HISTORIC GERMANTOWN LAUNCHES FREEDOM'S BACKYARD
PHILADELPHIA, PA - June 17 -- Historic Germantown and its 14 attractions have come together under a unifying message, proclaiming Historic Germantown as Freedom's Backyard.
The announcement was made today by Stephen Hague, president of Historic Germantown Preserved and executive director of Stenton. Joining Hague in making the announcement were Karen Randal from the Department of Commerce, City of Philadelphia; and Patricia Washington, vice president of cultural tourism for Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.
"Philadelphia has always been known for its history, from the Liberty Bell to the Declaration of Independence," said Hague. "But the story does not end within the historic mile. Here in Historic Germantown, the battles for freedom came home, literally into the backyards of individuals brave enough to risk their lives to make a stand."
"These battles didn't start or end with the Revolutionary War," Hague continued. "The battle for personal freedom extends far beyond freedom from England. We are proud of Germantown's long history of making a stand for freedom and invite visitors to come experience these stories for themselves."
For more than three centuries, Historic Germantown has been home to the personal side of the battle for freedom - from a Revolutionary War battle fought on the grounds of Cliveden, to struggles against slavery waged quietly through the salvation found in Johnson House, a home on the Underground Railroad. Long before downtown Philadelphia proclaimed freedom from England at Independence Hall, Germantown proclaimed freedom for all people on a table housed at the Germantown Mennonite Church (now the Germantown Mennonite Historic Trust).
The stories of Historic Germantown can be found in the historic house museums from Wyck to Deshler Morris, and the beautiful landscapes of Historic RittenhouseTown and Awbury Arboretum. Each has its own tale and its own definition of freedom - the fight for freedom from England, freedom from slavery, and even economic freedom.
Located in Philadelphia, Historic Germantown was once a half day's trip from Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the world of Betsy Ross, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. Here the battles hit home, and personal tales of the sacrifices for freedom took life.
Today, Germantown is a 15-minute drive from downtown, and Historic Germantown's attractions are telling their collective stories of these personal battles in Freedom's Backyard. Each attraction provides accounts of the hard-won freedoms at their locations. In addition, a collective website - www.freedomsbackyard.com -- serves as a portal for Historic Germantown for residents and visitors alike.
The new marketing initiative was made possible through funding by the Heritage Philadelphia Program with additional support from the Marketing Innovation Program, both programs of the Philadelphia Center for Arts and Heritage, funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts, and administered by The University of the Arts.
The campaign was created by Caspari McCormick and Eight Marketing, with research direction from The Melior Group.
For more information, visit www.freedomsbackyard.com.
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