Park Ranger inking a 1700s reproduction printing press at the Franklin Court Printing Office, Independence National Historical Park
SITE OVERVIEW
The Franklin Court Printing Office at Independence National Historical Park hosts demonstrations of printing techniques using technology from Benjamin Franklin’s time.
LOCATION
The Franklin Court Printing Office is located at market Street between 3rd and 4th streets. There is an entrance to the shop on Market Street and from the courtyard side.
OPERATING HOURS
- Saturday and Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM
- Last printing demonstration is at 4:30 PM
- Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Washington’s Birthday, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
Times can always change, so before making travel plans be sure to get the latest schedule on the National Park Service’s official Operating Hours and Seasons web page for Independence National Historical Park.
TICKETS AND FEES
There are no tickets or fees associated with entering the Franklin Court Printing Office.
WHAT TO DO
Step inside the Franklin Court Printing Office to see how printing was done during Benjamin Franklin’s time. There is no set schedule for demonstrations, so stop by anytime. The Ranger on duty just keeps printing as long as there are people watching.
Printing a copy of the Declaration of Independence at the Franklin Court Printing Office, Independence National Historical Park
In addition to the demonstrations, there are some information panels on how printing was used for political propaganda during the American Revolution, plus some antique printing and bindery equipment.
Information panels inside the Franklin Court Printing Office at Independence National Historical Park
Typesetting equipment on display inside the Franklin Court Printing Office at Independence National Historical Park
On busy days, groups of 60 will be let in every ten minutes to see a demonstration. However, other than during holiday weekends I can’t imagine 60 or more people waiting to get in. I visited on a very busy summer day in Philadelphia and there were just a few people inside.
SCHEDULING YOUR VISIT
Plan to spend 30 minutes at the Franklin Court Printing Office to watch a demonstration and read the information panels.
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Last updated on March 23, 2025
