Philadelphia’s Forgotten Dead

Philadelphia’s Forgotten Dead: An Unexpected Journey into the City’s Hidden Burial Sites

If you’re curious about Philadelphia’s unseen history and love uncovering stories lurking beneath the surface, the Philadelphia’s Forgotten Dead tour offers a fascinating look into the city’s burial past. While it’s not your typical sightseeing tour, this experience dives into the overlooked and sometimes eerie stories of long-buried Philadelphians, giving you a new perspective on the city’s streets and landmarks.

What we really like about this tour is its unique focus on Philadelphia’s burial sites, its affordable price, and the compact 2-hour format that fits well into a busy schedule. Plus, the guided narrative can reveal surprising anecdotes that you won’t find in standard city guides. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the tour involves some walking, and the focus on cemeteries might not appeal to everyone. This experience is perfect for history buffs, curious travelers, and those with an interest in the city’s more mysterious side.

Good To Know

• Authentic Stories: Learn about Philadelphia’s forgotten graves and burial practices.
• Accessible Price: At $30, it offers good value for a guided experience in a historic city.
• Historical Insight: Discover how the city’s development covered long-buried graves and stories.
• Compact Duration: The 2-hour format means plenty of information without a long commitment.
• Walking Tour: Requires moderate physical activity, so be prepared for some strolling.
• Small Group: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Exploring Philadelphia’s Hidden Cemeteries and Burial Stories

The Philadelphia’s Forgotten Dead tour begins in Washington Square, a park that might look peaceful but has a dark history as a former potter’s field. Here, you’ll hear how the land has been a resting place for many who were forgotten or abandoned, and how modern development has covered these stories. The guide will likely point out subtle markers and remnants that hint at its past.

Next, the tour moves to Independence Mall, a now-touristy area that was once a neighborhood with its own burial grounds. Here, you’ll learn how the city’s growth buried centuries of unmarked graves beneath streets and buildings, a common issue in a city as old as Philadelphia. The guide may share tidbits about archaeological discoveries made during recent renovations, offering insight into what lies beneath the surface.

The third stop is outside the National Constitution Center, where archeologists unearthed both expected and surprising items during excavation work. Standing outside, you’ll get a sense of the layers of history hidden beneath the modern museum, and the stories these relics tell about past Philadelphians.

Then, the tour visits Franklin Square, historically a public space but also a site where communities once dumped and abandoned the remains of their dead. This layered history adds a layer of eerie fascination, as you consider the lives that once played out in this lively park.

Finally, at the Betsy Ross House, the focus shifts to the more well-known figure’s burial stories and nearby secrets. Interestingly, a hidden burial site is located across the street, beneath an unassuming condo building—highlighting how history is often tucked away in plain sight.

What Makes this Tour Stand Out?

Guided storytelling is a major highlight. The guide, provided by Offbeat Philly, is knowledgeable and enthusiastic, offering detailed anecdotes that bring the sites to life. From the description of the archeological finds outside the Constitution Center to the stories of communities that burned or abandoned their dead, these insights make history feel fresh and intriguing.

The small group size—a maximum of 15 travelers—ensures you don’t just become a number. You can ask questions, get personalized attention, and enjoy the experience at a comfortable pace. This intimacy is especially valuable given the tour’s focus on sensitive and sometimes eerie topics.

Pricing at $30 per person is quite reasonable, especially considering it includes guiding services. It’s a largely self-guided experience, with no additional costs unless you opt for extras like bottled water (which isn’t included). For budget-conscious travelers, it offers an authentic, learning-focused alternative to more touristy paid attractions.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

Stop 1: Washington Square
Starting here sets a contemplative tone. Formerly a potter’s field, this space speaks volumes about how Philadelphia has built over its past. The guide will likely point out subtle historical markers and tell stories of those unclaimed, forgotten souls. It’s an evocative beginning that hints at the layers of history beneath.

Stop 2: Independence Mall
This area is now bustling with travelers, but historically it was a burial ground. The shift from a quiet burial site to a lively historic district is a stark reminder of urban expansion swallowing the past. Expect to hear about buried stories beneath modern streets, with archaeological finds shedding light on 18th-century Philadelphia.

Stop 3: National Constitution Center
The archeological discoveries here include both expected artifacts and some surprises. Standing outside, you might imagine the lives that once filled the space, long before it became a hub of American democracy. The guide will probably share some of the most interesting finds, adding depth to your understanding of the city’s layered history.

Stop 4: Franklin Square
Once a site of community gatherings and, unexpectedly, burial dumping grounds, Franklin Square’s past offers a mix of civic pride and darker stories. It’s a reminder that public spaces often hide secrets, and you’ll get a glimpse of how some communities dealt with their dead in unconventional ways.

Stop 5: Betsy Ross House
While the house itself is a popular historic site, the story across the street might come as a surprise. An unassuming condo covers a burial site, a stark reminder that history is often beneath our feet, unnoticed. You’ll leave with a greater appreciation for how Philadelphia’s past is woven into its everyday spaces.

Practical Considerations

Duration & Timing: The tour lasts about 2 hours, starting at 7:00 pm, making it ideal for evening explorations. The timing also enhances the atmospheric quality, especially as shadows grow longer around these historic sites.

Physical requirements: Moderate physical activity is expected, mainly walking between stops. The sites are accessible, but be prepared for some standing and walking.

Meeting point & access: The tour starts at 210 W Washington Square, a location accessible by public transportation. The small group size means it’s easy to coordinate and find the guide.

Booking & cancellation: Confirmations are immediate, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours beforehand, adding flexibility for your plans.

Why Choose This Tour?

This experience is less about seeing famous landmarks and more about feeling the layers of Philadelphia’s past beneath the surface. It’s perfect for those who love history, archaeology, or simply enjoy stories of the less-seen side of a city. If you’re after a short, impactful tour that combines history with a bit of mystery, this is a solid choice.

While it’s not a high-energy activity, it offers a thoughtful, engaging way to spend a couple of hours learning about how Philadelphia’s history extends beneath its streets. The intimate group setting and knowledgeable guide make it a memorable experience for curious travelers who want a story-rich outing.

The Sum Up

Philadelphia’s Forgotten Dead offers a rare glimpse into the city’s burial past, blending history, archaeology, and storytelling into a compact tour. It’s especially suited for travelers who are interested in uncovering the stories buried just beneath the surface of historic landmarks. For a reasonable price, you get an authentic, guided experience that reveals how the past lingers in unexpected places.

Whether you’re a history buff, a curious explorer, or someone looking to add a touch of mystery to your Philadelphia visit, this tour provides a unique perspective on the city’s layered, sometimes haunting history. It’s a thoughtful way to connect with Philadelphia’s long-buried stories and consider what lies beneath the streets we walk every day.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While suitable for most, the tour’s focus on cemeteries and burial stories might be more appreciated by older children and adults interested in history and stories of the past.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, with a series of stops across historic sites in Old City Philadelphia.

What is included in the price?
The $30 fee covers guiding services. It does not include bottled water, which travelers may want to bring.

Is the tour accessible by public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point near 210 W Washington Square is accessible by public transit, making it convenient to reach without a car.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves moderate walking. Dress for the weather, especially if rain is forecasted.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, offering flexibility in your planning.

Is the group size small?
Yes, the tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

Whether you’re in town for just a few days or a local looking to learn something new, Philadelphia’s Forgotten Dead provides an engaging, thought-provoking look at how history is quietly buried beneath the city’s streets.