We encourage you to visit the church and the burial ground to learn more about this historic site. Every year we select a theme through which we tell our stories and tours and events throughout the year focus on the theme.  The theme for 2008 is Declaring Freedom: Slavery in Philadelphia.

Race is a challenging issue in American life. Central to understanding the issue today  is understanding its history. Slavery was a harsh link in this history, when a majority of African Americans in Philadelphia in the 1700s were enslaved.

Christ Church

Declaring Freedom: Slavery in Philadelphia Tour- Woven into guided tours of "The Nation's Church" are stories of slavery and its connection to Christ Church. Guided tours last about 20 minutes and are given throughout the day. The church is open from 9 AM-5 PM Monday-Saturday and from 1 PM-5 PM on Sunday. Free, donations accepted.

Christ Church and Christ Church Burial Ground

Interpretive Program-Christ Church presents Sarah's Story: Slavery in Philadelphia, an interpretive drama appropriate for all audiences featuring  "Sarah," a costumed interpreter who relates her daily life as an enslaved person in colonial Phialdelphia, along with a guide who provides perspective and historical overview.  The program takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays through September 30, 2008 at 1:30 PM at the Christ Church Burial Ground (located at 5th and Arch Streets) and at 2:30 PM at Christ Church. The program at the burial ground focuses on the Yellow Fever epidemic and the church presentation focuses on those connected to Christ Church. The afternoon performance at the church is free; the burial ground admission fee is $2/Adults, $1/Children, $10/Groups up to 25 people.

Groups can make reservations for a private evening  presentation with a costumed interpreter followed by a reception in Neighborhood House or the North Garden.  For pricing and additional information, please contact Anne McLaughlin at amclaughlin@christchurchphila.org or 215-922-1695, ext.32.


Christ Church Burial Ground 

Declaring Freedom:Slavery in Philadelphia Burial Ground Tour-Guided walking tour of Christ Church Burial Ground with stops at the graves of Benjamin Franklin and other famous Revolutionary-era people and  a focus on the issue of slavery in Philadelphia during the 1700s. The tours are given on the hour with the last tour at 3 PM. The burial ground is located at 5th and Arch Streets, across from the Independence Visitor Center and the Constitution Center. Hours are Monday-Saturday from 10 AM-4 PM and Sunday from 12 PM-4 PM. The admission fee is $2/Adults, $1/Children, $10/Group up to 25 people. Groups over 10 people need to make a reservation. You can book your group tour at the burial ground through this website.

Fridays with Franklin-Join Benjamin Franklin as he strolls around this historic burial ground weaving tales of his life and of the many other people buried here. Fridays from 1:00-3:00 PM from July 11- September 5  (excluding July 25)

History Hunt-Children visiting the burial ground on  Saturdays in July can participate in a Histroy Hunt.  Each child will receive a History Hunt booklet that can be answered by visiting the graves of the signers of the Declaration of Independence buriaed on Chirst Church property. The History Hunt begins at the burial ground and ends at the chrurch where the completed booklet can be turned in for a prize. 

Yellow Fever 1793 Tours-In the burial ground's 289 year history, by far its saddest and darkest days occurred in 1793. Guides will lead tours around the burial ground to tell the story of the 1793 plague and about those affected by this horrific epidemic. Tours on  Saturdays and Sundays in August, September, and October on the half-hour, last tour at 3:30.