Author: Mara Yachik

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.

This was my birthday week in Philadelphia.  I turned 77 years old on Friday.  I don’t feel 77 but the years and adventures tell me I really have lived these past years well.  I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family that has been 100% supportive of me on all my adventures.  I’ve also been blessed with great friends who I have made over the years and we remain in touch.  My birthday was grand with all of your wishes.  Thanks to each of you who helped me in celebrating. I appreciate each and every one of you.

The week was busy.  Time Capsule 2026 preparation has been going on for several weeks.  It is planned to be buried at the corner of 5th and Chestnut on July 4th.  At least, that’s the plan.  We’ll see if that happens (I’ll let you know).

And finally, a sign explaining a tiny bit about the time capsule installation.

My schedule has begun to feel normal.  You remember that first week after you begin a new job when it feels like you know what you are doing and you are in the right place at the right time.  Sometimes it is months before things feel right and then there are times when it only takes weeks.  Here at Independence National Park it has only taken a few weeks to feel good about my ability to make a difference. I think that has a lot to do with the degree of friendliness and the feeling of family among all the Rangers and Volunteers.  There is always a helping hand next to you here.

Philadelphians are friendly as well and I enjoy the walk to and from work.  Plus, feeling at home after hours has a lot to do with the fact that Melissa is here with me.

This is the Libery Bell Museum.  There is no cost to getting inside but you do have to go through Security processing and that is why you see the long line.  However, if you don’t want to wait in line and miss some great displays inside the Museum, you can simply look at the Bell through the viewing window.

You’ll remember I shared a picture of a bike with both wheels stolen while it was locked to a pole a couple weeks back.  Well, on my way to work this week I found 2 more tireless bikes.  It looks so funny to me but definitely not so funny to the owners.

Bike wheels are missing but lock held strong. Now I may have given you the impression that this happens a lot but I’ve only seen 3 of these in the month I’ve been here.  I just think they look funny without their wheels but the locks are still holding on tight.

My ability to do this is certainly not without assistance and support from my family and friends.  They are incredibly supportive in so many ways.  I am very appreciative of each one of them.  Thanks especially to my son-in-law Robert who is taking good care of my dog, Lou.  I miss her very much and have taken to noticing all the dogs here in Philadelphia.  They really are well behaved and very friendly.  Here are my dogs of the week.

All of these dogs are just great to see and admire.  Melissa says she thinks dogs are my favorites of all and I am certain she is correct.  There are so many that just need love and I’ve got a lot to give to them.

We moved from the Penthouse to our new home, the one I originally rented this past Sunday.  Obviously it is a lot smaller but still adequate for us.  It’s a good thing we get along well but I will say if Melissa were still a teenager we might have a serious problem.  We’ve learned a lot about living together in these last years and I have really enjoyed having her here.  Welcome to our humble abode!

I wish you all a good week.  We’ll be busy again this week with FIFA games, and events related to 4th of July coming up the following week.  I’ll tell you all about it next week.  Be well and stay safe.

Blessings (and please forgive any errors).

Mara

This week felt like a great week.  The weather was pretty good.  We had a couple really warm and humid days and then we had a breezy and cooler Monday this week that made up for those hot days.  It was just beautiful.  Everyone was full of smiles!

In 1776, it became the final resting place for Washington‘s fallen soldiers. Long mass grave trenches the width of the square were first dug along 7th and Walnut Streets, and were eventually expanded to the South side. And during the British occupation of Philadelphia in 1777, the dead from the neighboring Walnut Street Jail were also interred here. Many victims of the city’s yellow fever epidemic of 1793were interred here, and the square was also used for cattle markets and camp meetings.

The tomb of the unknown revolutionary war soldier lies in Washington Square.  

I was on my own this week.  I had my own schedule and I knew where all the places were that I was assigned.  My anxieties were calmed and I was familiar with what was expected of me.  YEAH!  Happy days are here again!

Opened BFM (Ben Franklin Museum) a few days and assisted with Visitor Center other days.  I worked the EW (East Wing) Line which is the line of people waiting to get in for their tour of Independence Hall.  It can be stressful because many of the folks do not check this out before they arrive and are disappointed to learn the tickets have sold out.  I feel for them, as do all of the rangers, but a 300 year old historical building can only sustain so much and someone has to be the bearer of that bad news when they did not get their tickets in advance.

To celebrate the 250^th  all tickets to Independence Hall will be free July 2, 3, and 4 so it will be first come, first serve.  They will be free again on July 14 to celebrate the Major League Baseball All Star day!  These free days will be a real challenge for all of the staff here who work the line and give the tours.  

Our National Park Rangers work very hard.  Many of them have their masters degrees in history.  Anytime you pop in to one of our great parks, make certain you thank these Rangers for their service.  They deserve it!

This week I had some time to relax and get to know some of our rangers.  Maggie is the Ranger from San Antonio Missions who moved to Philadelphia a couple years back.  She was the VIP Coordinator and did a great job in San Antonio.  We have missed her there.  But here she is in Independence Park and I am thrilled to hear that great laugh of hers again!

Maggie working the Ben Franklin print shop.  Her favorite place to work!  She is my Ranger of the week.

This week, even though I was busier and more on my own, did not seem as long between days off.  I continue to learn about different things but just small amounts that I can absorb in small bites of time. No more falls but I will say I now walk with one eye on the sidewalk watching for uneven squares on the sidewalk and things I might stumble over.  So one eye forward and one eye downward.  That might seem weird and I’m sure it looks weird.  But I smile and say good morning anyway and some folks smile back; others look at me a little oddly!

Many days I walk through Chinatown on my way to work.  I’ve gotten a bit braver about changing my walking route and have various ways to get to and from the park.  Each way has a little different appearance but all are full of very old buildings and streets and most are very clean.  The city seems to work hard at picking up trash and the citizens as well but it feels to me like there are many homeless people filling some of the nooks and crannies.  I will admit it only seems to take one to feel like many.  I hate seeing folks living on the streets and in such bad health, regardless of where it comes from.  I’m sure drugs play a good part of many of these folks lives and that is just so very sad.  I hate it but I still look them in the eye and say Hello with a smile when I can.  We should never forget how difficult life can be for some and how grateful we should be for the good we have in our lives.

Grandson Thomas was here this past weekend and he and Melissa had a great time.  He walked me to work both days so we had some personal visiting time as well. Being with our grandkids as they grow up is a wonderful time but becoming friends with them as adults is even better.  I loved that he came to see me and he and his mom spent a day at the park visiting the different sites and especially the ones where I work.   

FIFA fans were out in full swing this week as FunFest opened June 11 and the first soccer game playing on June 14.   

Not sure what Juneteenth celebration will be like here but I’ll celebrate as it is also my birthday.  I work that day but Melissa and I will go out for dinner for sure.  And daughter Jen sent a package for me that I will open that evening.  Hard to believe it will be my 77^th  this year. Life has been very good to me!

For those of you thinking of making a visit, I would love to see you.  This week we will be moving out of the penthouse on the top floor to the studio in the basement.  It is a one room with a murphy bed and no couch.  We are in what is classified as “Midtown” or “Center City”.  Hotels downtown are expensive due to the soccer fans and the 250^th.  There are ones that are reasonably priced but you must really search for them.  Also, getting around can be a workout.  Melissa and I normally walk but we also have bus passes that are free for seniors.  We really don’t go out at night (after 8:00 pm) and feel very safe when we are out.  My days off are Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Most museums are closed on Monday and some also on Mondays through Thursdays.  I will be here for you in any way I can but wanted you to know some of the challenges you might face.  Uber and Lyft are readily available as well.  And hotels in New Jersey are said to be less expensive but farther away.  I have not ventured across the water yet.  As you might imagine, my first priority is the national park and the work I do there.  Once I get that mastered I will venture out to see more of the sites. If any of you would like to share a few days with me I’d love to have you.

Several of you have sent a note about a mailing address.  I’ve not had great luck with that and would suggest you simply email or text me.  If you have something you need to mail to me let me know and I’ll get you Melissa’s work address.  

You all know how much I love all dogs.  Yesterday as I was leaving the park I met a family from Tucson.  They have 3 huskies they travel with who are a father, age 12, his son, age 11 and a baby sister, age 1.  Don’t they just warm your heart.

And for those of you who know my pup, Louloubelle, check out how well she is doing with our new grandson Graylen.  She has been terrific and they have become best buds.  

Life really is very good.

Well, this is my last day off for the week and I’ll be back to work tomorrow.  I hope you have a wonderful week.  I’ll be thinking of you and sending  lots of hugs your way.

Blessings,

Mara (please forgive any mistakes.)

My new assignment is beyond words.  I will be in Philadelphia for our 250th birthday celebration.  I couldn’t find a more historic site to be on this fabulous birthday.  

I, along with my daughter Melissa, arrived here on Tuesday, May 26, to settle in.  She came along to make certain all was well for me.  I do have two of the best daughters.  They do everything to allow me to have these experiences and share in them with me.  It is an incredible blessing.

We have walked the city, visited the park, eaten some of the best food ever, and settled in well.  Our first full day here we ended with a ‘dinner with a ranger’ as we met up with my friend Maggie previously from the San Antonio Missions.  What a delight it was to be together again and learn more about Independence National Park.  

The rest of this week has been walking, walking and walking.  Getting the lay of the land for sure.  And settling in to the apartment.  Melissa and I learned that we really do not need much space.  Our stay in the Penthouse apartment is triple the space we need for sure.  

Another surprise occurred  after a couple days when Melissa decided that while she could return to San Antonio and work from home, she wanted to find office space here and share the experience with me.  I couldn’t be more pleased.  The office space she found is half way to the park so we can either walk together in the morning part way or I can stop and get her on my way home and we can have dinner out.  Or, we might just do both.  What a blessing to have someone to share the experience with me.  

This week has been full of walking and exploring. I’ve walked several miles daily, and all in new directions.  Tomorrow starts the month of June and will be my first day at work.  I’m off and running on what is to be a tremendous adventure.