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@historicphilly

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🏙️ Philly history comes alive!
📜 Storytelling & fun
@thebetsyrosshouse & @franklinsquarephilly

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In celebration of the start of Halloween season, the Philadelphia Visitor Center hosted a Halloween in the Historic District event, featuring trick-or-treating and arts and crafts activities.

It was so much fun to get to see all of the kids coming by in their costumes (I even got to dress up with my sister queen!) and color with all of the kids who stopped by. Seeing kids so excited by art was thrilling, and of course the candy was an extra highlight as well!

#Artsforourhearts #KsenyaWong #missphiladelphiasteen #America250

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We have decided to keep pressing on with choosing an accent color, it looks like green. The outside of the building may change to an “eucalyptus green”. After a few set backs we are pressing forward… We should be open before Thanksgiving. #artshop #artforsale #decorativeantiques #christmasiscoming #art

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This ghost is very excited about Halloween in the Historic District! 👻

Tomorrow, bring the family to Philly’s Historic District for a day of trick-or-treating fun! Pick up your map and treat bag from the Independence Visitor Center and explore 40+ locations offering candy, special programs, and more from 11 AM to 3 PM. 🍬

🔗Find the full list of participating organizations at phlvisitorcenter.com

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We're THRILLED to share that we're participating in Halloween in the Historic District this Sunday, October 18. Stop by from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Halloween treats and a chance to learn the "Thriller" dance from a Michael Jackson impersonator. Learn more at the link in our bio.

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@phlvisitorcenter , in collaboration with @indehistoricaltrust and the @historicphilly , will host two free Halloween events in Philly’s Historic District: Movies on the Mall on Friday, October 16, and the third annual Halloween in the Historic District on Sunday, October 18. The Visitor Center will serve as the hub for both events, which offer families a movie screening, story time and trick-or-treating at businesses and cultural institutions throughout the neighborhood.

Movies on the Mall closes its season on Friday, October 16, with the Halloween favorite “Hocus Pocus” (1993). The movie begins at 7 p.m. on Independence Mall. The screen will be outside the Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street, facing Arch Street.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early for pre-show activities hosted by select Historic District partners, including:

African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP)
Athenaeum of Philadelphia
Independence Historical Trust
Museum of the American Revolution
National Liberty Museum
National Park Service
Science History Institute
WHYY
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. The screening is free, and advance registration is encouraged at inht.org/events-and-programs.

On Sunday, October 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., families are invited to the third annual Halloween in the Historic District, which begins at the Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street. The event is free.

At the Visitor Center’s information desk, children can pick up complimentary treat bags, candy and maps. The Visitor Center will also offer:

A family-friendly Halloween craft
Story time with an Edgar Allan Poe impersonator, whose tales organizers say will “add a touch of mystery to the day”
The maps will guide trick-or-treaters to more than 40 participating businesses and organizations throughout the neighborhood. Select locations will offer special events and programs along with candy and seasonal treats. Costumes are encouraged, and participants in costume will earn free rides on the Philly PHLASH.

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Spooky season vibes 👻💀🎃

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Whitemarsh Hall is one of my favorite stories because it’s hiding in plain sight.

Tucked into a quiet suburban neighborhood outside Philadelphia are the remnants of what was once one of the grandest private estates in America.

Built between 1916 and 1921 for banking heir Edward T. Stotesbury and his wife Eva, Whitemarsh Hall was a 147-room mansion designed by architect Horace Trumbauer. The estate included elaborate formal gardens, fountains, terraces, and sweeping staircases.

After Stotesbury’s death in 1938, the estate eventually fell into decline. The mansion was demolished in 1980, and much of the property became a residential development.

What fascinates me most is how completely the landscape has changed. You can walk through this neighborhood today and have almost no idea that an extraordinary estate once stood here. But if you know where to look, pieces of Whitemarsh Hall are still there.

#WhitemarshHall #PennsylvaniaHistory #PhiladelphiaHistory #LostArchitecture #HiddenHistory

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WOW, what an amazing surprise guest from @thebetsyrosshouse, here at 36 Craven Street, London!

We are sure Betsy Ross and Benjamin Franklin would have had much to talk about if they ever met here in Franklin's London home.

Ross's story is centred on her role creating the first stars and stripes flag for thr American Revolutionaries. The legend goes, that George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross, visited her shop in Philadelphia, to request her expertise in creating the new flag, back in 1776.

We were honoured to be joined by @thebetsyrosshouse this weekend to celebrate the amazing history of these two important figures.

#benjaminfranklin #betsyross #historicalfigure #history #historichouse

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Looking for a fun fall activity for the whole family? Head to Spooky Mini Golf at Franklin Square in Philadelphia! 🎃🍂

The regular Philly Mini Golf course gets a Halloween makeover with spooky decorations, eerie fog, creepy music, colorful lights, and fun surprises as you putt your way through 18 holes featuring famous Philadelphia landmarks!

👻 Choose your spooky level:

🎃 Daytime Tee Time: 10 AM–5 PM — a more kid-friendly experience with spooky decorations but no fog, animated props, or spooky music.

🕸️ Nighttime Tee Time: 5 PM–10 PM — experience the full spooky atmosphere with animated props, eerie music, fog, reduced lighting, and strobe lights!

📅 Dates: October 1–November 1, 2026
⏰ Hours: Daily, 10 AM–10 PM
📍 Location: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
🎟️ Admission: $15 for adults | $12 for children ages 3–12 | Children 2 and under are free with a paying guardian.

🍹 Adults can also check out the Boo-zy Bar, open Thursday–Sunday from 5 PM–9 PM, featuring seasonal cocktails, beer, wine, and kid-friendly drinks.

🎟️ TIP: Advance tickets are required on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Book ahead because these evenings get busy!

Make it a full family outing with spooky mini golf, fall photos, and more fun at Franklin Square!

🔗 Get tickets and full details: https://historicphiladelphia.org/events/spooky-mini-golf/

📌 Save this for your Philly fall bucket list and follow @ _mzking13 for more family-friendly activities, local events, and things to do!

#SpookyMiniGolf #PhiladelphiaEvents #PhillyWithKids #phlbucketlist #HalloweenFun

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𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 Philly has a neighborhood that feels like it slipped through a crack in the map: a handful of homes pinned between the Schuylkill, train tracks, warehouses, and the roaring Expressway.

They call it Forgotten Bottom—and no, it is not known for ghosts. But stand there at dusk, when the river disappears behind industry and the highway hums overhead, and you understand why the name stuck.

#southphillyarchive #thespa #southphilly #philadelphia #history

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Betsy’s in London, and yes, she brought her own flag! 🇺🇸🦅

Betsy Ross is across the pond with @visitpa, bringing Philly pride to London ahead of the @philadelphiaeagles game!

Today’s itinerary: riding the Tube, visiting the London Eye, and finding fellow Birds fans along the way.
Red, white, blue, and a little midnight green. Go Birds! 🦅

#BetsyRossHouse #GoBirds #VisitPA

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🎃 Send this to a family who wants an easy Halloween activity! 👻

Mini golf + costumes + a little friendly competition = a pretty solid Halloween activity if you ask me. ⛳️🎃
Franklin Square’s spooky mini golf is back with a fun spin! Play dressed in costume any day/time and be entered to win this adorable Boo Basket! It’s an easy way to get into the Halloween spirit without committing to a whole-day event or battling crowds. Winners are chosen every Monday!

📍 Franklin Square, Philadelphia

👋 Hi, I’m Sarah! I’m a pediatric PT, mom of 3, and the person behind Phun Phit Pham. I share PT-informed tips, family adventures, and ways to help your kids move confidently while you actually enjoy parenthood.
Follow along for more ways to move freely, parent confidently & live fully. 💪🏼🌎

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