International Day of Monuments & Sites
International Day of Monuments and Sites is celebrated annually all over the world on April 18th as a way to honor heritage, diversity, community, and the environment.
GPA works tirelessly to promote Philadelphia’s staggering 67 National Historic Landmarks by creating an easily accessible map for tourism and heritage interests. GPA has formed a community within the city’s 67 National Historic Landmarks, offering members, city residents, and tourists alike to learn about cultural heritage and all of the hidden gems of our World Heritage City.
A community has taken root within the network of the 67 NHLs, with Global Philadelphia there to organize events, tours, SDG partnerships, and educational opportunities in our Learn Philly Heritage program. IDMS is a day for all of these NHLs to come together and acculturate the Philadelphia community.
Events & Tours 2026
Global Philadelphia's goal with this day-long series of events is to raise awareness and civic pride in our historic city of Philadelphia.
2026 Featured Sites
|
|
Full list of phl national historic landmarks
Moravian Bethlehem - PA World Heritage Site
GPA is thrilled to announce that Moravian Bethlehem — one of Pennsylvania's UNESCO World Heritage Sites — will participate in IDMS 2026. As Philadelphia and the nation celebrate the 250th anniversary of independence, Bethlehem opens its doors to bring 18th-century history to life in a way that is immersive, family-friendly, and deeply rooted in community.
Philadelphia Histories Month: A Month-Long Celebration of History Debuts This April
Philadelphia, one of America’s most historic cities, is launching its first-ever Philadelphia Histories Month this April, celebrating the people and moments that shaped its legacy through events, tours, and exhibitions across the city. In addition to IDMS on the 18th, cultural institutions and sites are teaming up to offer special programs at landmark sites and museums, giving visitors plenty of ways to explore the city’s rich history throughout April and May.
Photo courtesy Museum of the American Revolution
National Historic Landmark Advisory Board
These civic leaders with expertise in history preservation and the NHL landscape aid GPA in preserving, enhancing, and promoting Philadelphia's 67 NHLs.
- David Brownlee, Ph.D., FSAH
- Michael Norris, Executive Director of Carpenters' Hall
- Rev. Carolyn C. Cavaness, Pastor of Mother Bethel AME Church
- Cassie Thomson, Senior Director of Government and Civic Affairs of Visit Philly
- Paul Steinke, Executive Director, Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia
- Cornelia Swinson, Executive Director of Historic Johnson House