Experience a private tour for up to six people and examine historical documents and artifacts with the American Philosophical Society, the oldest learned society in the United States, which was founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin for the purpose of "promoting useful knowledge." Many founders of the republic were Members: George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Paine, Benjamin Rush, James Madison, and John Marshall.

On your private tour with the Librarian or another curator, you will examine some of the country's most important documents and historic artifacts that few people ever have the opportunity to see. Learn the intimate story behind items like Founder Richard Henry Lee's Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson's hand-written changes, Ben Franklin's copy of the first printing of the new US Constitution with his own hand-written notes in the margins. There are letters from General George Washington, the Revolutionary War journal by American artist Charles Wilson Peale from his days at Valley Forge which includes a sketch of the Commander-in-Chief, first edition of Thomas Paine's Common Sense, and so much more.

This tour can accommodate up to six individuals and can only be scheduled for Monday through Friday 9am-5pm..

The APS is located across from Independence Hall at 105 South Fifth Street, Philadelphia.

This item was donated by the American Philosophical Society to honor Distinguished Citizen Award recipient Dr. Rogers Smith, a fellow APS member.