"Every time you come to the benches you learn something," she said. "It was such a great surprise to see how another piece of history fits into their education."

Lance Dunst smiled at his enthusiastic sons.

"They're now engrossed in history," he said. "They're running off to the next place and yelling, 'Freedom!' "

Once Upon a Nation

Once Upon a Nation storytelling benches are open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily until Sept. 7. There are 13 locations, each marked with a sign. Storytellers wear contemporary clothing, including a bright polo shirt. They ring bells before beginning a story. The presentations are free. Visitors receive a paper flag and are encouraged to collect stickers at all 13 benches. The flag can be exchanged at Franklin Square for coupons offering discounts at various attractions and stores. For more information, call 215-629-4026 or go to www.historicphiladelphia.org

The following are bench locations:

Independence Visitor Center, Market Street between Fifth and Sixth Streets.

Washington Square near Sixth and Walnut Streets.

Independence Square, behind Independence Hall, between Fifth and Sixth, Walnut and Chestnut Streets.

Signers' Garden near the intersection of Fifth and Chestnut Streets.

Second Bank of the United States, between Fourth and Fifth, Chestnut and Walnut Streets.

The ACA INA Foundation Storytelling bench at Carpenters' Hall, Fourth Street between Chestnut and Walnut Streets.

Harmony Lane, between Third and Fourth, Chestnut and Walnut Streets.

Franklin Court, between Third and Fourth near Market Street.

Christ Church near Second and American Streets (north of Market Street).

Betsy Ross House, Third and Arch Streets.

Arch Street Meeting House, Arch between Third and Fourth Streets.

The Lincoln Storytelling Bench at the National Constitution Center near Arch and Fifth Streets.

Franklin Square near Sixth and Race Streets.