Once Upon a Nation Storytelling

Ten one-of-a-kind award-winning Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches are scattered all over Philadelphia’s Historic District, telling riveting stories of our nation’s history in the places where they actually happened.  Specially-trained, uniformed storytellers delight and entertain with free, short 5-minute stories while sharing the secrets of Philadelphia’s and America’s history.  Children can pick up a Story Flag at any storytelling bench, then collect a star from every storyteller on their journey.  Flags with all the stars can be redeemed for a History Hero Certificate and a free carousel ride on the Parx Liberty Carousel.

May 23 – 25, Memorial Day Weekend: daily, 11 am - 4 pm

May 29 – June 6, Fridays and Saturdays: 11 am - 4 pm

June 9 – August 15, Tuesdays - Saturdays: 11 am - 4 pm

August 21 – September 5, Fridays and Saturdays: 11 am - 4 pm

September 6 & 7, Labor Day Weekend: daily, 11 am - 4 pm

Throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District, FREE

The free storytelling benches will be at these 10 locations in the Historic District:

1. Independence Visitor Center
2. Historic Philadelphia Center
3. Independence Square, behind Independence Hall
4. Signers’ Garden
5. The ACE Charitable Foundation Storytelling Bench at Carpenters’ Hall
6. Franklin Court
7. Christ Church
8. Betsy Ross House
9. The Lincoln Financial Storytelling Bench at the National Constitution Center
10. Wawa Storytelling Bench at Franklin Square