Pew has played a leadership role in building Philadelphia’s tourist economy, supporting marketing efforts and aiding a number of capital projects that make the city a more exciting place to visit.
For example, in the mid-1990s, it became clear that despite the many historical sites present in the city that gave birth to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, Philadelphia spent comparatively little time and money attracting tourists to these and other cultural destinations. So Pew joined with city and state officials to create the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation and to construct the Independence Visitor Center. We also worked with the National Park Service to redesign Independence Mall and build the Liberty Bell’s new pavilion. Pew is now working with the National Park Service and other partners to redesign the Franklin Court Underground Museum, the only museum completely dedicated to the life and legacy of Benjamin Franklin.
To build on these efforts, Pew helped launch a series of free, dynamically mapped and completely customizable sound-seeing tours of Philadelphia available through Soundaboutphilly.com. Additionally, we provided the lead funding for Benjamin Franklin’s 300th birthday celebration, including a major traveling exhibition.
Pew has a long-standing history of supporting projects that help preserve Philadelphia’s historical and cultural treasures. For example, we helped restore the historic Christ Church in the Old City section of Philadelphia—the church where Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and founding citizens worshipped. And we supported the restoration of the monumental bronze sculptures by renowned artist Alexander Milne Calder that adorn the tower of City Hall and the Benjamin Franklin national memorial being restored at the Franklin Institute. Pew also contributed to the successful campaign to keep Thomas Eakins' masterpiece The Gross Clinic in Philadelphia.
Photo by Graydon Wood. The Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Aug 20, 2007 - The Friends of Benjamin Franklin House in London tie off a capital fundraising campaign.
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May 07, 2007 - SoundAboutPhilly's audio tours come with dynamic mapping, engaging photography and narratives by real Philadelphians.
Apr 23, 2007 - To modernize the museum at the site of Benjamin Franklin's home in Philadelphia, an $18-million redesign was announced in February 2007.
Oct 23, 2006 - Philadelphia is the first city to create free podcast tours on a grand scale, essentially turning the city into an open-air museum and giving tourists customizable “choose-your-own-adventure” ways to explore its history and neighborhoods.
Dec 31, 2005 - A comprehensive guide to the 2005-2006 Philadelphia events celebrating Ben Franklin's 300th birthday.
Read: Summary View: Full Report (Adobe PDF)
A project to preserve and properly store the Sol Feinstone manuscript collection the founding era will ensure that they are accessible to the American public.
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