Billy Penn Jane’s Walk in Philly
Join me on his birthday, Oct. 14; it’s free
As a writer of a book titled “Real Philly History, Real Fast” and a certified tour guide since 2013 — I love my city and try to give back to it. I also want to honor our city’s founder, William Penn.
One way I do that is by hosting William Penn Jane’s Walks. These are interactive tours held in honor of Jane Jacobs, a writer and urban activist who helped stop Robert Moses’ Lower Manhattan Expressway in New York City.
Jane’s Walks are usually held near her birthday, May 4. I like to do them in October, though, nearer to William Penn’s birthday … and a cooler, more colorful time of year.
My first William Penn Jane’s Walk on his actual birthday
I’ve done several William Penn Jane Walks in the past. But this is the first time I’m doing one on William Penn’s actual birthday, Saturday, Oct. 14. The walk starts at noon in front of the Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, and runs two to three hours. Just look for the yellow sign I’ll be holding.
There’s no signup sheet. Just show up and join me, and leave when you wish.
The basic route
This walking tour includes the Arch Street Meeting House, the first Market Street in America, the Tamanend statue, Welcome Park, Society Hill and more … and ends at Washington Square.
The tour is free
I can’t charge or take a tip for a Jane’s Walk. If you enjoy my tour, though, I suggest you donate to a very worth cause: Independence Historical Trust.
Independence Historical Trust runs many special events to support Independence National Historical Park. INHT is currently raising funds to restore the First Bank Building of the U.S. and reopen it to the public — a huge project.
This William Penn Jane’s Walk will trace the amazing success of William Penn. You’ll discover how Penn grew Philadelphia from a “howling wilderness” that started 58 full years after New York City … into the largest and most important city in America by 1770.
The difference William Penn made
Along the way, you’ll hear historic passages about Philadelphia’s Market Street, discuss the variety of people and religions represented in the City of Brotherly Love, and discover why Penn wanted a “greene Country Towne.”
At the tour’s end, you’ll learn an easy way to remember Philadelphia Streets that almost no one knows today.
Just show up and be ready to walk.
Walk accessibility:
Most of the walk will be on public streets and sidewalks (including cobblestone/brick or other uneven surfaces).
Crowded sidewalks. Traffic noise.
Children, bikes, and dogs welcome.
Note: Because this tour will be just eight days after the 300th anniversary of Ben Franklin’s first day in Philadelphia, as we walk, we’ll take time to discuss both of Philadelphia’s two superheroes: Penn and Ben.
