Pennsylvania

Our Nation’s Birthplace: Philadelphia With Your Grandchild

Program No. 2562RJ
Discover Philadelphia with your grandchild through the eyes of a revolutionary soldier, a founding father, an 18th century child, an American icon and, of course, a Road Scholar.

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At a Glance

Why is Philadelphia one of the best cities in the country for grandparents and grandkids? Because there is so much history to learn about together and so many fun experiences to share! Explore the homes and hang-outs of America’s Founding Fathers and Mothers, examine revolutionary relics at the new Museum of the American Revolution, learn amazing facts about the human body inside a two-story model of the human heart and much, much more!
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking one mile per day on city streets, standing at historic sites and museums. Use of public transportation, getting on and off city buses.

What You'll Learn

  • Journey back in time as you learn about the important events and figures that helped shaped the legacy of the United States of America, from Independence Hall to the famed Liberty Bell.
  • Explore the exhibits of the Franklin Institute, where you’ll walk through the giant beating heart and learn about the most-famous Philadelphian, Ben Franklin.
  • Get a fascinating look at several domestic arts from the colonial era, including handmade paper and colonial cooking, at a historic homestead.

General Notes

This program is for grandchildren ages 9-12. For a comparable family adventure for all generations, check out "Our Nation’s Birthplace: Philadelphia With Your Family" (#24116)!
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
John Becton
Joe Becton was introduced to history by his father, a history teacher in the Philadelphia School District. After attending Philadelphia public schools, he went on to earn associate degrees in social work and social science and a B.A. in history education at the University of West Florida. He is a noted Philadelphia musical artist who performs a repertoire of 19th century spirituals and Civil War songs. He also interprets the styles of music developed by Africans in America and the collision of cultures that created the music we call gospel, jazz and blues. Joe is a retired National Park Service Ranger at Independence National Historical Park.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of John Becton
John Becton View biography
Joe Becton was introduced to history by his father, a history teacher in the Philadelphia School District. After attending Philadelphia public schools, he went on to earn associate degrees in social work and social science and a B.A. in history education at the University of West Florida. He is a noted Philadelphia musical artist who performs a repertoire of 19th century spirituals and Civil War songs. He also interprets the styles of music developed by Africans in America and the collision of cultures that created the music we call gospel, jazz and blues. Joe is a retired National Park Service Ranger at Independence National Historical Park.
Profile Image of Tish Byrne
Tish Byrne View biography
An artist and historian, Tish Byrne is passionate about all aspects of her native city and its environment after having lived in and led explorations at the Physick House, which belongs to Philadelphia Landmarks. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts later becoming an administrative assistant to the Director of the school. Presently, she leads excursions for the mural arts program, is a docent at Historic Christ Church and leads explorations of Philadelphia landmarks.
Profile Image of Mitchell Kramer
Mitchell Kramer View biography
Mitchell Kramer has a B.A. in playwriting from Hampshire College and attended Circle in the Square acting conservatory. He has worked off-Broadway and in regional theater including the New York Theater Workshop and Dorset Theater Festival. He is a costumed Historic Interpreter portraying Benjamin Franklin in Old City Philadelphia. Mitchell has written and produced plays for children and adults and a series of historically accurate stories about 18th century Philadelphia for Historic Philadelphia, Inc. He is on the Board of Directors of Mount Sinai Cemetery.
Profile Image of Lauren Kain
Lauren Kain View biography
Lauren Biddle Kain is the site coordinator for Philadelphia Landmarks Road Scholar. She received her BS/BA from Randolph Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. After marriage and transfer to the San Diego area, she began working at EVENT NETWORK, a leading experiental retail operator, on behalf of cultural attractions such as zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums, museums, science centers and other cultural attractions. Lauren and her family now reside in the Philadelphia area. She started working with Road Scholar as a junior Group Leader for Grandparent Programs.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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