Second Bank of the United States Portrait Gallery

Auf unserem Rundgang durch das historische Philadelphia sind wir auch auf die «Second Bank of the United States» gestoßen, die die First Bank damals abgelöst hat.
Die Bank wurde 1816 gegründet, um die Stabilisierung der amerikanischen Währung zu gewährleisten. Leider blieb sie hauptsächlich wegen der Vorwürfe über Korruption und Fälschungen im Gedächtnis der Öffentlichkeit. Als die Charta der Bank 1836 auslief, wurde sie eine ganz normale Bank, um dann fünf Jahre später Konkurs anmelden zu müssen.
Leider war die Second Bank bei unserem Besuch wegen Restaurierung geschlossen, so dass wir uns mit dem einzigartigen äußeren Erscheinungsbild des Gebäudes zufrieden geben mussten. Das Gebäude wird voraussichtlich im Mai 2015 wieder für die Öffentlichkeit zugänglich sein.
Das Gebäude beherbergt eine schöné Sammlung von über 100 Porträts der «People of Independence». Die Ausstellung bietet aber auch einen Einblick in das damalige Leben, das von Krankheit und Sklaverei geprägt war.
Die «Second Bank of the United States» ist in der Chestnut Street zwischen der 4. und 5. St. und wird vom National Park Service verwaltet. Der Eintritt ist frei und es gibt einen behindertengerechten Zugang.

This is an extremely comprehensive portrait gallery of colonial and federal leaders. With four large rooms, the portrait gallery has astounding architecture including Corinthian columns inside. Also it is not far from Independence Hall. Although there was no other tourists inside when we went, it’s worth checking out mostly because it’s free and a quick walk from Liberty Bell. In the center is a large statue of George Washington. If you are a US history buff, definitely step in and check out the collection. Also, the docents are friendly and would be eager to give you more information on the portraits.

This building was built between 1819 and 1824, and is one of the finest examples of Greek revival architecture in the United States. The Second Bank was incorporated in 1816 and was one of the most influential financial institutions in the world until 1832, when it became the center of bitter controversy between bank president Nicholas Biddle and President Andrew Jackson. The bank ceased to exist in 1836 after Jackson vetoed the bill to renew its charter. The building continued for a short time to house a banking institution under a Pennsylvania charter. From 1845 to 1935 the building served as the Philadelphia Customs House.
Today the building is home to the «People of Independence» exhibit that includes 185 paintings of Colonial and Federal leaders, military officers, explorers and scientists, including many by Charles Wilson Peale.
From a kid-​centric point of view; the below two programs are offered during the year and the main draw here would be that if your child is doing the Junior Ranger Program you need to visit several sites in the historic area including Second Bank to answer the necessary questions.
If you go like we did in the offseason (February) you can literally have the place almost to yourself which is great because the Rangers there are very knowledgeable about the history of the building and the portraits.
(Hidden History
Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank — Chestnut Street between 4^th & 5^th. Ask a Park Ranger for a card. Kids follow clues to uncover the special people in the exhibit, then get a reward.
«Moses Williams: Cutter of Profiles»
Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank — Chestnut Street between 4^th & 5^th Street. Hear the amazing story of Moses Williams who learned to operate the Physiognotrace to earn his freedom and a good living making silhouettes in Peale’s Museum.)
The Gallery is open from 11:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. and admission is free. Although make sure to visit the NPS website
to make sure that nothing has changed due to our friend «The Sequester».