Custody of Independence Hall

On Tuesday, January 2, 1951, at eleven o'clock in the morning, a simple ceremony marked the transfer of custody of Independence Hall from the city of Philadelphia to the National Park Service. About 150 guests, including representatives of local patriotic and civic organizations and the National Park Service, gathered in Congress Hall. With Judge Lewis as master of ceremonies, Mayor Samuel made a presentation speech, which was accepted by Secretary of the Interior Chapman. Morris Duane, a prominent Philadelphia attorney, made an address on behalf of the citizens of the city. The group then adjourned to Independence Hall, where, in front of the Liberty Bell, Samuel turned over a key to the building to Chapman. After a century and a quarter of stewardship, Philadelphia was relinquishing custody of Independence Square and its buildings. Subject to the terms of the cooperative agreement, the National Park Service was now in control.