Independence Hall reopens following renovations for America's 250th celebrations in PhiladelphiaPHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The birthplace of American democracy is officially back open after a four-month closure. Independence Hall was temporarily closed at the beginning of the government shutdown on October 1 and remained closed for two more months for renovations. And now, what's old is now new again inside Independence Hall. It's all in preparation for the thousands of expected visitors to Philadelphia ahead of America's 250th anniversary celebrations this July. The first 250 visitors who stop by the visitors' desk this weekend can get a delicious custom-baked Independence Hall cookie.