Philadelphia kicked off its summer tourism season with the launch of the Historic Philadelphia campaign, touting the area’s place in the country’s history and showcasing the restaurants, bars, shops, galleries and attractions. Historic Philadelphia encompasses the Delaware River Waterfront, Old City, Society Hill and Independence National Historical Park, with the boundaries from the river to 7^th Street and from Vine to Lombard Streets. Led by Drexel University’s Center for Cultural Partnerships and VISIT PHILADELPHIA, the $2 million campaign brings new programming to increase visitation in and around the neighborhoods. It runs through 2017, when the new Museum of the American Revolution opens on 3^rd Street. In 2015, 4.3 million people visited Independence National Historical Park, spending $247 million, according to the National Park Service. A study by Drexel University students in 2014 revealed the majority limited visits to the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall and the Independence Visitor Center. “With the new Historic Philadelphia campaign, we’re encouraging visitors to tour iconic sites such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall and then go beyond to experience the restaurants, beer gardens, shops, galleries and museums in the very place where our extraordinary country was founded,” said Meryl Levitz, president & CEO, VISIT PHILADELPHIA. New programs and offerings in Historic Philadelphia over the next two summers include:

• Enhanced programming such as additional storytelling benches, the return of a popular puppet show, colonial crafting and gaming, meet and greets with History Makers and other activities.
• Historic Philadelphia Trail is a 24-stop trail to guide visitors to the essential historic and cultural attractions.
• Historic Philadelphia is featured in 225,000 copies of Where magazine, available at 48 hotels, the Independence Visitor Center and attractions in 2016 and 2017.
• For the 2016 season, purchasers can access passes offering one-time admission to the National Constitution Center, Betsy Ross House and Christ Church Burial Ground, with two days of rides on PHLASH Downtown Loop.