. Words like “persons,” “foolish,” and “success” might have been spelled “perſons,” “fooliſh,” and “ſucceſs.” The letter fell out of use in English in the mid- to late-18th century, though it lingered in handwriting into the 19th century and was used in German well into the 20th century.

I’m told that Ben Franklin loved using the long ‘s’ but Thomas Jefferson did not prefer using it.  That could have been because Franklin was born 40 years prior to Jefferson and the use of it was waning.  However, Timothy Matlack, a prominent calligrapher in the 18th century, loved it and used it when he hand wrote the copy of the Declaration of Independence that was signed.  Now you know when reading documents from prior centuries why you see the long ‘s’ in print.

2.  Is it time to add a 4 legged friend to our family?

Been thinking about getting a puppy once I return home.  We lost our Gus in January this past year and I’ve not been ready for another.  I wanted to give Lou (my younger pup) time to adjust.  Will see if she is ready to be a big sister when I get home in September.

Across the street from the Ben Franklin printing office is a pet store with adoptable pets in the window.  They change very often so once I found it I make it a priority to walk by every few days.  Last week I walked in to speak with the manager and he told me about how much they love volunteers who come by and take the dogs for a walk.  Maybe that’s why their adoption rate is so high.  My last day at work this week (Mondays are my Fridays) they had a black lab in the window.  I so wanted to bring him home with me but could not figure out where I would keep him since I have another month here.  I’m sure he will be gone by Thursday when I return.  

He is all legs! and so cute too.  But he is unfortunately not meant for me.  I need to check-in with Lou first.  I’d sure love him though if only it was the right timing.  

3.  Street Cleaners who take pride in their city.

Other things I’ve learned this week (or just observed) is that it seems our street cleaners have gone away now that the city events have passed.  The older gentlemen who clean each morning are still here.  I talk with one each morning.  He has a 2 block radius and picks us trash left there from the night before.  He takes great pride in what he does.  And I thank him for that each morning.  Unfortunately he would not allow me to take his picture because these folks are not allowed to let others take pictures of them during work.  But I did get a picture of his block.

This is 2nd street between Market and Arch Streets.  These gentleman are generally retired and spend their day sweeping and picking up trash to keep their city nice. They have a lot of pride in their city and I enjoy talking with my special friend one each morning.  Unfortunately I don’t eve know his name!

4.  Mara experiences a “security event” . . .

My last day of work this week ended up pretty adventurous.  Briefing was at 8:45 and is over at 8:55 am.  That is when we get our schedules for the day.  I was assigned to move the Old City Hall barricades and then move on to the Visitor Center at 9:10. I get from the rangers every time these are assigned to me.  

When I arrived at IVC (Independence Visitor Center) it was already opened with one ranger changing the dates on the park stamps, one picking up overnight voice mails, and the other two of us accommodating visitors waiting for information.  

I really wasn’t paying any attention to what was behind me.  Apparently we received a voice mail that was suspicious and that ranger activated law enforcement to look deeper into it.  Again, I’m still oblivious to anything happening behind me.  At 9:20 a.m. I was tapped on the shoulder and told to exit the building.  NOW.  So, without asking anything I did.  And when I found myself outside I wondered what I should do.  I walked about a few minutes, looked a bit “out of place” as no one was out there and noticed all I saw was law enforcement from the park and city police all over the place.  I thought “Hmm, maybe I should help?”  So I went to a ranger on the west side of the street and said “How can I help?”  I was assigned to keep visitors from walking across the street to the visitor center and redirect them in the opposite direction.  

At this time I still did not know what was happening but I knew it was serious.  Did I mention the Visitor Center has the only restrooms available prior to 10 a.m.?  People were coming to use them and not inclined to wait.  As I asked them politely not to cross the street they first ignored me.  Apparently my asking got a little more rigid and forceful.  People walked around me, ignored me, or asked why.  Please do not cross the street.  You may go across the street this way but the visitor center is closed due to a security event.  Some would continue on and now I became a little more commanding,  especially after I saw two police K-9s arrive and go into the building,

At that point I was getting frustrated and apparently got out my mom voice, used it with the next crowd wanting to cross in spite of me, and made a visitor cry because I “yelled at her!”  What I said was “You cannot cross the street this way, the Visitor Center is closed due to a security event, and we have no idea at this time when it will open.” She looked at me and started walking across the street.  With my mom voice ready to fire I said, “YOU CANNOT CROSS THE STREET HERE.  THE BUILDING IS CLOSED!”  I said I was sorry and she said you “yelled at me and hurt my feelings”.  I suggested she accept my apology.  My final comment was “Just trying to keep you safe mam.”  

We had a dozen or so law enforcement officers around the building with who knows how many inside.  An hour later, at 10:30 am, we re-opened the building as the threat was found to be a false event.  What a day!

This is as I was entering the Visitor Center at 9:10 a.m.

I cannot begin to express my gratitude to the law enforcement officers who worked  to protect all of us as well as the countless visitors on that day. Their unwavering commitment to their duty, their professionalism, and their willingness to put themselves in harm’s way ensured that everyone could remain safe. Their courage and dedication are deeply appreciated, and I am grateful for their service.

Things to come:  

1. Melissa and I are having dinner next Tuesday with Bonnie Collins, a friend I met in San Antonio who lives here in Philly.  I met her in person when I arrived here late May but we have not been able to get together since.  I am looking forward to seeing her next week at The Continental, one of our favorite dining places.
2. I plan to see the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial next week as well. There is much to learn about the smallest unit of the National Park Service. At .02 acres, the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial tells an expansive story about an international champion of human rights. It is near 3rd & Pine Streets.
   

3.  I’m hoping to get a tour of the sphere inside Independence Hall.  The steps are small and only 3 adults can be up there at the same time.  I’ll tell you more after I get to see this area.  It is the area at the highest level.  

Be Well, Stay Safe, and safe travels.  Blessings to all!

Hugs, Mara

(Please forgive the unintentional mistakes.)

The Re-enactment of July 8, 1776.

The 4th of July has passed but it is not over yet.  July 8^th, the day the National Park celebrated the signing of the declaration and July 14 when the MLB all star game occurred in Philly were this week’s events. 

The celebrations have been plenty, and Rangers and Volunteers alike have served our national parks well.  I was off this past Monday afternoon as well as Tuesday and Wednesday.  It was time much needed to rest up and take the opportunity to recall all that we had done together and enjoy the memories. I loved being here for the festivities and I really loved being a part of the team!

On July 8, 1776, Colonel John Nixon emerged from the Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall) to deliver a message to the masses. Men, women, and children from across Philadelphia gathered on the square to hear the freshly penned words of Congress. They were merchants, sailors, soldiers, tradesmen, clerks, enslaved and free blacks eagerly awaiting news of independence. The annual re-enactment of this first public reading of the Declaration of Independence on Independence Square this past Wednesday, July 8. Park rangers at Independence National Historical Park reenacted the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence at the very location where Colonel John Nixon (our Ranger Zach) read this great document to the public in 1776.

Park Rangers, Park Guides, and Volunteers who desired dressed to re-enact the event.  I did not dress but I had a great time watching the event.  Ranger Zach, as Colonel John Nixon, read the Declaration impressively!  Kudos to all that participated.  The visitors loved being a part of the event.  

The America 250 time capsule was officially buried on July 4 at 5th & Chestnut here in Philadelphia.  I didn’t get to see it officially happen but I got good pictures of the before, during and after.  It will be officially opened on July 4, 2276.  Unfortunately I will not be here to see it but I hope the message that Grandma was here to see it gets passed down to my great-great-great grandchidren so they will follow the news of its opening.

These are the steps to Rocky at the Museum of Art in Philadelphia.  Many of you may not care for the Rocky movies or the influence Stallone had with these movies.  But I did.  The willpower and perseverance he shared with his Rocky character had a special place in my heart.  When you hear the music and see the grit and determination he had it made me root for him.  I love stories where the underdog wins with his work ethic and determination.  My kind of movie!  

It was in Rocky III where he runs up these steps if I remember correctly.  I will say it is a long way up those steps.  I’m not quite at the bottom of the steps in this picture and you can barely see the statue.  See if you can find it?

Now I’m almost at the top of the stairs and I still get the feelings that come when the underdog fights and wins!

Sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg created the iconic Rocky statue for the filming of “Rocky III,” and Schomberg cast three. Rocky A is inside the museum, Rocky B is in front of the museum, and Rocky C is permanently placed in Terminal A at the Philadelphia International Airport.  Over 4 million visitors come to visit the statue each year. 

Here is the Rocky statue inside the museum with a display called “Rising Up.”  It was interesting but I was just as satisfied with the Rocky statue outside!  I went on a free museum day but the $25 entry fee was a bit steep I thought.

It’s going to be interesting to see how this and future weeks fare now that the MLB All Stars are over.  The game and events were on July 13-14.  They had a red carpet event as well as a game.  American League beat National League 4-0.   The city has had 3 very important events this summer to showcase Philly and I hope all the efforts made to do that has a very positive effect.

We have a new addition to our extended family.  Robert’s daughter and family have a new puppy Winston.  He’s a mini poodle and very cute.  He and Graylen seem to be getting along very well.  Their cat is not impressed though! 

Grandpa and Graylen are still buddies and Lou was handling the new puppy  well until Winston decided Lou had those same things his momma had and latched onto a nipple.  At that point Lou jumped 3 feet off the ground and said we’ll have no more of that.  She gave him a very wide shoulder and let him know he needed to stay away from her.  She still wants to watch over Graylen though.

Be Well, Stay Safe, and safe travels.  Blessings to all!

Hugs, Mara

(Please forgive the unintentional mistakes.)

The celebratory week arrived and we (Rangers and Volunteers) survived!  That is a major statement given the number of visitors and the incredible heat that fell upon Philadelphia.  The record breaking heat caused some event cancellations as well.  The Parade scheduled for July 3 was shortened considerably and the one on July 4 was cancelled.  Special concert performances during the July 4 series of events were also cancelled due to weather.  

I can personally tell you that over 1000 people arrived to visit First Bank of the US in the first hour it was open on July 4th.  My task that morning was to count the visitors as they entered.  We were all surprised at the number of people arriving in just one hour. 

I can also tell you that the lines to see Independence Hall were longer than ever seen before.  Standing in lines that ran 2-3 blocks long, record numbers of visitors waited in excess of 4 hours to see inside Independence Hall.  No tickets were required on July 1- 4 and so many people wanted to take their opportunity to “look see” inside.  

The rangers did all they could to make the lines in the excessive heat bearable.  I watched them move lines repeatedly to keep them in the shade whenever possible.   I watched them entertain those waiting with stories and song.  Supervisors worked alongside park law enforcement officers, park guides, park rangers, and volunteers.  It really was team work from top to bottom.  Challenges were many and each was met with grace and style.  I can’t say enough about the quality of services this team brings to all and the way they work together as a team.

For days heat ranged in excess of triple digits with heat indexes never before seen here in Philly. I came home every night by 6:00 pm and was asleep by 6:01!  I was so pleased to be able to keep up this week and do all I could to support the staff and provide visitors quality information.  There was an abundance of role modes who set the tone in making this 250th birthday the absolute best.

I do hope your celebration of America’s birthday was a perfect one with family and friends.  Hugs to all, Mara

P.S. Forgive any errors as always!

These last few weeks have been all about how fast I can learn, adapt, and prepare for this celebratory week ahead.  On Tuesday this week  I went to the preview opening of the First Bank of the US.   Even though it was my day off it was a great time to see it before it actually opens to the public and take advantage of time to see other places around the park which I have not visited yet.

The First Bank of the United States (1791-1811):   Proposed by Alexander Hamilton to manage war debts, issues standardized currency and stimulate the economy.  It was chartered for 20 years with $10 million in capital and the US Government owned 20% of the stock.  Congress let its charter expire in 1811 by a single vote, largely due to concerns over its constitutionality and the growing influence of state-chartered banks.  

The Second Bank of the US (1816-1826):  Chartered after the War of 1812 to manage mounting war debts and regulate rampant inflation caused by state banks for 20 years but on a much larger scale with $35 million in capital.

The First Bank Museum was directed by Joe Angemi, Jr who is Chief Curator for the US Department of State, Office of Cultural Heritage.  I had an opportunity to meet with him over dinner.  He is an incredibly talented and humble individual.  I was impressed by his work on this display.  “When the state came into its inception roughly 250 years ago, Ben Franklin, considered the first diplomat, he goes abroad, gifts are given to him,” said Joseph Angemi, senior curator with the Department of State’s Office of Cultural Heritage. “They don’t belong to him. They belong to the American people.” This display is a collection of those gifts made to us by other countries.  To learn more, here’s a link:  First Bank Philly

The Second Bank Museum houses the People of Independence exhibit. This exhibit includes a permanent collection of over 150 portraits of 18th and 19th century political leaders, military officers, explorers and scientists, including many by noted artist Charles Willson Peale. To learn more, follow this link:   Continue reading Week #5: The big celebration week is here! It’s a Semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary.