Wawa Welcome America

Wawa Welcome America Day 13: Fireworks Light Up Philly Waterfront

The 16-day Wawa Welcome America Festival kicks off July with numerous events on Friday, July 1, 2022, including free museums, a celebration of freedom and FREE fireworks

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July is here! People celebrated the first of the month with Wawa Welcome America's Day 13 festivities -- multiple free museums, a chance to experience live storytelling of our country's history and fireworks to wrap it all up.

It was a blast.

Waterfront Fireworks

The grand finale for the evening -- fireworks over the Delaware River waterfront.

The fireworks began around 9:30 p.m. from near the Cherry Street Pier.

Not able to make it to the waterfront? People watched them on this page.

Free Museum Day at Penn Museum

The Penn Museum offered free admission to explore their many interactive and exciting exhibits.

You used your smartphone to interact with artifacts throughout the museum. Visitors also checked out a spotlight tour, self-guided explorations like scavenger hunts and I-SPY games all for free.

People explored the Penn Museum between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Free Museum Day at Faith and Liberty Discovery Center

The faithful enjoyed Free Museum Day at Faith & Liberty Discovery Center.

The center tells the story of how our country was born and how our leaders turned to faith throughout history, and you can learn about it for free. Dive into the many immersive and interactive learning experiences.

People enjoyed free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free Museum Day At Science History Institute

You explored the Science History Institute for free from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday.

What better time to explore the history and artistry of fireworks through the ages? The Science History Institute collects, shares and dives into the stories of innovators and discoveries that shape our lives today.

Pay What You Wish Day at Rodin Museum

July 1 marked the second of two Pay What You Wish Days at the Rodin Museum during Wawa Welcome America.

Rodin's "The Thinker" at the Philly museum
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The Parkway museum has one of the largest collections of work from the sculptor, Auguste Rodin. You'll be able to view many of his works, including The Thinker and The Gates of Hell, which are showcased in the garden surrounding the museum.

People enjoyed pay what you wish admission from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Free Museum Day at the Powel House

PhilaLandmarks, in partnership with the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, presented Orchestra in the Garden, a free concert at The Powel House

The concert began at 3 p.m.

The Powel House itself now serves as a museum dedicated to Colonial Revivalism. It played an integral role in the redevelopment of Society Hill into one of our country’s premier heritage neighborhoods just a few blocks from Independence Hall.

People enjoyed free admission between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Free Museum Day at Masonic Temple, Library and Museum

You explored the art, frescos, stained glass, murals and sculptures at the Masonic Temple, Library and Museum on its second day of free admission during the festival from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This "wonder" of the Masonic world features exhibit hall, which holds an assortment of treasures from Philadelphia’s, the nation's, and Freemasonry’s past.

Our America Now: Expressions of Freedom

People didn't miss the Our America Now: Expressions of Freedom, hosted by NBC10's Karen Hua and Aunyea Lachelle at Philly's newest attraction, The Oval XP at Eakins Oval.

Through diverse voices, this immersive experience allowed for guests to experience the stories of our nation's history and the many influential individuals. Local artists utilized spoken word, song and dance to portray these stories. There were live artistic performances, DJs, food trucks and interactive activities.

The unique event ran from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Full Details on Wawa Welcome America Day 13 Festivities:

Free Museum Day at Penn Museum

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 1

Where: Penn Museum

3260 South St., Philadelphia, PA 19104

Free Museum Day at Faith and Liberty Discovery Center

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 1

Where: Faith and Liberty Discovery Center

101 N. Independence Mall E, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Free Museum Day At Science History Institute

When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 1

Where: Science History Institute

315 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

Pay What You Wish at Rodin Museum

When: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on July 1

Where: Rodin Museum

2151 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, PA 19130

Free Museum Day at Masonic Temple, Library, Museum

When: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on July 1

Where: Masonic Temple, Library, Museum

1 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19107

Our America Now: Expressions of Freedom

When: 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on July 1

Where: Eakins Oval on the Parkway

2451 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, PA 19130

Waterfront Fireworks

When: 9 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on July 1

Where: Cherry Street Pier

121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106

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