Academy of Natural Sciences 1/14/11 By Jordan Carrier Grade 2

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia was founded in 1812 ‘’for the encouragement and cultivation of the sciences, and the advancement of useful learning” (“History of the Academy”, n.d.). The Academy is the oldest natural sciences institution in the Western Hemisphere. The Academy opened up to the public in 1828.

My Own Words

I have been there about 5 times. Once was a birthday party I was invited to. I love the dead stuffed animals. The paintings make the animals and sciences look real. My favorite animals were zebras, deer, and moose. A lot of the animals were big! I love the Academy of Natural Sciences!

InformationThe Museum is located at the corner of 19th street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. It faces Logan Circle. We can see stuffed animals, and all kinds of exhibits. You can go in the inside-out room and in the beautiful butterfly room. The place is special because you can find out different facts about animals.

I recommend that you should go to the museum!Jordan Carrier Age 8 2 nd grade

Boathouse RowBy Alexis

Boathouse Row is located at East River Street. Boathouse Row is near Philadelphia Museum of Art. It is between Kelly Drive and the Schuylkill River. This place is used for clubs like the Vesper Boat Club. There is also a skating club. Further down the river, you’ll find the East Park Canoe Club and the Philadelphia Canoe Club.

Boathouse Row has twelve houses. The houses are mostly red, green, and brown. Boathouse Row looks like a peninsula, because three sides of the houses are covered with water.

Boathouse Row has its own unique history. Boathouse Row is a National Historic Landmark. There is a body of water where you can go swimming and boating.

On Christmas all of the twelve houses will light up. At night the light of the houses will reflect on the water.

Clearly, if you have a chance you should go check out Boathouse Row.

Carpenter’s HallBy: Madison

I am going to tell you about the famous Carpenter’s Hall. It is located

on 320 Chestnut Street right near the Independence Visitors Center. It was

founded in Philadelphia in 1724 to help people develop architectural skills

and to help their families in times of need.

Carpenter’s Hall is special because it was the home of the very first

congress in 1774, Benjamin Franklin’s Library, as well as the first and

second bank. It was a hospital for British and American troops in the

Revolutionary War. Carpenter’s Hall was made a national historic

landmark in 1970.

The building was designed by Robert Smith. It is a big building with

all red bricks. Carpenter’s Hall has a big American flag on the top. It has

been the oldest building in America since 1770.

Today, it is free to the public and is visited by more than 150,000

tourists around the world. Next time you come to Philadelphia, see the

wonderful Carpenter’s Hall.

Declaration (Graff) House

By: Sergio Jimenez Piera

In June of 1776,Thomas Jefferson wanted America to stop serving Great Britain. While the meeting was going on, he worked with other people to write the Declaration of Independence, which separated America from Great Britain.

Thomas Jefferson found that his house in the city was uncomfortable, so he asked Jacob Graff to let him stay with him. Graff was a well-known bricklayer who had built his house in town a year before Jefferson arrived. The Graff family lived in a house while Jefferson stayed there and worked on writing the Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration (Graff) House was knocked down in 1883. In 1975, they rebuilt the building for the Bicentennial. Its location is now 7th and Market Streets, Philadelphia PA. When people visit the Declaration House they can see the rooms where Jefferson worked and lived.

Eastern State PenitentiaryBy: Parmenus

This is about Eastern State Penitentiary. Eastern State Penitentiary used to be a famous prison. Now people go there for a spooky tour on Halloween. They have vampires, werewolves, zombies, headless people, and all sorts of crazy things.

Today it’s a ruin. Notable inmates include Victor Andreoli, Morris Bobler, Joe Buzzard, Leo Callahan, Alphonse Capone, Freda Frost, Clarence Rae, William Sutton, and more. It’s really big, about 4 stories high. The bricks are concrete gray. It’s located on 2124 Fairmount Avenue. The phone number is 215-236-5111.

The penitentiary looks kind of like a castle. It used to be pretty and well protected. However, over the years it started to fall apart. No one bothered fixing up the place. It was built in 1829. It’s closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day, and New Year’s Day. It’s open 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Eastern State Penitentiary is no longer keeping prisoners; at least I don’t think it does. Most cell doors are just regular doors now. That’s about the Eastern State Penitentiary.

The Franklin Institute

By Jalyn HillThe Franklin Institute is a science and history

museum. The Franklin Institute is located at 222 North 20th street in Philadelphia, PA. The Franklin Institute is for all ages to enjoy.

The Franklin Institute has flight simulators with 12 seats and 3D glasses, and there is a sky bike that goes 28 feet high. The Ben Franklin Institute also has a Discovery camp. You can have birthday parties there.

There are so many exhibits. There is an Imax theater inside. It has a 180-degree screen. The planetarium has 9 million visitors each year. A planetarium is a big room that shows the stars and the sky. The Franklin Institute is a place everyone needs to visit.

GILBERT STUART HOUSE HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE

By: Parmenus Bowler

This is about the Gilbert Stuart House. Across 5th Street, in a small park you’ll see a big and dramatic statue. It’s located on the intersection of 5th and Chestnut Street. Gilbert Charles Stuart is famous for many paintings; in fact, he was the one who painted George Washington’s face as shown on a $1.00 bill. Washington endured boredom while sitting countless hours for the artist to paint his portrait.

Gilbert Stuart was born in Rhode Island on December 3rd, 1755. I don’t know why, but he migrated to Pennsylvania in 1793. He moved to the house two years later or in other words, he moved to the house in 1795. He lived across the street from the U.S. Government, which was here from 1790 to 1800. The new 3 ½-story brick house was built in 1795, for Gilbert Stuart.

All of America’s leaders lived really close together. The U.S. Government met only one block away, the Supreme Court held sessions across the street, and President George Washington lived minutes away.

Unfortunately, Gilbert died on July 9th, 1823. But without him, George Washington’s face wouldn’t have been on the $1.00 bill.

Now for some opinions I think of this. The statue I talked about was pretty weird looking. The American leaders were actually too close at hand. I wonder who painted the heads of the other presidents on the other dollars and cents. I kind of do agree with George Washington about countless hours of boredom while artists paint your portrait. I wonder what the house looks like now. It was tragic about Gilbert’s death. So if you ever visit Philly, you should visit the Gilbert Stuart House.

By Jordan Carrier Age 8 2nd grade

Historic Bartram’s Garden

Bartram’s Garden is for children and grownups. They can enjoy and learn nature.

History and What You See250 years ago John Bartram, a farmer, stopped and saw this beautiful garden. He and his son spent the rest of their lives exploring, picking flowers, and enjoying the sun. The garden was named after John Bartram. Bartram’s Garden is America’s oldest living garden.

You can’t believe you are in Philadelphia when you see the wildflower meadow, majestic trees, river trail, wetland, stone house, and farm buildings looking over the Schuylkill River. The garden looks open and grassy like plains. The Garden is located at 54th St. Lindbergh Blvd. Philadelphia, PA. People can play, smell flowers, and lie in the sun in the garden. The garden is open to all, all year long except on observed holidays.

Phone Number: 215-729-5281

Website: www.bartramsgarden.org

INDEPENDENCE HALLBY GRACE

I chose Independence Hall to research. In September 1777, the British army tried to take over The State House. Later that year, Congress renamed The State House, Independence Hall.

From 1778 to 1834, Congress met in many places, mostly underground. They returned to Philadelphia on July 2ND.

On June 14th 1830, George Washington was nominated head of the army by Congress. After that, Washington stayed in the army.

The big, red brick building called the State House is now everywhere, on the 100-dollar bill and the half dollar. The highest point of Independence Hall to the ground is 168ft.

You now can take tours in the building at Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets. You should go to Independence Hall.

JFK Plaza (LOVE Park)By: Laith

JFK Plaza is located on 16th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Center City Philadelphia. It’s located right across from City Hall.

The park was Edmund Bacon’s idea and was designed by architect Vincent Kling. The park was built in 1965. It is atop of an underground parking garage.

The park was named John F. Kennedy Plaza in 1967 after the 35th president of the U.S.A. It is also called Love Park because of the statue seen below. Love Park is famous for its mixed uses, like skate boarding. Love Park also held ESPN’s X Games.

The Kimmel CenterBy Madison Meidt

I am going to tell you about the amazing Kimmel Center. It is located along a stretch of Broad Street called the Avenue of the Arts. The Kimmel Center started when two projects came together, the city of Philadelphia and the orchestra donated money to buy the property where the Kimmel Center is now located.

The Kimmel Center was the first step of the Avenue of the Arts project. This was to be the Philadelphia Orchestra’s new home and Mayor Edward G. Rendell’s plan to provide a much-needed display of some of Philadelphia’s most fantastic performing arts companies. This also brought many other theaters and restaurants to the area, which awakened Broad Street.

It is a beautiful building with a glass roof made with 5,808 glass panels. There are two theaters inside of the Kimmel Center, the Perlman Theater and Verizon Hall. Verizon Hall is shaped like a big cello, which helps reflect sound.

While the Kimmel Center is home to the Philadelphia Orchestra and other performances, it has many uses. Over 7,000 students come in on a busy day. Almost 2,000 events were held in 2010 at the Kimmel Center. 485 student clubs and 132 non-for-profit organizations used the Kimmel Center for their events in 2010.

This destination is something you should not miss.

The Liberty BellBy: Jasmine

The Liberty Bell has a lot of special history. It used to be called The State House Bell. Then one day it got a crack in it, Two men came and tried to fix it but it cracked again – now into an even bigger crack.

Now the State House Bell had gained a lot of popularity, so after its second crack, no one felt like fixing it again. So, they put it in a case and after its tragic incident people stopped calling it The State House Bell forever calling it The Liberty Bell.

The Liberty Bell is all in a little musem called the Liberty Bell Center. All the other history is written on placks for people to read when the go and visit. Usually, it has a short movie playing about the story I just told you.

Then near the end of the ‘’tiny musem’’ the Liberty Bell is in a glass case and usually the place is swarmed with people taking pitures. I told you that the Liberty Bell is very famous! And it still has the unmended crack on it. If you are ever want to learn more about the Liberty Bell look up: http://www.ushistory.org/libertybell/! If you do, have fun!

THEEND!!!!!

Morris Arboretum

By Alexis

Morris Arboretum existed in 1887. Morris is the owners’ last name. The owners are Lydia and John. Morris Arboretum became part of the University of Pennsylvania in 1932. Morris Arboretum is located at Northwestern Avenue Philadelphia, PA.

Morris Arboretum has colorful gardens. In the gardens there are over 13,000 labeled trees. It has trees and flowers. The staff that works at Morris Arboretum can take you on educational tours. The trees are over 50 feet tall.

There are 2,500 different types of plants growing. The plants are from 27 countries. The trees are Bender Oak, Blue Atlas Cedar, Chinese Elm, Dawn Redwood, Engler Beech, Greek Fir, Japanese Zelkova, Katsura Tree, Lacebark Pine, London Planetree, Needle Fir, Tabletop Scotch Elm, Trident Maple, Yellow Buckeye, Weeping Canada Hemlock, Weeping European Beech, and White Oak. These 17 trees are samples.

There is a historic public garden. There is also a summer palace. The summer palace is made out of hay. The palace looks like an ice cream without the cone. It is a new exhibit.

Morris Arboretum can be a place for weddings. Morris Arboretum receives a National Award. You also can do experiments there. You can see a model train exhibit and swimming swans.

Clearly, you should see what Morris Arboretum looks like.

National Constitution CenterBy: Zoe

My name is Zoe. I’m doing my book page all about The National Constitution Center located here in Philadelphia at 525 Arch Street.

There are many exhibits at The National Constitution Center. On September 17th, 2000, only 11 years ago, it was built in Philadelphia’s Independence National Historic Park - America’s most historic square mile. It’s near the Liberty Bell and also near Independence Hall. It was actually built 213 years from the day our Constitution was signed. Our Constitution Center shows history and is the first ever museum for the United States Constitution.

The Constitution Center is very big. It has a lot of flags when you first walk in. The Constitution Center has lots of rooms. In the rooms there are things about wars, presidents, voting and of course the constitution. You can do many things there. One thing you can do is sign your name on a fake constitution. A second thing you can do is see when women could and couldn’t vote. Another thing you can do is pretend to vote in a fake voting machine. The next thing you can do is visit art that people in the war made.

The Constitution Center is very special because it talks about the history of the constitution, as well as war and other important things. The constitution has all the rules and laws. Our constitution is very important to our country.

Old City Historic DistrictBy: Richard

Here are some facts and my opinions on Old City. The population of Old City is 7,292. As Philadelphians moved to Society Hill, Old City was

abandon. It is located from the Delaware River west to Sixth Street. William Penn investigated Old City.

Old City is one of the oldest districts. Some parts look old and some nice. Old city is also one of the most historic districts in the world.

Old City is familiar to the embankment in London. There is a lot of industry in Old City, which makes it a very special place because you can mix business with pleasure. It’s also special because today you can drink wine, hang out, and enjoy a nice dinner there. Today, you would probably see taxis that say Old City instead of Philadelphia in Philadelphia.

My opinion of Old City’s houses is that they are nice. My opinion of Old City’s schools is that they are good. My overall opinion of Old City is pretty good. Those were some facts about Old City and my opinions of Old City.

PENN’S LANDING By Grace

I chose Penn’s Landing to research. Penn’s Landing is located along the Delaware River. Some main places located in Penn’s Landing are The Great Plaza, Independence Seaport Museum, and the Christopher Columbus Monument. Penn’s Landing is so cool. The Independence Seaport Museum is representing the US Navy, NPS and PHMC. Independence Seaport Museum announces that it offers public tours of the National Historic Landmark ship. The Great Plaza is the center of Penn’s Landing. It is free and fun for the whole family. There is Captain Morgan’s Jam and the Memorial Weekend concert. The Christopher Columbus Monument is situated in the International Sculpture Garden. It was designed to represent the 500th anniversary of Columbus.

Festival Pier is a location for gated private events. There are so many concerts, birthdays and weddings there all the time. The River Link Ferry has a beautiful view. It takes you to New Jersey and back. There is also an ice-skating rink named River Link.

Philadelphia Belle is the largest dinner cruise riverboat, standing 65 ft. tall and measuring 262 ft. long. It is the newest addition to the growing Delaware River.

Penn’s Landing is fun for the whole family. It’s free most of the time. Next time you are in Philadelphia you should go to Penn’s Landing.

Quaker Meeting House

By: Richard Ghohestani and Zoe Bailkin

As you exit the Independence Visitor’s Center, proceed towards Fifth Street and make a left heading north at the corner of Fifth and Arch and you’ll see the Quaker Meeting House. It only opens on special events. It is also a great landmark in U.S history.

During the Revolutionary War, most Quakers still listened to their beliefs. Some Quakers thought that freedom was very important. Many of the Quakers were very important contributors in the war for independence. They then established their own meetinghouse knowing that supporting the revolution would get them kicked out from the community of Quakers. It was here that the free Quakers or fighting Quakers met for the next fifty years until their members decreased to just two members; Betsy Ross and John Price Witherhill. The Quaker Meeting House is a big block building with couches inside. The meetinghouse was then closed.

Over the years, the building has been useful. Today, it serves as a headquarters for Once Upon A Nation. If you find the door open, take a peak inside.

Rittenhouse Square R

Rittenhouse Square is special because it was named after Astronomer-Clockmaker, U.S. Mint Member David Rittenhouse. It is located by 18th, Walnut and Latimer.

There are many sculptures in Rittenhouse Square; (a frog, dog, lion & snake, etc).

In the shape of a square, Rittenhouse Square is very fun place to play. You can play there, or just relax.Around the park: apartment buildings, cafés, radio towers, (etc). Even my Principal lives there!

Rittenhouse Square was enclosed by a fence in 1816. People gave money for trees, walkways and fountains.

SOCIETY HILLBy: ISABELLA ORTIZ

Society Hill is a beautiful and pleasant place. The streets are lined with cobblestone. There are horse carriages too. Society Hill is one of the most fancy neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Society hill is located between Walnut, Lombard, Front and 7th Streets.

The district of Society Hill was named in the 18th century. Society Hill is like the Boston Hill in Boston. Society Hill has row homes too. Society Hill has many streets. It also has many trees and birds. There are also parks. Society Hill is a place full of history.

Our school is also in Society Hill. It is called McCall Elementary. I love SocietyHill.

30 th Street Station

By: Isabella

30th Street Station was built from 1929 till 1934. It is on the west side of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. It replaced the Broad Street Station. The roof is 95 feet high with beautiful chandeliers. It is art deco style.

30th Street Station is used for transportation by train. It is special because it has been around for so long and thousands of people ride it every day. You can ride the train to many places like New York City and Washington DC. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. Many movies have been filmed there like Trading Places and Witness. I hope you ride their trains and see the historic station.

University CityBy: Ezra Dugosh

University City is located on the west side of downtown Philadelphia. University City was the first suburb to have streets with streetcars. The streetcars are similar to a modern trolley. If you live there, you either walk or transport in a car, bus, or subway, and you’re 20 minutes from the airport.

Also, if you’re a food person, Bobby’s Burger Palace is located at 3925 Walnut Street. The Universities in the city are Drexel University, The University of Pennsylvania, and The University of Sciences.

When you walk around University City you will see murals, sculptures, and schools.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

By: Jalyn

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center is used to honor those who fought in the Vietnam War. It is located right near Penn’s Landing. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is outside and is a huge wall with a lot of people’s names on it.

If you would like to do something there you can help fix the wall or you can put flowers by the wall. Also, people use paper and trace the names and keep them as a memory of their family member. Private people own the place and don’t have a lot of money and ask people to help keep the wall nice and pretty.

The Vietnam Veterans memorial is very special because a lot of people go there to honor the people who fought in the war.

Washington Square ParkBy: Jasmine

Washington Park has a lot of history. Christopher Morley once lived in Washington Park, in a great common green, which in later years became: The

Christopher Morley Inn. There is also a tree that some people say was planted on the moon then they brought it back after it was starting to grow and it is still there too.

Washington Park also has fallen warriors and the Tomb Of The Unknown Solider. And there is a rock that says some stuff about America; it even has a little American Flag!

Washington Park also has a lot of trees, and in the summer there’s also a lot of people there too, I can tell you, it’s like crazy in the summer!! The park is square and in the middle of the park there’s a big round fountain and it’s a circle. People go there to suntan themselves or to read, but usually I just go there to think about all my troubled thoughts.

Washington Square is now a park with 1O flags. Washington Park is on 6th Street. A lot of people like Washington Square and if you ever get a chance to go to that park I bet you will learn a lot of history from it. There may be a lot of history but there’s also a lot of nature in Washington Square Park. A lot of pigeons and robins come in the summer and you can also find, well, see deserted nests from the birds that were there last year. I hope you get to see Washington Park in the summer because that’s when it looks really great!

X-TRA Facts By Owen Moss

Section 1 - Why is Philadelphia called “The City of Brotherly Love”?Philadelphia’s nickname, The City of Brotherly Love, came from 2 Greek words. They are Philos, (loving) and Adelphos (brother). If you put them together, you get The City of Brotherly Love.

Section 2 - Tastykake History

In 1914, Phillip J. Baur, a Pittsburgh baker and a Boston egg salesman named Herbert T. Morris went into business in Philadelphia to produce baked goods using only the finest ingredients delivered fresh to the bakery daily. They eventually named their business “Tasty Baking Company” and came up with the name as we all call it today, Tastykake. At that time it was only 10¢ a cake, Morris sold $28 worth the first day, and $222 the first week. By the end of 1914, gross sales were $300,000. Machinery was built and employees were hired. Over the years Tastykake has become a true Philadelphia success.

Section 3 - Philadelphia Soft Pretzel Factory The Philly Soft Pretzel Factory is the world’s largest Philly-style soft pretzel bakery. It now has over 100 locations, all over Philadelphia County. They use only the finest ingredients and they only serve pretzels that meet or exceed the factory standards.

Section 4 - Sports Philadelphia Phillies - MLBThe Philadelphia Region’s baseball team is the Philadelphia Phillies. They play in the Citizens Bank Park, which is located at Broad St. & Pattison Ave. The team wears red and is one of the best teams in Major League Baseball. Go Phillies!!!Philadelphia Eagles - NFLThe Philadelphia Eagles are our football team. Their stadium is the Lincoln Financial Field and their uniforms are green, black, and white.Philadelphia 76ers - NBAOur basketball team is the Philadelphia 76ers. They play in the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia. Their uniform is red, white and blue.Philadelphia Flyers - NBAThe Flyers are Philadelphia’s Ice-Hockey team. They also play in the Wells Fargo Center and their uniform comes in bright orange.

Section 5 - The Philly Cheese Steak Philadelphia is popular for their Cheese Steak. They are especially popular in South Philadelphia. Pat’s King Of Steaks is located at the intersection of S. 9th St. and is one of the best places to get a cheese steak in the city. Geno’s Steaks is located at 1219 S. 9th St., and is just across the street from Pat’s. The Philly Cheese Steak is a true success of Philadelphia.

Letter Y – Yellow SpringsBy Owen Moss

Historic Yellow Springs in West Chester, PA preserves the history of Yellow Springs Village. It is located at 1685 Art School Road Chester Springs, PA 19425.

The history of Yellow Springs Village spans almost 300 years. Historic Yellow Springs is also home to Chester Springs Studio, an Art Center that hosts many workshops, classes and exhibitions in Visual Arts.

Historic Yellow Springs has preserved many original structures, and educates visitors about Yellow Springs’ unique past. Historic Yellow Springs’ mission is to share and preserve the unique living village of Yellow Springs. There are many buildings, studios and gardens in Historic Yellow Springs. If you stroll down the hill right across the street you’ll find the center of Yellow Springs, the Chester Springs Studio which continues to offer classes and workshops.

Philadelphia ZooBy: Soufien Daouairi

In 1938, the Philadelphia zoo was the first zoo in North America to open a special zoo just for children.

There are many animals at the zoo. Mammals are one of the classes of vertebrate animals. The distinguishing characteristic of mammals is that the mother nourishes her newborn young with milk produced by special glands. Birds are vertebrates of the class Aves. Birds are unique because they are the only vertebrate with feathers. The one major characteristic that distinguishes birds from all other animals is that birds have beaks and forelimbs modified into wings. Most birds are able to fly, but some, like ostriches and penguins cannot fly even though they have wings.

During the summer lots of people go to the zoo. During the fall some schools have fieldtrips to the zoo. On the fieldtrips classes sometimes go into a little building and learn about animals. At the zoo there are buildings with animals behind glass or free in that building so you can see the animals.