Taking the Opportunity to Enjoy Philadelphia

On Wednesday, June 27th, ISEA Executive Director Jan Reinicke and I had the morning to enjoy the sites of Philadelphia. Beginning Wednesday afternoon we both have state leader's meetings, NEA-PAC Council meeting, and much more....then our Iowa delegates begin to arrive for the 2007 NEA Representative Assembly!


We started our morning by viewing the Liberty Bell. A beautiful, air-conditioned visitor's center now houses the Liberty Bell. It is pretty magnificent to just imagine this ringing out our nation's freedom!





We next took in the first building to house the U.S. Supreme Court (here at the left) while awaiting our assigned time to visit Independence Hall.



Once in Independence Hall we heard from a National Park Service guide who gave the history of the building and important events that occured here. We were given the chance to visit two different chambers where our nation's earliest policy makers met for the Continental Congress and to sign the Declaration of Independence.

Finally, before grabbing lunch and heading back to the hotel to prepare for afternoon meetings, we enjoyed a horse-drawn carriage ride around Philadelphia's historic area. It was a rare opportunity to have some time to enjoy the city that hosts the NEA Representative Assembly. We are now "rested and ready" for the pre-meetings, caucuses, and all the expectations of the annual NEA meeting!