Founding Footsteps Tours

There’s more to the Joan of Arc statue on Kelly Drive than meets the eye…. 🎠

Did you know there’s a neighborhood in Philadelphia called the Devil’s Pocket? Philly is full of areas with interesting names that many are unaware of. So here’s the lore of Devils Pocket.

It’s a new year and we just wanted to take time out to introduce ourselves to the new followers. As a family owned and operated business, we’d like to share a little backstory on how we got started, where we are, and what’ to expect in the future. So if you’re new here, welcome! And if you’ve been here for a while, we look forward to hosting you on another trolley adventure.

See why everyone is raving about Founding Footsteps. From unforgettable stories and hilarious guides to hidden gems locals never knew existed, our tours are changing the way people experience Philadelphia. Whether you’re visiting the city or have lived here your whole life, there’s always something new to discover aboard a Founding Footsteps tour. Don’t just take our word for it — the reviews speak for themselves. Book your tour today and experience Philly like never before.

We’re proud to represent Philadelphia in USA Today’s contest to name the best history tour in America. Vote daily until Monday at noon and help us put Philly on top! Link in bio!

Three generations. Three iconic sculptures. One powerful Philly story. The Calder Family left their mark across the city in a way few families ever have. From Alexander Milne Calder’s work at Philadelphia City Hall, to Alexander Stirling Calder’s masterpiece at Logan Circle, to Alexander Calder’s bold modern piece near the Philadelphia Museum of Art—their works create a visual line through the city often described as the “Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” It’s more than art—it’s a generational legacy woven into Philly’s landscape. Want to see it for yourself and hear the full story�Book a tour with Founding Footsteps today → foundingfootsteps.com

Before it was Monopoly… it was The Landlord’s Game 👀 This iconic game actually started as a lesson on wealth and property ownership—but it didn’t become the Monopoly we all know until a Philadelphian, Charles Darrow, helped reshape and popularize it into a household staple. From Park Place to Boardwalk, Philly played a major role in bringing this classic to life. Want more stories like this that connect history to the everyday things you love? Book your tour with Founding Footsteps today → foundingfootsteps.com

Philly, we’re this close 🇺🇸 Founding Footsteps is currently sitting at #2 in USA TODAY’s Top 20 History Tours in the U.S.—and we need your help to take the top spot. You can vote once a day through May 11 at noon ET. It takes seconds and goes a long way in putting Philly history on the national stage. Let’s bring it home 🗳️ Vote today and every day - LINK IN BIO

See why Philly’s only BYOB history tour was named top 20 by USA Today. Book your tour today and don’t forget your booze 🍻

Philly’s own @foundingfootsteps has been recognized on a national stage, earning a spot on USA TODAY’s Top 20 History Tours in the United States. Now, the locally owned tour company is calling on the community to help Philly top the list. Public voting is now open, allowing supporters to cast one vote per day through Monday, May 11 at noon ET, with winners announced on Wednesday, May 20. Supporters can vote for Founding Footsteps once per day through Monday, May 11 at noon ET by visiting: /awards/best-history-tour/ Selected by an expert panel, the list highlights tour operators across the country that go beyond basic facts to bring history to life through immersive storytelling and engaging experiences. According to USA TODAY, “A great history tour does more than list dates and facts — it brings the past to life.” Founding Footsteps was recognized for doing exactly that, offering experiences that place visitors directly in the moments that shaped America. USA TODAY writes: “Philadelphia is where America argued itself into existence, and Founding Footsteps tours put you right in the middle of that pivotal argument. Expert guides lead walking tours through the city’s Independence Hall neighborhood, the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, and Ben Franklin Post Office, unpacking the larger-than-life personalities behind the nation’s founding.” Founded in 2015 by former English teacher turned tour guide Tim McAleer, Founding Footsteps was built on the idea that history should be anything but boring. Alongside his wife Abbie, McAleer has grown the company into one of Philadelphia’s most beloved tour experiences — offering both walking tours and BYOB trolley tours that blend education, humor, and local storytelling. “We’ve always believed history should feel alive, personal, and a little unpredictable,” said McAleer. “To be recognized nationally is an incredible honor that we owe to Philly. The city has always showed up for us and hopefully their vote can further solidify Philadelphia’s role as the birthplace of US history.”

Big news for Founding Footsteps 👀 We’ve been selected by USA Today as one of the Top History Tours in the Country—and now it’s up to YOU to help us bring it home. Link to vote in bio 🗳️ “A great history tour does more than list dates and facts — it brings the past to life.” That’s exactly what our team sets out to do every single tour, and we’re honored to be recognized among the best in the U.S. 🗳️ You can vote once a day 📅 Voting ends May 11 at noon ET 🏆 Winners announced May 20 If you’ve ever laughed, learned, or seen Philly in a new way with us, this is your chance to show some love. Vote daily and help us make history

Shoutout to Malik from Brooklyn, NY for riding with Founding Footsteps and showing love. From deep Philly history to stories you won’t hear anywhere else, our guides bring the city to life in a way that sticks with you long after the tour ends. Whether you’re visiting or local, there’s always more to uncover. Book your tour today and experience Philly like never before → foundingfootsteps.com