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: Second Bank Philly
After seeing the Banks I went to the National Constitution Center. I’ve heard much about this and visitors are always asking about its location. So I needed to see for myself what all this interest was about. The exhibits have been redone and they are each individually incredible. But the one that stands out the most, and has been running for 20 years, is their Freedom Rising Theatre Show. Here is a promo to give you a sense of the power in this performance. I had chills and an emotion difficult to describe. Watch this promo: Freedom Rising Promo
I also made it to Betsy Ross House, which is purported to be the site where the upholsterer and flag-maker lived from 1752-1836. During this time it is said she sewed the first American Flag.
Then it was off to Elfreth’s Alley, one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the United States. It dates back to 1703 and is an exceptional collection of early American structures built between 1720 and 1836. Most of the homes are privately owned residences. The alley receives over 300,000 annual visitors from all over the world. Very quaint. It is literally a walk into a different time period.
Elfreth’s Alley is one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the United States. It dates back to 1703 and is an exceptional collection of early American structures built between 1720 and 1836. Most of the homes are privately owned residences. The alley receives over 300,000 annual visitors from all over the world. Very quaint. It is literally a walk into a different time period.
That was it for my history walk on Tuesday. I grabbed a bus and headed home only to pass this truck. Have no idea what that’s about!
I know I have talked about the Rangers many times. In fact, I introduced you to Maggie a few weeks ago. This week I’ll introduce you to Fred. He’s a seasonal Ranger, which means he works April to January. Most seasonal rangers and guides work from 4-10 months in a season. Fred has worked at Wind Cave National Park and Springfield Armory. He loves working with our National Parks and talking with visitors about our history. He is also a fan of church architecture.
The one thing you should know is that almost all of the Park Rangers and Guides you meet at your National Parks are well-educated and passionate about their jobs. Most Rangers I meet have a bachelors degree along with a masters. It the most educated bunch of passionate folks you will ever meet. Please thank them for their services. They make us proud and bring the light of education and knowledge to all they meet.
Philadelphia, as a city, seems to work hard at keeping their streets clean. I run into these tractors each morning cleaning streets and making the city look good.
Elmo and Friends play often on the sidewalks of the city. Melissa and I have seen them many times.
Life has been really good here for us. Work is challenging and FUN! I continue to learn more and more about our nation’s history. I’m looking forward to this coming week is a weird sort of way. It will be very HOT and very BUSY and I look positively forward to it as a challenge and an opportunity. Can’t wait. I’ll tell you more next week.
I’m off at 5:45am tomorrow morning to be part of the human liberty bell. That should be fun.
Happy 4th to all. May you have a wonderful and safe holiday with friends and family. Blessings to you all. Forgive the mistakes please.
Hugs,
Mara