Schedule:
10:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m: Free Museum Days: Historic Rittenhouse Town
Tour the 1707 Homestead, the first permanent home for the Rittenhouse family and the birthplace of David Rittenhouse. The structure housed eight generations of the Rittenhouse family. Originally three rooms, Nicholas Rittenhouse (second generation of the Rittenhouse family) expanded the home to nearly double its size. At the same time, the Bake House was built ca. 1753. With its impressive 16½ foot hearth, the Bake House fed generations of Rittenhouse family and mill workers.
11:00 a.m - 6:00 p.m: Free Museum Days: The Print Center
The Print Center, a nonprofit gallery located in Philadelphia’s historic Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, encourages the growth and understanding of photography and printmaking as vital contemporary arts through exhibitions, publications and educational programs. The Print Center is an international voice in print; our global outlook coincides with a strong sense of local purpose. Recognized as a locally significant and internationally respected gallery, an art education provider and an artists’ advocate, The Print Center is known for supporting emerging and established artists; developing unusual and intriguing programs that attract a diverse audience; and making art accessible to all members of the community.
The Print Center has three exhibitions on view: "Nancy Hellebrand: Every body beautiful," "Stephanie Santana: Ways of Knowing" and "Martie Zelt: Land Strider."
These exhibitions are showcase a combination of printmaking and photographic processes and are presented as part of (re)FOCUS, a citywide project celebrating and reflecting on 50 years of feminism in the arts.
Nancy Hellebrand’s photographs of aging women’s bodies lay bare the physical realities of the female form that is often forsaken for youthful allure. Printed in miniature and rendered in deep, rich tones, her images grant these women a dignified beauty. Stephanie Santana explores interior worlds, mythologies, navigational tools and resistance strategies within the Black diaspora experience. Working across fiber arts and printmaking, her intuitive practice spans time and geography with the intent of unearthing useful information. Martie Zelt (1930-2023) took an expansive approach to traditional lithography throughout her career. She manipulated paper and introduced textiles to the process, supplementing her prints with media such as thread and Xerox.
11:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m: Free Museum Days: Christ Church Preservation Trust
Christ Church, the birthplace of the American Episcopal Church, was founded in 1695 as a condition of William Penn’s Charter. Known as "The Nation’s Church," it hosted members of the Continental Congress during the American Revolution and Presidents George Washington and John Adams in the first decade of the newly established Republic. Among early members were Benjamin and Deborah Franklin, Betsy Ross, John Penn (William Penn’s grandson), and signers of the Constitution and of the Declaration of Independence, including Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, and Francis Hopkinson.
This Church further serves as a site of significance in Philadelphia’s history of slavery and abolition. Its location alone places the church within walking distance of the waterfront where thousands of Africans first arrived upon American soil after surviving the transatlantic slave trade. 2nd & Market (then known as High St.) also shared its position with the frightening scenes of an active whipping post and the nearby auction block. One man named Absalom Jones (1746-1818) began his life enslaved as a vestryman of the church. He later freed himself and his wife and went on to be ordained in the parish as the first African American Episcopal priest.
Christ Church is a privately managed historic site that is an official component of Independence National Historical Park.
An active Episcopal parish, the church hosts daily historical talks and tours.
Christ Church: Visitors have the opportunity to self-guide themselves around the sanctuary and would be able to explore the burials on the north and south sides of our churchyard. Our knowledgeable Educators are stationed around the sanctuary to answer questions.
Christ Church Burial Ground: Visitors will walk around nearly 2 acres of historic grounds.
There are markers of important Colonial and Revolution-Era people, including five Founding Fathers.
Visitors can acquire tickets at the front gates of the Burial Ground or Christ Church.
The Burial Grounds will be open weather permitting. The church will be open during the free museum day hours.
4:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m: Kidchella Music Festival at Smith Memorial Playground
Dance, play, create! Kids of all ages can enjoy this free music festival, celebrating Smith Memorial’s 125th Anniversary, featuring Emmy® Award winning Alex & The Kaleidoscope, Johnny Shortcake, City Love, Ill Doots, and Philadelphia Youth Tap (PYT).
Before the main concert at 5:00pm, the World Cafe Live Up Next Stage will showcase talented local youth performers curated by World Cafe Live. From art stations, mouthwatering treats, exciting giveaways, community partner tables, and delightful pre-show activities to a stunning main concert. Kidchella offers something special for everyone to enjoy.
This vibrant celebration will take place on Smith Memorial’s spacious front lawn, promising a comfortable and scenic experience and convenient parking. The evening will conclude with a sparkle show in the sky. Guests should expect bright lights and loud noises during this up-close fireworks experience. It’s not just a concert; it’s a community celebration.
