PoliticalFest 2016 ready to wow the DNC crowd

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- When the speakers are not taking the stage in South Philadelphia, a series of exhibits will guide visitors through the ins-and-outs of our storied past, from the Declaration of Independence to a sneak peek at a replica of Air Force One.

Former Pennsylvania Governor, Ed Rendell, Chairman of the Philadelphia 2016 DNC Host Committee, says he's ready to showcase Philadelphia to the thousands who are flocking to the city for the Democratic National Convention.

"This is two-and-a-half years in the making. We've been working as the host committee for two-and-a-half years," Rendell said.

Just days before the convention starts, Rendell hosted a press tour for one of the highlighted activities for the DNC, PoliticalFest 2016.

The six-day event starts Friday, and will feature exhibits that will be displayed at seven different locations, like the National Constitution Center, the Pennsylvania Convention Center and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

"These are things you will never see anywhere else in the world. They are the first and second drafts of the Constitution, early printings of the Declaration of Independence. It is a treat, especially for people who love history," said Dr. Lee Arnold of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

PoliticalFest is a celebration of political history, government and the road to the White House.

The exhibits will each have a theme and highlight contributions made by important figures and movements since the nation's founding. Unlike the DNC, which is only for credentialed guests, this is open to everyone.

"This is the way people can gain access to the convention. They can't get into the building, those tickets are long gone, but you can get here and bring your kids and learn about politics and learn about our history," Rendell said.

The Convention Center will be a hot spot for PoliticalFest. The theme inside is 'Politics and You.' It will feature displays like this Air Force One fuselage replica, representing the plane that carried the body of President John F. Kennedy after his assassination.

"It has a lot of soul, and when you talk to people who come through it has an impact. When they listen to the recordings, they know where they were that day and it gives them the chills," said 'ground pilot' Donald Snare.

The DNC Host Committee hopes that people are engaged and entertained, and will eventually return to Philadelphia. As many visit the birth place of democracy, there is also a hope that the trip will be used as an educational adventure.

"I want them to leave smarter than when they got off the plane. After being in Philadelphia, I want them to learn something," said Dr. Arnold.