Philip Syng, Jr. (1703-1789)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Near here, silversmith Philip Syng, Jr. created the inkstand used to sign the Declaration and Constitution at Independence Hall. With Benjamin Franklin, took part in experiments in electricity; founded institutions like the American Philosophical Society.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Master silversmith Philip Syng, Jr. crafted the elegant silver inkstand that sat on the table at Independence Hall, used to sign both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. A close collaborator of Benjamin Franklin, he joined in Franklin's famous experiments with electricity and helped found civic institutions including the American Philosophical Society. His artistry and curiosity placed him at the heart of Philadelphia's revolutionary and scientific circles.
Why it matters
Syng's inkstand witnessed the founding acts of the American republic, and his life links colonial craftsmanship to the era's flowering of science and civic life.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Museum of the American Revolution0.2 mi away · 101 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Living History Center0.2 mi away
- Larry Becker Contemporary Art0.2 mi away · 43 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Merchants' Exchange Building0.2 mi away · 143 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Muse Gallery0.2 mi away · 52 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Science History Institute0.2 mi away · 315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- City Tavern0.1 mi away · 138 South 2nd Street
- First Bank of the United States0.2 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall0.3 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Elfreth's Alley0.3 mi away
- Second Bank of the United States0.3 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- USS Becuna0.3 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Olivier Cafe0.2 mi away · 50 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Mechanics0.2 mi away · 22 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia
- Menagerie Coffee0.2 mi away · 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- PrimoHoagies0.2 mi away · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fork0.2 mi away · 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Buddakan0.2 mi away · 325 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Thomas Bond House0.1 mi away · 129 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia
- Penn's View Hotel0.1 mi away · 14 North Front Street, Philadelphia
- Apple Hostels0.1 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.2 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Philadelphia House0.2 mi away · 17 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Old City0.2 mi away · 1 Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Philip Syng, Jr.
- · Benjamin Franklin
Themes & tags
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