Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA, is one of the most important sites in US history. It was here that the founders of the nation debated and signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. Thus, Independence Hall and the city of Philadelphia itself are often referred to as the birthplace of the United States. Given the site’s age and prominence, I began to wonder if there were any ghost stories.
It’s hard to overstate Bram Stoker’s influence on the modern, fictional vampire. His groundbreaking 1897 novel, Dracula, has been adapted in various ways for film and television over the years, and this popularity has helped shape the expectations people have about the undead. While exploring the origins of modern vampire traits for my book, I found my way back to Bram Stoker a number of times. So, when I had the opportunity to see some of his handwritten notes in person, I couldn’t pass that up.
