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)

Join us for Family Funday with PopUpPlay, each Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. This event is free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome. Activities are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are available while supplies last. Activities include boat building, puppet making, and even constructing a working catapult. Each week promises captivating experiences for kids of all ages with a new make-and-take activity.