Budget standoff brings uncertainty for Philly historic sites
The threat late Thursday night of another federal government shutdown loomed over Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, but both iconic Philadelphia destinations were still expected to open during normal hours on Friday.
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The latest federal government shutdown loomed over Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell early Friday, but both iconic Philadelphia destinations were still expected to open for normal hours during the day.
Cynthia MacLeod, superintendent of Independence National Historical Park, said Thursday night that she had received no notification that her agency was preparing for a shutdown.
However, she said it was too early to say what will actually happen in the morning.
The Independence Visitor Center, which is not a federal facility, is scheduled to be open at 8:30 a.m. with Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center opening at 9.
A funding impasse led to a federal shutdown in January that lasted nearly three days and Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center were closed.
Valley Forge National Park was open to the public, but park buildings and restrooms were closed.
Essential operations — such as the FBI, airport security, and government-run hospitals — remained open for business.