Cultures of Independence: Perspectives on Independence Hall and the Meaning of Freedom

In the summer of 2015, The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, with its partners, organized a workshop for teachers from around the county raises awareness of how Independence Hall has been involved in the ongoing process of creating a nation and civic life, not just in the magical moment of July 1776.  During each day of  a week-long workshop,  the teachers were immersed in a process of discovering and developing strategies for teaching the ongoing history of the American independence. Dr. Charlene Mires, author of Independence Hall in American Memory, was the scholar-in-residence.

This webpage provides easy access to lessons and video that teachers anywhere can use in their classrooms as well as information about the workshop to help others plan professional development opportunities for teachers. No applications are being accepted at this time.

Cultures of Independence has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence

Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this website or during the institutes, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Additional funding is being provided by Wells Fargo through HEAD for the Future, its partnership with HSP, and by Independence National Historical Park.