Christ Church is a National Historic Landmark and an active church. We welcome you to the church and burial ground where you will discover a treasury of American stories about faith and the quest for freedom in a changing nation.

Christ Church

Visit the church attended by many of the Founding Fathers including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Absalom Jones. Guided tours last about 20 minutes and are given throughout the day. The church is open Monday-Saturday form 9 AM-5 PM; Sunday from 1-5 PM. Free. Donations accepted. Groups of 25 or more should make a reservation for a tour. Visit the Christ Church Museum Shop when you visit for a unique selection of gifts. All proceeds from the museum shop support the preservation of Christ Church.

Patriots and Heroes Tour- woven into the guided tours of “The Nation’s Church” are stories which emphasize the military contributions of Benjamin Franklin and the Associators; Brigadier General John Forbes and Fort duQuesne; and Revolutionary heroes Anthony Wayne, Hugh Mercer, John Barry, and Richard Dale. Patriots and Heroes tour is presented daily at 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30 PM.

Storytellers from Once Upon a Nation-Hear stories about people associated with Christ Church including Peggy Shippen, Fanny Kemble, and Alice.

Christ Church Burial Ground

The Christ Church Burial Ground is the final resting place of over 4000 people including Benjamin Franklin and four other signers of the Declaration of Independence, prominent physicians, and military heroes fro the Revolutionary War to the Civil War. Notable heroes buried here include Joseph Hewes, Commodore William Bainbridge, General Jacob Morgan, and Civil War Generals George Cadwalder and McCall. The burial ground is open Monday-Saturday 10 AM-4 PM and Sunday from noon-4 PM, weather permitting. Admission Fee: $2/Adults, $1/Students and Military, $10/Groups up to 25 people. Tours and activities are included in the admission fee. Admission fees to the burial ground support the preservation of Christ Church Burial Ground.

Patriots and Heroes Tour-Daily- A 20 minute guided tour featuring stories about military heroes interred in this historic burial ground. Tours are given on the hour, last tour at 3 PM.

Fridays with Franklin-Fridays beginning July 9 through August 27, 2010

Have you ever wondered what stories Benjamin Franklin would tell if he were alive today? Join Dr. Franklin at the Christ Church Burial Ground form 1-3 PM on Friday in July and August.

 
Fall Programs at the Burial Ground

 
Brew N History Tour-Back by popular demand!!!-Fridays in October at 3:30 PM
After debating the Declaration of Independence all day, the founding fathers continued the discussion in the taverns and pubs of colonial Philadelphia. Join us for a 20 minute tour focusing on Philadelphia beer history and its connections to those buried in Christ Church Burial Ground including Benjamin Franklin, Francis Hopkinson, and Benjamin Rush. Tour included with admission fee.

1793-Thursdays and Fridays in October at 5:30 PM
The first official death from the Yellow Fever epidemic occurred in August, 1793 and when it was over, approximately 5000 people had died. Learn about the dark days of this epidemic and how this deadly disease changed Philadelphia. The 30 minute tour focuses on the Yellow Fever victims who were buried in Christ Church Burial Ground and on those who worked to control the chaos brought on by the epidemic including Benjamin Rush, Matthew Clarkson, and more. Admission Fee: $5.00 

 Christ Church

Sarah’s Story Interpretive Program-Christ Church presents Sarah’s Story: Slavery in Philadelphia. Hear stories about slavery and its connection to Christ Church. It is an interpretive drama appropriate for all audiences featuring “Sarah,” a costumed interpreter who relates her daily life as an enslaved person in colonial Philadelphia; “Mr. Edwards’” who presents the view point of a slave owner, along with a guide who provides perspective and historical overview. The presentation is followed by a discussion.

Click here to view WHYY’s Arts and Culture Experience segment about Sarah's Story. Congratulations to WHYY Trudi Brown and Nina Shelton who received an award from  the Society of Professional Journalists for their work on this segment.

Groups can make reservations for a private evening presentation at Christ Church. For pricing and additional information, please contact Anne McLaughlin at amclaughlin@christchurchphila.org or call 215-922-1695 x32.

For information about other historic sites in the Greater Philadelphia area that explore the legacy of enslaved people and their quest to be free visit www.questforfreedom.org

Now available in the Christ Church Museum Shop! Sarah’s Story DVD produced in conjunction with public television station WHYY.

The classroom edition, an ideal tool to use for schools and adult education classes is also available. The classroom edition features the DVD of Sarah’s Story and a CD ROM of a unit plan suitable for middle school to high school.  The unit plan includes 5 lessons, handouts, writing assignments, and power point presentations.  For mail orders and additional information, contact amclaughin@christchurchphila.org.