Contact: Lauren Tosti
                 215.925.6101, ext. 6117
                 ltosti@IndependenceVisitorCenter.com

Celebrate Black History Month with the
 Independence Visitor Center

Philadelphia, PA (January 28, 2009): The place to celebrate Black History Month is located right on Philadelphia’s historic Independence Mall! Throughout the month of February, the Independence Visitor Center (IVCC), located at 6^th & Market Streets, across from the Liberty bell, will be hosting a variety of special events to commemorate Black History Month.

The month of February is dedicated to recognizing the history and contributions of African Americans and the Independence Visitor Center is proud to host a number of events to celebrate Black History; beginning with a Colonial Interpreter Reenactment of on February 20^th, from 11 am to 1 pm. Join Historic Philadelphia, Inc. and the IVCC as the story and legacy of Harriet Tubman is brought to life. Meet the famous conductor of the Underground Railroad as a storyteller describes the pursuits of former slaves who made the daring journey to freedom, such as Peter Still and Oney Judge.

On February 28^th, from 11 am to 1 pm, celebrate President Obama Day. Watch as the five local youth, aged 4 – 18, perform their best recitation of any of the now-famous speeches the President delivered during the course of his campaign. The five children selected entered the top video renditions of a President Obama speech during the call for submissions.

The celebration continues on February 28^th, from 5 pm to 7 pm, with a book reading and signing by Gwen Ifill of her newly-released book, The Breakthrough: Politics And Race In the Age Of Obama in Independence Ballroom. After causing controversy long before its publication, as Ms. Ifill prepared to moderate the only Vice Presidential debate of 2008, The Breakthrough proves to be a remarkable look at contemporary politics and an essential foundation for understanding the future of American democracy in the age of Obama.

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The Independence Visitor Center, located at 6th & Market Streets, across from the Liberty Bell, provides the region’s best event and attraction information to visitors and locals alike about Independence National Historical Park, the City of Philadelphia and the countryside. Open daily at 8:30 a.m. seven days a week (with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day). For information, visit www.independencevisitorcenter.comor call 215.965.7676.