Summer is special in Philadelphia

Summer in Philadelphia has long been the ideal time to celebrate America’s independence. In 2008, visitors can also learn about the tales of real pirates, gaze at contemporary American artwork, take the Presidential Oath of Office and much more.

Here’s what’s in store for summer 2008:

History and family fun

Franklin Square — This spring, two of Philadelphia’s beloved horse heroes — Smarty Jones and Afleet Alex — will permanently join the other animals on the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel in the refurbished original square in the heart of Historic Philadelphia The carousel, mini-golf and concessions reopened April 1 at Sixth and Race streets. www.onceuponanation.org

Nature’s Castles — Longwood Gardens’ spectacular tree house exhibition will inspire the nature lover, craftsperson and kid in everyone. Guests can climb and explore large-scale tree houses made by the country’s best designers. The exhibition began April 25 and continues through Sept. 1. Longwood Gardens is located on US Route 1, about three miles northeast of Kennett Square. www.longwoodgardens.org

Sesame Place — The only theme park in the nation where the stars of Sesame Street come alive every day, Sesame Place debuted its Sunny Day Carousel on May 3, 2008, in the center of the park. The Sesame Street-themed carousel features 36 custom-created colorful, Muppet-like horses. The park is located at 100 Sesame Road. www.sesameplace.com

Once Upon A Nation — Once Upon A Nation’s 13 one-of-a-kind storytelling benches throughout Historic Philadelphia and four benches at Valley Forge National Historical Park come to life once starting on Memorial Day weekend. Specially trained storytellers delight and entertain with stories about the nation’s history in the places where they actually happened.

New for 2008, Once Upon A Nation introduces storytelling at the Free Quaker Meeting House and Signer’s Garden in Historic Philadelphia and Varnum’s Quarters at Valley Forge, along with 30 brand new stories. This free program continues through Labor Day weekend. www.onceuponanation.org

Sunoco Welcome America! — This annual party throughout the city celebrates the America’s birthday in America’s birthplace during the July 4 weekend. Free outdoor movie screenings, salsa dancing, concerts, fireworks and a festival of Philly food are the hallmarks of this all-American festival. www.americasbirthday.com

Quest for Freedom — Visitors can immerse themselves in the story of the Underground Railroad by participating in a self-guided tour of Philadelphia’s Quest for Freedom sites. Just steps away from the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall, these sites and their heroic tales illustrate Philadelphia’s pivotal role in the anti-slavery movement. Free. www.gophila.com/questforfreedom

National Constitution Center — There’s no better place to delve into the 2008 presidential elections than at the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St. Visitors can weigh in on current issues on the newly added Town Hall Walls, addressing the Electoral College and other hot topics. Toward the of summer, visitors can check out Headed to the White House, a new exhibit on view Sept. 17, 2008 to Jan. 20, 2009. It explores the path to the presidency.

Of course, wanna-be leaders can experience what it’s like to take the Presidential Oath of Office any time of year at the Constitution Center’s popular interactive display.  www.constitutioncenter.org

Museum exhibitions

Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah — This exhibition at The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St., tells the compelling true tale of a real pirate ship that started out as a slave ship in 1715. Real Pirates features more than 150 artifacts recovered from the ocean floor wreckage, including its bell, massive anchor, cannons, jewelry, swords, pistols, personal belongings, and gold and silver coins. The recovered items helped shed light on a tumultuous period in history. The exhibition opened May 31 and continues through Nov. 2, 2008.  www.fi.edu

American Contemporary Masters — This exhibition at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 128 N. Broad St., will include 50 to 75 works from both their own collection and the Bank of America collection. The corporation’s works chronicle the fast-paced art world over three decades and create a visual dialogue with the Academy’s expanding contemporary collection.

The influential artists featured include Bartlett, Close, Francis, Golub, Johns, Kruger, Mangold, Pearlstein and Warhol. Dates: June 28 to Sept. 21, 2008. www.pafa.org

The African Presence in Mexico: From Yanga to the Present — The African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St., presents a culmination of three exhibitions that represents the most comprehensive project ever organized about African contributions to Mexican culture.

Exploring a period of nearly 500 years, the show aims to highlight a missing chapter in Mexican history and stimulate a better understanding of Mexican culture. The exhibitions run from June 13 to Oct. 25, 2008. www.aampmuseum.org

Greater Philadelphia
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