In this section you can discover outside material such as videos of Kaxinawa rituals, articles about the Almshouse, and a link to a downloadable Kaxinawa learning video game!
Independence Hall
Independence Hall is the birthplace of America. The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed inside this building. The legacy of the nation's founding documents - universal principles of freedom and democracy - has influenced lawmakers around the world.
Constructed in 1732, independence hall originally housed all three branches of Pennsylvania's colonial government. this is also where George Washington was appointed commander in chief of the Continental army in 1775, the article of confederation was adopted in 1781, and where Benjamin Franklin gazed upon the "rising sun" chair in 1787.
The Assembly Room
It is here that the united states as officially born. The assembly room is where the declaration of independence and the U.S Constitution was signed. This room then became a shrine to the founding of the nation showcasing the liberty bell and original oil paintings of the founding fathers. president elect- Abraham Lincoln visited this room and gave a speech praising the ideals of the Declaration of independence. after he was assassinated, his body lay in repose here for two days.
Committee of the Assembly Chamber
Found on the second floor of Independence Hall and right underneath the assembly room, the committee of the assembly chamber was used as a meeting area and a storeroom for military good in the 1700s. after that, this room housed the U.S Marsal's office in the 1800s where accused fugitives from slavery were held for trial.
Governor's Council Chamber
Located on the second floor of Independence hall, Pennsylvania's supreme executive council met in this room in the 18th century. This room was also the scene of fugitive slave trials in the 1850s. displayed on the table is the surveyor's tool used by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon to determine the boundary between Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Courtroom of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court
Located on the first floor of the Hall, the supreme court of Pennsylvania sat in this room in the 1700s. on July 8th, 1776, a group of Pennsylvania militiamen stormed the room and tore down British King George III's coat of arms in an act of defiance to the crown.
The Long Gallery
On the second floor of Independence Hall, the Long Gallery served as a reception area for visitors meeting with Pennsylvania's governor. The room also served as a place to host celebrations and dinners and, during the revolutionary war, when the British were occupying Philadelphia, this room was used to house wounded American prisoners of war.