Hear riveting stories of American history even most adults have never heard at 11 charming Once Upon a Nation Storytelling Benches scattered around the Historic Philadelphia area. Our Once Upon A Nation storytellers aren’t dressed in colonial garb, but they’ll effortlessly transport you back in time as you sit on spacious and comfortable teak benches, all an easy stroll from one another. Stories last just a few minutes each and are told continuously during operating hours. You can start at any of the benches, all clearly marked with a “Once Upon A Nation” sign. And it’s completely FREE!

More Fun for Kids

Wherever you elect to start you storytelling journey, be sure to ask your storyteller for a flag. Kids collect one star from each bench they visit; flags complete with stars may be presented for a coupon book and fun prizes at the Historic Philadelphia Center (6th & Chestnut streets) or at Franklin Square (6th and Race Streets.)

Operating Hours

• May 26 - June 10:  Saturdays & Sundays, 11am-4pm
• June 16-August 5:  Daily, 11am-4pm
• All dates and times are subject to change without notice

Locations

• 1.  Independence Visitor Center, 6th & Market Streets
• 2.  Independence Square, behind Independence Hall
• 3.  Signers' Garden Presented by the Avery Foundation, 5th & Chestnut Streets
• 4.  Second Bank of the United States Presented by PNC, behind the Second Bank of the United  States, on Chestnut between 4th & 5th Streets
• 5.  The ACE INA Foundation Storytelling Bench at Carpenters' Hall, Carpenters' Hall, on Chestnut between 3rd & 4th Streets
• 6.  Franklin Court, on Market between 3rd & 4th Streets
• 7.  Christ Church, 2nd & Market Streets
• 8.  Betsy Ross House, 3rd & Arch Streets
• 9.  Historic Philadelphia Center, home of the Liberty 360 Show in the PECO Theater, 6th & Chestnut Streets
• 10.  The Lincoln Storytelling Bench at the National Constitution Center, 6th & Arch Streets
• 11.  Franklin Square, 6th & Race Streets
• Locations are subject to change without notice