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April 2026 Trip
Founders in Philadelphia: Franklin, Jefferson, and a New Nation
Would you like to be part of history?
Have we got a tour for you!
In 2026, America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. For this historic occasion, two scholars of American history and literature are leading a tour of all the key sites in Philadelphia. We will tour Independence Hall, where the founders signed the Declaration, and visit several other relevant spots, including the Museum of the American Revolution.
That's just the beginning. We also will . . .
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walk in the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin when he arrived in Philadelphia as a runaway teenager in 1723;
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see original eighteenth-century homes in Elfreth's Alley ("one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the United States");
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enjoy a private tour of the Early American collection of period furniture and silver at the fabulous Philadelphia Museum of Art;
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meet with an expert at the Academy of Natural Sciences for a private showing of specimens collected by Lewis & Clark in the Early Republic era;
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reflect on the history and promise of America over period fare--and tea!
Your guides
Best of all, you do not need to do this trip alone. You will travel with two experts: historian Chris Young and Franklin scholar Mark Canada, who have curated the entire experience for your enjoyment and edification. Professor Young is a scholar of the Early Republic with a special interest in Thomas Jefferson. Professor Canada is the author of numerous articles and books, including the Audible Original Ben Franklin's Lessons in Life.
Professors Young and Canada will help you get the most out of your experience, providing recorded multimedia lectures for you to watch in advance of your trip, along with reading recommendations. During the trip, they will enhance each day's activities with commentary and discussions.
You can help us design this trip!
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This is our first multi-day trip for adults, and we would welcome some feedback on our itinerary.
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If you could, please click here to read the itinerary and respond to the questions in the survey.
Are you ready to express your interest?
If you give us your name and email address using the form below, we will add you to future emails about this experience. Feel free to ask any questions by emailing office@mindinclined.org.
