Discover Philadelphia's Hidden Burial Sites on the Disease and Erasure Tour
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Discover the hidden history of Philadelphia's lost cemeteries with Disease and Erasure: An Audio Tour of Philadelphia. This self-guided tour takes you through the city’s underground stories—places where thousands of bodies were buried and then forgotten, from potter's fields to epidemic victims.
Starting at Washington Square, you'll learn about the estimated 4,500 to 7,500 bodies beneath its lawns. As you walk through Old City, see sites like Benjamin Franklin's grave and the National Constitution Center, all while uncovering stories of buried church cemeteries and secret archaeological digs.
Along the way, you'll hear about a clandestine 1950s dig that unearthed a soldier whose identity remains uncertain. The tour wraps up at the site of the First Baptist Burial Ground, revealing the city's complex relationship with its buried past.
This private, self-guided experience offers a fascinating look at Philadelphia’s forgotten history—perfect for curious explorers eager to see the city from a different perspective.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes.
What languages is the tour available in?
The tour is available in English.
Can I join this tour with a group?
Yes, the tour is private and can accommodate up to 15 people.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
It's recommended for adults aged 6 to 98. All physical fitness levels are welcome.
What do I need to bring?
You’ll need your smartphone and headphones to access the audio tour. Transportation, food, and personal expenses are not included.
Can I explore at my own pace?
Absolutely. The tour provides offline access to audio, maps, and geodata, so you can explore whenever and however you like.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 40 minutes – 1 hour 10 min
Check availability to see start times.
Guided experience
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- App for Android and iOS
- Directions to the starting point so the tour begins when you're there
Not included
- Smartphone and headphones
- Transportation
- Food and drink
- Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
Itinerary
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Stop 1
Pass the redbrick facade of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed. You'll learn how this birthplace of American democracy sits just blocks from mass graves the city spent centuries trying to forget.
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Stop 2
Stand near the site of Benjamin Franklin's grave, one of Philadelphia's most visited resting places. Discover how Franklin's burial history is complicated, from disputed remains to the 15 bodies found beneath his London home.
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Stop 3
Walk through Franklin Square, a lively park with a carousel and mini-golf. Uncover how an 1830s church cemetery and tombstones were quietly buried beneath the park's cheerful surface.
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Stop 4
Visit the Betsy Ross House, dedicated to the seamstress credited with sewing the first American flag. Hear the strange story of her disputed grave and why her exhumation was impossible.
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Stop 5
Explore the Arch Street Meeting House, one of the largest Quaker meeting houses in the world. Learn that around 20,000 people are buried in unmarked graves here, making it one of the city's largest forgotten cemeteries.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point
This tour begins at Washington Square. Before arriving, install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed instructions are available after download.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day before
- No refund if canceled within 24 hours of the start
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $9.99 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
