Field Trip: Printing History in Old City

In conjunction with Common Press’ Typography of Independence programming, join the Penn Libraries as we visit sites in Old City Philadelphia that are connected to the original printing of the Declaration of Independence!

Field trip participants will gather on campus at the Button outside Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center. We will then travel as a group via SEPTA to Old City. All participants are responsible for their own SEPTA fare; we will take the L from 34th Street to 5th Street/ Independence Hall.  

The trip itinerary is as follows:

• Independence Hall: We will visit the Great Essentials Exhibit in the West Wing to view an original Dunlap printing of the Declaration of Independence. While no ticket is required to enter the West Wing, all persons must pass through a security screening (Small bags are recommended. More information available at the NPS Independence National Historical Park webpage).
• The B. Free Franklin Post Office: We will walk past the Franklin Court Sites on Market Street. This was the site of Benjamin Franklin’s home during the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention. In anticipation of the 1976 bicentennial, a museum and a reproduction print shop were established on the site. The U.S.P.S. also operates a limited services branch post office here, as a nod to Franklin’s role as Postmaster General of the United States.
• The site of John Dunlap’s print shop on 2nd and Market Streets: Further down Market Street, we will stand on the site of Dunlap’s print shop. While the shop is long gone, we will view the commemorative plaque on location.
• The Franklin Fountain: If you’d like to join us for a sweet treat, our trip will end with a visit to The Franklin Fountain. Participants will be responsible for the cost of any treats they purchase.

In the case of severe weather, participants will be notified of cancellation via email.