Thursday, August 16, 2018

We arrived early in Philadelphia again, this time to visit 1)The Liberty Bell Center, 2)a second visit to Philosophical Hall of the American Philosophical Society (APS), established by Benjamin Franklin in 1743, since the museum was closed yesterday), 3)the National Constitution Center and 4)the
US Mint Philadelphia.

Since Lewis was a member of the APS, and his Eastern legacy Trail began in Philadelphia, we needed to view whatever was displayed. So, we were able to view the first floor APS displays and artifacts, including an entire table with Lewis and Clark memorabilia (picture), including actual dried plant specimens and a "copy" of one of Lewis' Journal books. An original engraving of William Clark's map was displayed above the table.

We ended our day at the National Constitution Center where Wilma took a few pictures of my friends William Paterson and William Livingston, signers of the US Constitution from New Jersey. Pennsylvania was extraordinarily well represented by Franklin, G.Morris, R.Morris, Wilson, et.al. I also got along well with Alexander Hamilton and George Washington.

An educational and helpful way to begin the trip; two very good days in Philadelphia.  Tomorrow, we head out to Harper's Ferry, WV, to visit the Arsenal and Museum there and then drive down to Charlottesville, VA to visit Jefferson's Monticello over the weekend. Finally, lean birding;  only 23 species since we began.