New Screening Procedures to Visit Independence Square, Liberty Bell

March 25, 2004

New Screening Procedures to Visit Independence Square, Liberty Bell
March 25, 2004 – Visitors to Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia will be screened only once during their visit, effective March 29.

In response to visitor requests and suggestions, visitors will enter the screening facility on Market Street between Fifth and Sixth Streets and be directed through the Liberty Bell Center. Once finished in the center, groups will be crossed at Sixth and Chestnut Streets by security personnel onto Independence Square. On the Square, visitors will be able to visit the buildings at their own pace.

The new screening procedure will be done on a pilot basis through the next several months and will be evaluated to determine its effectiveness. Awareness of the following guidelines will help make the new procedure successful:

Visitors will not be able to return to the Liberty Bell Center once they cross Chestnut Street.

Independence Hall tours will continue by timed tickets only. Visitors must pick up tickets at the Independence Visitor Center prior to going through the screening process.

It is important that visitors allow enough time to get through screening before their scheduled tour of Independence Hall. The National Park Service suggests arriving at the screening facility 45 minutes to one hour before your tour.

The fewer personal items visitors bring, such as tote bags, backpacks and camera bags, the faster visitors will move through security screening.

For more information, click here.