Philadelphia - Old City

Built on land that William Penn gave to the Quakers in 1693, the Arch Street building displays history and information on the religious sect, the Quakers. In the East Wing of the building re dioramas depicting the main events in the life of illustrious Quaker William Penn. Also on display is a dollhouse representing the home of noted Quaker journal-keeper Elizabeth Drinker and her husband Henry. This Quaker meeting house is the oldest in Philadelphia and the largest in the world.

Betsy Ross made her living by making flags, including the first Stars and Stripes here. The home itself is a Colonial-style house with period furnishings. The adjacent garden, Atwater Kent Park, has a fountain with a cat sculpture. It also features a small stage where a troupe of actors tell the story of Philadelphia's historical significance daily during the summer.

This whole street is a National Historic Landmark named for a blacksmith, Jeremiah Elfreth. It's the oldest residential street in the nation with the houses dating from 1728 to 1836, representing Colonial and Federal-style architecture.

The Elfreths Alley Museum houses, No. 124 and 126, contain authentic furnishings, including a Colonial kitchen. The house has been restored to its 1790's appearance.

The Fireman's Hall Museum is housed in a former firehouse, dating back to Ben Franklin's 1736 "Union Fire Company". There is firefighting memorabilia and equipment from 1731 to 1907, including badges, helmets, tools and a fireboat pilothouse, plus a stained glass window tells the tale of a dramatic rescue.

St. Augustine's Church was founded in 1796. Early contributors included George Washington, John Barry (father of the American Navy), and Thomas Fitzsimmons, a signer of the U.S. Constitution. Housed here are the John Wesley Chalice Cup and the Francis Asbury Bible.

The Old City Gallery and Cultural District was once a busy commercial waterfront. Today it's a cultural, dining and shopping area and a mecca for artists in Philadelphia. There are art galleries, art studios, cooperatives, theaters, dance companies as well as historic and cultural museums. On the first Friday of each month, many of the Old City's galleries remain open until 9 p.m., many with an open house.

Philadelphia's Old First Reformed Church is one of the earliest German Reformed Churches in America. The present building, dedicated in 1837, is the third church on the site. The church was used by the British as a hospital and then later it served as a stable.

The Quaker Information Center provides maps, charts, books and catalogues about the Quaker faith and way of life. The center is located in the lobby of the Friends Center.

The U.S. Mint in Philadelphia is the first U.S. Mint and now the largest. Visitors can watch coin production on a self-guided tour that includes the factory, several exhibits, and a store where freshly minted coins can be bought. The Mint produces 1.8 million coins an hour, 32 million coins per day, and 13.5 billion coins every year.