Once Upon A Nation

INDEPENDENCE LIVING HISTORY CENTER

Welcome to the Independence Living History Center Archeology Laboratory. The laboratory is a working facility dedicated to processing materials recovered from archeological excavations conducted between 2000 and 2003 at the site of the National Constitution Center. The almost one million artifacts recovered from this archeological excavation tell the diverse stories of everyday Philadelphians during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Archeologists study each and every artifact found at the dig, from small seeds and animal bone to glass bottles and ceramic fragments, and use these clues to answer questions about life in the past. The laboratory presents a behind-the-scenes view of the work conducted by archeologists and invites the public to observe as Philadelphia’s buried history is revealed piece by piece.

The Independence Living History Center is located at 115 South Third Street (Directly across from the First Bank of the United States), and the Archeology Laboratory is open to visitors Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturdays 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Sealed beneath the surface of Philadelphia's modern cityscape are remnants of the city's past. For more information on archeology in Independence National Historical Park click here.

Activities at Independence Living History Center:

1776 - The Interactive Movie Musical

Don't just watch “1776” - be a part of the show! This interactive movie-going experience will let you become a part of the action, complete with sing-a-longs and props (which we provide for you). It’s a hysterically historical treat for the entire family!

May 23 - August 29, Fridays, 7 pm

Price: $12 adults, $10 student/senior/military, $8 children 12 & under

Duration: 3 hours

Archeology Lab Hours:

Monday through Friday 9am - 5pm

Saturday 9am - 6pm

Historic Philadelphia Gift Shop

Sunday through Wednesday 9am - 5pm

Thursday through Saturday 9am - 6pm

Phone: 215.629.4027

Historic Philadelphia Box Office

Sunday through Wednesday 9am - 5pm