A Philly Tour Guide’s Top Spots for History Buffs

After retiring from a 43-year career as a chemical engineer, Martin Lotito ’81 decided to pursue his passion for history as his next chapter. He’s always been fascinated by the creation of the U.S. government and wanted to learn more. “We all came over on different ships, but we’re on the same boat now,” Lotito says. “How did this happen?” 

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Lotito

In 2024, he earned a certification as a Philadelphia historical tour guide and began his business Tricorner Tours to guide visitors through the city’s historical landmarks on foot. His daughter, Lisa Lotito, designed his website, and the rest has literally been history. Lotito’s available tours cover five themes: famous founders in Philadelphia, religion, a military tour, one focused on women and Black founders, and Benjamin Franklin. 

So how should one mark the country’s semiquincentennial in Philadelphia? Lotito of course recommends taking one of his tours to get more in-depth details on landmarks, including the Liberty Bell. But for those looking to explore on their own, Lotito shares with PAW his top recommendations in the city’s Independence National Historical Park: 

Independence Hall

520 Chestnut St.

Likely one of the most iconic buildings in the city, Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S Constitution were signed. “Absolutely go inside!” Lotito insists, adding that he regards the East Room as the epicenter of political history. He encourages visitors to take the ranger-led tour for a deep dive into the history. Tickets are required most days, but free tours will be available on July 1, 2, 3, 4, and 14. Once you’re done, “Come out and get my tour,” Lotito says, “because I’m going to tell you things that are not in the scope of what the ranger address, because I’m going to put them in the bigger context.”

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution

217-231 W. Washington Square    

A short distance from Independence Hall is Washington Square, home of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution. “As you walk across the square, you’re walking above the graves of thousands of Revolutionary soldiers,” Lotito says. He encourages visitors to observe the flags and read the words written on the monument. “It’s a very special place,” Lotio says, which is why he highly recommends factoring it into a visit. 

Christ Church

20 N. American St.

The intersection of U.S. history and religion is something that Lotito says has fascinated him as he’s learned about the historical sites over the years. Founded in 1695, Christ Church was the first parish of the Church of England and where the American Episcopal Church was born. Seven of the signers of the Declaration of Independence are also buried on the church’s property. Stop inside when church is not in session, Lotito says. “You can go in and see a lot of wonderful things. For example, many of the pews are marked with brass name plates for many founders who worshipped there.” Famous figures like George Washington, Betsy Ross, and Ben Franklin were regulars at this church.

Carpenters’ Hall

320 Chestnut St.

The site of the first Continental Congress in 1774, Carpenters’ Hall is a “beautiful building” that visitors can tour through quite easily. Free to the public, this space was the home of the first and second banks of the U.S., Franklin’s Library Company, and the American Philosophical Society. “It’s one big room and there’s an awful lot of history there,” Lotito says.

Franklin Court 

322 Market St.

There are two main ways to explore the site which serves as a representational design of Benjamin Franklin’s home: by browsing the top level or going to the museum downstairs. “This is a property that he owned later in his life, and there are great stories that go with it,” Lotito says. Visitors can step back in time in the courtyard of “ghost structures” which outline the locations of Franklin’s home. The museum below celebrates the founder’s life and legacy.

Bonus: Betsy Ross House

239 Arch St.

Visitors can “get a great feel for colonial life,” by exploring the artifacts at the Betsy Ross House museum, Lotito says. Ross, who is believed to have sewn the first United States flag, is an integral part of American history. There’s lots to explore and learn, making this a great stop, he adds.