The Nps Films At The Independence Visitor Center
The NPS Films at the Independence Visitor Center
There are three short National Park Service films which play throughout the day at the
Independence Visitor Center and provide visitors with an overview of the park stories.
In Theater One, we run the film Independence directed by John Huston and created for
the Bicentennial in 1976. In 30 minutes, visitors get a quick overview of the history that
took place in Philadelphia from 1774 to 1800. The movie opens with Franklin,
Washington, Jefferson, and others coming back and reliving the historic events which
took place in Philadelphia at our nation’s founding. These include the signing of the
Declaration of Independence, the Constitutional Convention, and the inauguration of
President John Adams.
Theater Two is showing a new 20 minute film produced especially for us: The History
Channel’s Choosing Sides: Young Voices on the Revolution. Four young actors
portray teenagers who actually lived in Philadelphia, using the words they wrote in
letters and diaries. Not all of them supported the American Revolution and the film
presents their differing opinions and experiences.
The National Park Service exhibit room shows Liberty’s Voices, an 11 minute overview
of the main themes of the park. In short 3 minute vignettes, actors portray everyday
Philadelphians of the 18th century and talk about: Benjamin Franklin, the Liberty Bell,
the Constitutional Convention, and Philadelphia as the nation’s capital.
All three of these movies are shown throughout the day. Please ask at the National
Park Service desk in the visitor center for exact times. The phone number for the
Independence Visitor Center is 215-965-2305.
