Ok...so yesterday we went into Philly. I didn't know that there was a Junior Ranger program associated with Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. It's a free program run through the Parks Dept. Just go to the desk in the building across from the Liberty Bell. They'll give you the booklet on the program and send you on your way. Once the activities in the booklet are completed, go back to the Ranger desk, they'll check the booklet and then swear in the children to be a Junior Ranger. The kids all get a badge and everyone is happy.
Our Ranger guide through Independence Hall was awful. He was a quirky little man and did not have a voice that carried very well. He knew a lot of information but the spirit of the history did not particularly manifest itself through him. He seemed more interested in the trivial bits than the stories behind the bits. What I did like was that the kids seemed interested as they worked on the questions in their junior ranger booklets. Even Joey was asking the Ranger guide questions on his own. I was proud of him.
I think that they were genuinely interested in the set up of the room in Independence Hall. They saw the "Rising Sun" chair in which George Washington and other leaders sat. It was fun to remind them of scenes from the movie "National Treasure" where they used these great buildings to solve the mysteries.
At the Liberty Bell, they learned who Pass and Stow were.
It was a lovely day, weather-wise. I'm glad we went. I enjoyed it myself. I had gone once before when Sam and I were first engaged. Then a second time with my parents, but Lucy was just newly potty-trained and had to go to the bathroom. There are no public restrooms on the Square so I missed the tour with my family. So, this was my first time back in 14 years. Hmmm...we need to go more often.
My favorite part this time: the ink well that was used when signing the famous documents. Somehow I could feel the spirit of the history by looking at that ink well and imagining who used it.
Whenever I visit these places, I have such a desire to read and learn more. I just need a few extra hours in the day to do all that I want. :)
