This is where the First Continental Congress convened in 1774 as the soon-to-be nation's 13 states worked to gain a stronger voice in the British government.
Next month Barack Obama, his family and local citizens will convene here before he's sworn in as the country's 44th president.
It's not yet clear whether Obama's Philadelphia inaugural event will take place on the historic Independence Mall or somewhere else. But certainly among those here will be people who are excited because they can't go the inauguration in Washington.
"It should be interesting to see how many people could be crowded into the city," said Chris Teot of Levittown, Pa.
"It's just very exciting for them to let us be a part of such a big moment in history," said Jasmin Senior of Germantown.
Exciting many say, to be close enough to witness history in the making.
