The First Bank of the United States has been largely closed to the public for more than 40 years.The historic building, built between 1795-97 at 120 S. 3rd Street, was the first building designed specifically for the new federal government -- when the nation's capitol was Philadelphia -- is set to undergo, what organizers said would be, an extensive restoration project that will turn the structure into a museum dedicated to the early American economy.
“Rehabilitating the First Bank will meet a long-held goal for the park,” said acting Superintendent Amnesty Kochanowski in a statement. “This national historic landmark was acquired in 1956 when the park was established but has been closed to the public for most of the park’s history. The restoration of the renowned building gives the park the opportunity to showcase aspects of the economy of the early republic and the role of the controversial national bank.