Pre-Conference

OSCLG 2026 Preconference Experience | Wednesday, October 7 at 3:00 PM

Beyond the (Liberty) Bell Tour

OSCLG 2026 Preconference Experience | Wednesday, October 7 at 3:00 PM

Ready to experience Philadelphia beyond the textbook version of history?
Join us for Beyond the (Liberty) Bell Tour, a guided walking tour through historic Old City and Independence Park that centers the voices and stories too often minimized in mainstream tourism. Together, we’ll explore the complex, layered histories of the city while visiting some of Philadelphia’s most iconic sites—including Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Elfreth’s Alley, and more.
This tour invites participants to engage Philadelphia through a more critical and inclusive lens, uncovering the stories of women, Indigenous communities, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals whose contributions shaped both the city and the nation.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a “nosey local” who loves learning something new, this experience offers a thoughtful and engaging way to begin the conference.

Tour Details
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM start time
Please arrive: 15 minutes early
Length: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes–2 hours
Distance: Approximately 2 miles walking
Ending Location: Betsy Ross House
Meeting Location
Participants should meet in the center of Washington Square by the fountain.
After the Tour
Following the tour, we are planning an optional no-host social gathering for continued conversation, connection, and community-building. 
Location details will be announced closer to the conference.

What to Bring
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Water to stay hydrated
Please note that this is an outdoor walking tour through historic Philadelphia streets and sidewalks.

Planning Ahead
View the walking route here:
Walking Map
Register for the tour here:
Tour Registration
Participants may use the discount code OSCLG26 for $10 off registration.

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