DG Hart’s new book Independence Hall: History of an American lcon reviewed in Hillsdale’s Collegian.
Darryl Hart, associate professor of history, released a new book on the birthplace of America’s founding documents as a tribute to the country’s 250th anniversary.
Hart’s book,“Independence Hall: The History of an American Icon,” was released on Sept. 22 by Creed and Culture publishing house. The book guides readers through the story and legacy of the Philadelphia building, tracing its history through four stages: its Quaker origins, early wartime use, neglect, and modern conservation.
Hart’s book functions primarily as a museum guide for the curious citizen who wishes to broaden their understanding of a historically significant building.
“There’s a lot of public interest in history of that kind, and in visiting a place that is a historic site,” Hart said. “I wanted to fill in those pieces of a story that most people don’t know.”
As a Philadelphian, Hart said he found it easy to choose Independence Hall as the “national icon” of his book.
“Part of it is personal because I’m a native of the vicinity,” he said. “It was a building I took for granted.”
Hart graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia with a degree in Film. He later earned a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard University, and a Ph.D in history from John Hopkins University.
Hart said his visit to the Athenian Parthenon with the Collegiate Scholars Program in 2023 sparked his interest in portraying Independence Hall as a universally influential icon.
In addition to visiting the site, Hart had been inspired by Mary Beard’s book “The Parthenon,” a historical guide in which she analyzes the complicated past of the Greek architectural symbol. Upon visiting the site, Hart decided to undertake a similar endeavor for his own country.
“I wanted to do that for Independence Hall. I thought, ‘Why don’t I try to do for Independence Hall what Mary Beard did for the Parthenon?’” Hart said.
