The FREE one-of-a-kind award-winning Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches and History Makers, returns to educate and entertain in Philadelphia’s historic district and Valley Forge beginning June 10, 2022.

Once Upon A Nation brings history to life with stories about real people and events which occurred in historic Philadelphia and in Valley Forge, in partnership with Independence National Historical Park and Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Details for the summer (and fall) season are below.

Programs Opening on June 10

Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches in Historic Philadelphia

Professionally-trained storytellers perform stories using scripts that are built on careful research to assure accuracy. They cover a variety of topics, including some which speak to issues that connect past experiences with contemporary events and interests. Each storyteller tells the riveting stories of our nation’s history in the locations where they once took place.

Hear from specially trained, uniformed storytellers who delight and entertain with free, short 3-to-5-minute stories while sharing the secrets of Philadelphia’s and America’s history as well as History Makers, which are costumed interpreters from Philadelphia’s past who meet and greet visitors and regale them with tales from their times.

Betsy Ross House
June 10 – September 5, Thursdays through Mondays: 11 am – 4 pm

Franklin Court, Franklin Square,
June 10 - September 5, Fridays & Saturdays: 11 am - 4 pm

Independence Visitor Center
July 1 – September 5, Friday & Saturdays: 11 am – 4 pm

Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Bench at Valley Forge June 10 – October 30, Saturdays & Sundays: 11 am - 4 pm

History Makers
History Makers, the costumed interpreters from Philadelphia’s past, meet and greet visitors and regale them with tales from their times. Meet them, take photos with them, and the memories will linger forever.

Free Quaker Meeting House
June 10 - September 5, Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays: 11 am - 4 pm
September 9 – October 30, Fridays and Saturdays: 11 am – 4 pm
500 Arch Street

Meet the History Makers
July 1 - September 5, Fridays and Saturdays,11 am - 4 pm
Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street

Once Upon A Nation is created and operated by the non-profit Historic Philadelphia, Inc. in partnership with Independence National Historical Park and Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Historic Philadelphia, Inc. makes our nation’s history relevant and real through interpretation, interaction, and education, strengthening Greater Philadelphia’s role as the destination to experience American history.

Historic Philadelphia, Inc.’s programs include the Betsy Ross House, Once Upon A Nation storytelling and History Makers, and Franklin Square.

For more about Historic Philadelphia, call 215-629-4026, 877-462-1776, buy tickets online or visit www.historicphiladelphia.org