February 17-20: ‘Force of Nature,’ Independence Hall tower ceremony, Freedom Bound, President’s Day Celebration

Force of Nature

Opens Friday, February 17. Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Avenue. The new show Force of Nature features two exhibitions – Elaine Kurtz: A Retrospective and Elemental – focus on the natural world as a foundational element of artwork by Philadelphia artists. $10, $7 for seniors, children, students, and members free.

Independence Hall Tower Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Saturday, February 18, 4:30pm. Independence Mall. The Independence Hall tower has undergone an extensive restoration for a year and a half. Come celebrate the restoration of this landmark as the tower is relit, the Centennial bell is rung, and the clock strikes again. Ribbon cutting and bell-ringing will be on Independence Square at 5pm.  Independence Hall will be open until 6pm for free tours after the event.

Freedom Bound: African American Women in 18th and 19th Century Philadelphia

Saturday, February 18. Stenton, 4601 N. 18th Street. Join Erica Armstrong Dunbar, professor at the University of Delaware and director of the Library Company’s program in African American History, for a lecture and discussion about the paths African American women took toward emancipation. Free tours of Stenton, emphasizing service spaces, will follow the talk. Admission is free. Call (215) 329-7312 or email programs@stenton.org to RSVP.

President’s Day Celebration

Saturday, February 18-Monday, February 20, 10am-3pm. National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street. To celebrate President’s Day, the Constitution Center will offer special family-friendly programming about what it’s like to be President and First Lady, and special tours of the Center’s presidential artifacts and exhibits will start on the hour 10am-2pm. Activities are free with museum admission.