Philadelphia Tells It Like It Is

Bill Robling tells it like it is and like it was.

Robling, part of a Visit Philadelphia delegation that visited Toronto April 12, impersonates Ben Franklin, and can frequently be seen in Philadelphia’s historical quarter, updating tourists on what’s happening in that carefully preserved district now and what happened there centuries ago.

Philadelphia is preparing to launch a campaign promoting its pivotal role in the shaping of the United States, with the city – once the capital of the United States – having among other things seen the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, and its Independence Hall is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Historic Philadelphia measures some seven by 10 blocks and Visit Philadelphia’s Paula Butler labels it “the most historic square mile in the United States.”

The area features cobblestone streets and visitors will find restaurants, bars, boutique stores and art galleries in it.

Robling – whose resume includes being an actor, historian and entertainer – says the original Ben Franklin would have given his blessing to efforts to preserve and promote Historic Philadelphia.

“It’s the spirit of innovation,” he says.”We think he would be proud of what’s happening there today.”
Seen in the photo, are Donna Schorr of Visit Philadelphia, Robling and Jerry Grymek and Michelle Robertson of LMA Communications, which represents Visit Philadelphia in this country.