EXPLORE PHILADELPHIA: BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICAN NUMISMATICS

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - site of the American Numismatic Association World's Fair of Money 2000, August 9-13 - presents a wealth of opportunities for visitors.

Founded by William Penn in the late 17th century and given the Greek name meaning "brotherly love," Philadelphia has a rich history of hospitality. This metropolis at the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers is "the birthplace of America," where both the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States were forged. It also is home to the United States' first and now largest federal mint.

Philadelphia has hosted five previous ANA conventions - the first in 1908. This year's show will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, just a block east of the city's "grand boulevard" - the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, where visitors can take in the spectacular view of Swann Fountain and America's largest city hall.

Philadelphia's Historic/Waterfront District begins just four blocks east of the convention center and continues to Penn's Landing and the banks of the Delaware River. The influence of the 18th century and America's patriotic fervor is most evident when viewing Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Franklin Court and Declaration House (Graff House).

The Old City Cultural District provides further exploration of America's heritage. Betsy Ross' home, magnificent Christ Church, Elfreth Alley's row houses and the United States Mint are easily accessible.

Options abound in Philadelphia for museum-hopping. The Museum of American Art of the Pennsylvania Academy of The Fine Arts is the nation's oldest art school/museum. Also impressive are the Rodin Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute Science Museum, The Academy of Natural Sciences, and Fairmont Park (the nation's largest landscaped city park which encompasses the Philadelphia Zoo).

Dining in Philadelphia, dubbed the "Best Restaurant City in America" by readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine, is a delightful experience. The town also provides an abundance of shopping opportunities, from Strawbridge's and Lord & Taylor on Market Street East to The Gallery mall's 200 stores and The Bourse's specialty gift shops.

Just a short distance outside the city limits are the New Jersey shore and Atlantic City casinos. Valley Forge National Historic Park (where Washington and his troops spent that difficult winter during the Revolutionary War), Lancaster County's Pennsylvania Dutch country and Longwood Gardens make memorable day trips.

Navigating the city is easy. "Touch and See Philadelphia," an interactive, multimedia kiosk system set up throughout town, provides detailed information about attractions and entertainment. A visitor-friendly transit system (SEPTA) includes high-speed train service to and from the airport, as well as a special, tourist-oriented bus route. A fleet of bright purple buses provides frequent "loop service" throughout the Center City and Waterfront areas. For more information, contact the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau at 215/636-3300 or visit its web site at www.pcvb.org.

The ANA has arranged a number of tours for conventioneers. Those who pre-register for the show before July 15 will receive discounts on the cost of their tickets. Tour tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. (A pre-registration card can be found in the June issue of the ANA's journal, The Numismatist, and also is available on the ANA's web site, www.money.org.)

- Wednesday, August 9 - Historic Philadelphia Trolley Tour rolls out at 9 a.m. for a tour of the city ($12 pre-registration, $15 on site). At 6:30 p.m., the ANA has arranged for tickets to Major League Baseball - the Philadelphia Phillies versus the San Diego Padres - at Veterans Stadium ($29 pre-registration, $32 on site).

- Thursday, August 10 - An excursion to Independence Seaport Museum - a state-of-the-art, cultural learning center at Penn's Landing - is set to begin at 10 a.m. ($15 pre-registration, $18 on site). At 1:30 p.m., a special numismatic tour of the U.S. Mint and Federal Reserve Bank is scheduled ($8 pre-registration, $10 on site).

- Friday, August 11 - The ANA's traditional Friendship Luncheon is planned for 11:30 a.m. at the Old Original Bookbinders Restaurant - a tradition in seafood dining since 1865 ($33 pre-registration; $36 on site).

- Saturday, August 12 - A day trip to splendid Longwood Gardens (created by Pierre S. du Pont), and The Franklin Mint Museum and studios is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. ($27 pre-registration, $30 on site).

For more information about the ANA World's Fair of Money 2000, including hotel reservations and discount travel, contact the ANA Convention Department, 818 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903-3279; telephone 719/632-2646; fax 719/634-4085; E-mail anacvn@money.org; or visit the ANA Web site at www.money.org.