New for 2024!
ACTFL is launching its first-ever tour experiences for our convention attendees on Thursday, November 21, 2024, before the convention officially kicks off, in addition to a Saturday evening tour (plus communal dinner option). These tours will give you an opportunity to network and you can visit popular attractions, learn about the history and culture of Philadelphia, and enjoy time with your peers.
View the tours webpage here or view the tour programs below for more information.
Treasures of Center Square
Take a fascinating stroll around Center Square, one of Philadelphia founder William Penn's original public squares and see magical sites (including two of the Monopoly railroads -- let's get you that story!) and utterly whimsical and fascinating finds. Special to this tour will be a guided experience inside the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania's magnificent 151 year old building with its many distinct architecturally magnificent rooms. It's an out-of-the box tour experience on Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ET
Philadelphia Then & Now Tour
The most comprehensive full-city tour, Philadelphia Then & Now, is a fully guided tour by bus and on foot through four centuries of art, architecture and Philadelphia’s growth to the 2nd largest city on the east coast. It’s a historic and cultural journey on Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. ET.
America's Birthplace Story
The America’s Birthplace Story is a comprehensive fully-guided tour on foot through the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district. As the first World Heritage City in America – and with Independence Hall designated a UNESCO World Heritage site – this tour offers significant cultural and historical value on Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. ET.
African American Philadelphia Tour
Philadelphia is rich with early African American history. Our journey will showcases such locations as Washington Square, once known as “Congo Square” by African Americans and served as an auction block where slaves were sold and where Free Blacks gathered; Elfreth’s Alley, home to many free blacks; London Coffee House site, gathering place for prospective buyers of newly arrived enslaved Africans; Willings Alley, site of 1st school for black children in U.S. Philadelphia is rich with early African American history and sites that will unfold on this 3 hour walking tour from Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ET.
Phila Evening Illuminations Tour
After dinner (on your own), its time to get out to see Philadelphia's top sites as they transform from day into night: Independence Hall, Betsy Ross House, Philadelphia’s City Hall, Rocky steps, Avenue of the Arts, the cultural Benjamin Franklin Boulevard, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Academy of Music, majestic murals and so much more! Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. ET.
Saturday Dinner ADD-ON
Join your ACTFL colleagues and friends for a lovely 4-course dinner! You may choose to join for dinner only OR dinner plus after-dinner tour (additional purchase required). Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. ET.