Independence Hall, according to one particularly enthusiastic National Park Service employee, "The most important historical site in the United States." I would disagree. As we approach America's 250 year anniversary, the origin of American Democracy is often lost in myth and politics. The reality was far more complex and even enlightening. So, I find Independence Hall interesting, but I prefer a reflective interpretation of American History rather than glorifying it. I think the National Park Service staff here do a bit of both.

Logistics first, the boundaries of the inscribed property. All of Independence Square is inscribed, which includes Congress Hall, the American Philosophy Society building, and the Supreme Court Chamber. The boundary of the National Historical Park acts as the unofficial buffer zone of the property. Another important piece of logistical information is the required reservation to visit the interior of Independence Hall by guided tour. I do not think the NPS is very strict unless its an extremely busy day. The (free) reservations are more of a crowd control method than anything, everyone is still required to pass through security.

The tour lasted about 30-45 minutes, and began with an introduction by a NPS employee. This introduction and tour actually focused almost exclusively on the sites outstanding universal value, even connecting the history that occurred in this chamber with the continuing pursuit of equality for all Americans to this very day. (Reconstruction, Civil Rights, Women's Suffrage) I found this rather fitting and quite moving how the words once spoken and written at Independence Hall spoke to the aspirations of all Americans, not just its intended original audience of white male citizens. This connection along with several well-maintained colonial structures are testament to governmental structures and universal principles that have influenced countless nations; which is the justification used for the inclusion of Independence Hall on the world heritage list.

I enjoyed my visit to Philadelphia, Elfreth's Alley, Trinity Church and the Carpenters Hall were also worthwhile stops within or adjacent to the National Historical Park. I skipped the queue for the Liberty Bell and happily viewed the bell from a nearby window that seemed to be unknown to the casual visitor.

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