Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches
One-of-a-kind award-winning Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches are located throughout 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 3-to-5-minute stories while sharing the secrets of Philadelphia’s and America’s history.
Visit all eight benches and you’ll receive a certificate and earn a special surprise in Franklin Square. Ask your Storyteller for a Storytelling Flag, have a star added at all eight Benches, and redeem for your surprise at Franklin Square.
Bench Locations
- Independence Hall
- Independence Visitor Center
- Second Bank of the United States
- Carpenters’ Hall
- Franklin Court
- Betsy Ross House
- National Constitution Center
- Franklin Square
Want to bring the magic of Once Upon A Nation home with you? Discover Patriots, Pirates, Heroes & Spies—Historic Philadelphia, Inc.’s story-packed book filled with the same unforgettable tales you hear at our storytelling benches. Perfect for readers of all ages, it’s your chance to experience Once Upon A Nation anytime, anywhere!
Once Upon A Nation experiences are created in cooperation with Independence National Historical Park and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Betsy Ross House stories presented by the George C. and Esther Ann McFarland Foundation
Franklin Square stories sponsored by Visit Philadelphia
May 24 – May 26, daily: 11 am – 4 pm
May 30 – June 7, Fridays and Saturdays: 11 am – 4 pm
June 10 – September 1, Tuesdays – Saturdays: 11 am – 4 pm (also June 29 & 30, August 31, and Sept 1 for holiday weekends)