City Looks To Ensure Accuracy Of Its History

The city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is considering testing its tour guides to ensure the accuracy of the city's rich history -- a big tourist draw and economic boon for the city.

1 minute read

June 1, 2007, 11:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"Historical accuracy is a concern of some Philadelphia hospitality officials, who worry the city's most valuable asset - its history - is being tarnished by unreliable tour guides who mix up dates and spice up biographies of famous founders like Benjamin Franklin and George Washington."

"The issue has sparked debate and a proposed ordinance to test and license guides."

"The Liberty Bell alone had 1.8 million visitors last year, and tourism in the region generated $10 billion."

"If the ordinance is approved, Philadelphia would join a number of cities with similar regulations, including Washington, New Orleans and Charleston, S.C."

Sunday, May 27, 2007 in The York Dispatch

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