Uwishunu.com

Here in the United States, there is July 4. Where I’m from, back in France, we’ve got July 14th. Both of these holidays have the same purpose: celebrating a country’s independence. July 14, a.k.a. Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille, a famous Parisian jail, and the beginning of the French revolution. In France, it’s a day off, full of outdoor dancing and fireworks.

Whether you’re a French expat (like me), or curious about French history, or simply looking for any excuse to party; Philadelphia offers many opportunities to celebrate Bastille Day. You might be familiar with the jail storming reenactment at the Eastern State Penitentiary and the outdoor ball in University City, but this year, for the first time, the National Constitution Center adds an educational piece to it.

From Saturday, July 11th to Tuesday July 14th, visitors can join in an interactive demonstration comparing and contrasting the French and American Revolutions. During a special tour of Signers’ Hall, guests will discover which Signers visited France during and after the American Revolution and how they contributed to the history of both countries. In addition, on Saturday, July 11 at 2:00 p.m., guests can sample crepes and learn about the history of French food.

Craft activities for children will take place throughout the day, including the chance to create bicorn Napoléon hats, multi-colored cockades, and French tricolor flags, while learning about their significance. Marie Antoinette lookalikes may wander the museum, as visitors create their own wigs and have their faces powdered to get into the spirit of the day. During a “cutting edge” presentation, visitors can create their own miniature (and harmless!) toy guillotines while learning about their use during the French Revolution.

The Center is also offering a walking tour of Philadelphia, highlighting the city’s connections with France during the French Revolution and the time of Napoléon’s reign. Participants will explore the French presence in the city during stops at the former residences of Joseph Bonaparte and Louis Philippe, the Duke of Orléans, among other destinations.

For more information and the events schedule, visit the Constitution Center’s official website. Have fun!

National Constitution Center
525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 409-6700
www.constitutioncenter.org