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Historic Christ Church
Welcome! Christ Church, founded in 1695, is a wonderful place to explore Colonial and Revolution-Era history. Its burial ground, which includes the tomb of Benjamin Franklin, is an authentic historic site for learning about the lives of early Americans.
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Christ Church
Known as "The Nation's Church" because of the famous Revolutionary-era leaders who worshiped here, Christ Church was founded in 1695. It was the first parish of the Church of England (Anglican) in Pennsylvania. It is also the birthplace of the American Episcopal Church. Talks on the church's rich history are given throughout the day.
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Christ Church Burial Ground
Christ Church Burial Ground is one of America’s most important Colonial and Revolution-era graveyards, with 1,400 markers on two beautiful acres right in the heart of historic Philadelphia. Located three blocks from the Church, and just across the street from the Visitors' Center, the Burial Ground is the final resting place for some of our most prominent leaders including Benjamin Franklin and four other signers of the Declaration of Independence. Guided walking tours are held throughout the day.
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Group Tours
Groups are welcomed at both the church and the burial ground. These two historic sites host more than 250,000 visitors a year. Please click below for hours, directions and to reserve space for your group, large or small.
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About the Preservation Trust
The Christ Church Preservation Trust, a non-religious non-profit organization, was created in 1965 to ensure the maintenance and preservation of historic Christ Church, Neighborhood House and the Christ Church Burial Ground. These sites are of extraordinary historical importance and the Church is a National Historic Landmark.
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Collections & Genealogy
Christ Church's historic collections represent its rich heritage, both English and American. The earliest communion silver was a gift from Queen Anne in 1708; matching pieces were made by Philadelphia silversmith, Philip Syng, Sr. c. 1712. William Penn's baptismal font came from All Hallows Barking and is still used today as are pieces of liturgical furniture made by 18th and 19th century Philadelphia cabinetmakers. The Church's archives document its history starting in 1695 and include the parish registers that document the lives of past congregants who were baptized, married and buried from this National Historic Landmark.
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