The inaugural parties are here

WASHINGTON, D.C., is bracing for the biggest crowd ever to witness a presidential inauguration. Barack Obama will be sworn in at noon tomorrow, and the nation's capital will rock through the weekend with parades, balls and other celebrations.

But you don't have to cross the Beltway for inaugural action. There's plenty right here.

Our piece of history

_ Witness history in the making as Obama's swearing-in ceremony is broadcast on a 25-foot-tall JumboTron screen on the Independence National Historic Park Visitor Center lawn (bordered by 5th, 6th, Market and Arch streets) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Close your eyes, try to feel your frozen toes, and you'll think you're in Washington!

For a warmer perspective, head inside to the Visitor Center's second-floor ballroom. Grab a Philly Presidential Pass while you're there for a 10 percent discount at attractions throughout the historic district. The pass is good today and tomorrow.

_ The National Constitution Center (525 Arch St., 215-409-6600, http://constitution center.org; general museum admission is $12 adults and $8 ages 4-12; with "America I AM," $17.50 and $9) has a new exhibit, "America I AM: The African American Imprint," illustrating 400 years of African-American history through an extraordinary collection of artifacts. Among them, the typewritten, autographed pages of Obama's landmark speech on race, given in Philadelphia last March 18.

The exhibit continues through May 3. Tomorrow's events include live inauguration broadcasts and special programs such as "Address America: Six Words to Inspire a Nation" and "From Revolution to Evolution" (10:30 a.m.).

_ At sites throughout the historic district, you can get your picture taken with Obama (well, a cutout of him) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow, or take part in a scavenger hunt that begins under the "We the People" wall at the Constitution Center.

_ Celebrate our 44th president with two events tomorrow at the African American Museum in Philadelphia (701 Arch St., 215-574-0380, www.aamp

museum.org).