New Hall at Independence National Historical Park
SITE OVERVIEW
The current New Hall building is a reproduction of the original that was built by the Carpenters’ Company in 1791. After having a huge demand for rental space in its original headquarters, Carpenters’ Hall just next door, the Carpenters’ Company built New Hall to be its headquarters and occupied it until 1857. The building was torn down in the 1950s and rebuilt by the National Park Service in 1960.
New Hall is now home to a museum that focuses on the formation of the American military in the late 1700s. This is fitting because New Hall was the home of the U. S. War Department in 1791-92. Only six people worked in the department at that time. In fact, after the Revolution politicians questioned the need for an army, only reluctantly increasing its size from 700 to 5,000 troops. The main purpose of the military at that time was to defend against Indian attacks.
LOCATION
New Hall Military Museum is located at 320 Chestnut Street (Chestnut Street between 3rd and 4th streets).
OPERATING HOURS
- Daily from mid-June through Labor Day
- 12 PM to 5 PM
- Closed all other days of the year
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 New Hall Military Museum.
WHAT TO DO
New Hall is not a very big building, so a visit to the museum won’t take up much time. The museum focuses on the creation of the American military in the late 1700s, starting with the Revolution. The bottom floor is dedicated to the Marines and the top floor to the Army and Navy. Exhibits include weapons and models of early U.S. war ships. A park Ranger is on duty to answer any questions you might have.
Lower floor Marines exhibit at New Hall, Independence National Historical Park
Upper floor Army and Navy exhibits at New Hall, Independence National Historical Park
SCHEDULING YOUR TIME
Allow a half hour for your visit to the New Hall Military Museum.
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Last updated on July 13, 2022
