Fred Beuttler
Lecturer, Master of Liberal Arts Program
Explore the founding of the United States on a 4-day tour of Philadelphia
Revolutionary Philadelphia: The Constitutional Convention
September 17-20, 2026
Our trip begins on the very anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution. Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States as we explore the nation’s founding on a four-day journey through Philadelphia. Join Graham School instructor Fred Beuttler and experts from Emerging Revolutionary War for an immersive experience designed to deepen and enrich your Graham coursework. Explore iconic sites including Independence Hall, Independence National Historical Park, the National Constitution Center, the Museum of the American Revolution, and Eastern State Penitentiary, while engaging in thoughtful discussions about the people, ideas, and events that shaped the American experiment.
This trip is sponsored by the Bowe Stewart Foundation as part of its commitment to exploring the historical and contemporary issues related to the development and sustenance of civic principles and participation. Learn more about the Bowe Stewart Series.
Benefits of traveling to Philadelphia:
- Bring history to life through guided visits to Philadelphia’s most significant historic landmarks
- Deepen your understanding of the founding era through conversations with leading historians and subject-matter experts
- Engage in critical discussion and shared exploration with fellow Graham students and alumni
- Tuition includes accommodations at Independence Park Hotel and select group meals
Itinerary
Our itinerary, developed by Fred Beuttler in partnership with historians at Emerging Revolutionary War is designed to put you in the room and on the streets where the Continental Congress took place during the Revolutionary War era. Our tour starts on the very evening of the anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution.
Day One
Thursday, September 17:
After checking into our hotel, the Independence Park Hotel, we set out for an opening night dinner.
Day Two
Friday, September 18:
Today, we explore the heart and intellectual center of the American Revolution with guides from Emerging Revolutionary War. With our focus on Independence National Historic Park, we dive into America’s most historic square mile as we visit Independence Hall, Congress Hall, and Franklin’s House and Museum. After lunch we embark on a guided visit of the Museum of the American Revolution.
Day Three
Saturday, September 19:
We spend a full morning touring the National Constitution Center including a guided tour of Signers Hall with gallery talks. After lunch, we explore The First Salute, the first-ever major museum exhibition dedicated to the little-known story of Jewish merchants in who contributed to the cause of American Liberty. We end the day with a visit to Carpenter’s Hall, the first meeting place of the First Continental Congress and a look at the military reality and the human cost of the struggle for Independence.
Day Four
Sunday, September 20:
Before we say farewell to Philadelphia, we stop by the Eastern State Penitentiary to examine the world’s first penitentiary on a guided tour.
Leaders and Guides
Tour Leaders:
Matt Welton
Associate Director of Travel Study and Student Engagement
Mark Maloy
Battlefield Guide
Rob Orrison
Battlefield Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the Philadelphia travel study experience from the Graham School.
Is there an application to participate in the Revolutionary Era Weekend?
Yes. Everyone is welcome to apply, applications are filled on a first come, first served basis.
What are the prerequisites to participate in Revolutionary Era Weekend?
This trip is open to all; there are no prerequisites.
What are the room accommodations?
We will have both single rooms and double rooms available for students at the centrally located Independence Park Hotel located in Philadelphia, PA.
What is the cost of this tour?
The tour is $1,995 per person and includes accommodations at the Independence Park Hotel, Philadelphia. If you live in the area and would like to join us without staying at the hotel, please contact Matt Welton at mwelton@uchicago.edu.
If I live in the area, am I still required to stay at the hotel?
If you live in the area and would like to join us each day without staying at the Independence Park Hotel in Philadelphia, please contact Matt Welton at mwelton@uchicago.edu.
Is there required advanced reading?
Our tour instructor, Fred Beuttler, may have suggested readings that will be made available prior to departure.
Will we have discussion sessions during the trip?
Yes. Tour instructor, Fred Beuttler will lead discussions in Philadelphia.
What is the cancellation policy?
All cancelations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing. All cancelations will be subject to a $600 per person fee. Cancellations received between July 31 and August 31, 2026, will result in a forfeiture of 60% of the total program cost per person. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after August 21, 2026.
If the Graham School cancels this trip, you will receive a full refund.
Tour Partners
Emerging Revolutionary War is a public history platform for sharing original scholarship related to the American Revolutionary War Era. Their blog and website offer new historical research, memory studies, travelogues, personal narratives, essays, and book reviews. They strive to introduce new historians of the American Revolution to a broad public audience in a fun and engaging way. They host biweekly chats with guest historians on a variety of topics and have a series of books about the Revolutionary War published through Savas Beatie Publishers. These books offer a brief, readable, and illustrated narrative of significant Revolutionary War military campaigns with self-guided tours of the battlefields. They regularly give tours of Revolutionary War battlefields across the East Coast.
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