Exploring History with the Museum of the American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution is offering families a unique opportunity to delve into history during the last days of summer. From Saturday, August 30, through Monday, September 1, visitors can take part in a variety of family-friendly activities, live performances, and more. Children aged 12 and under will receive free admission when tickets are purchased at the museum’s front desk during the Labor Day weekend. It’s important to note that this special offer is not available online.
Young guests can also enjoy the Museum’s newHistory Explorers Audio Tour, which is designed for children between the ages of 7 and 12. This engaging tour brings Revolutionary-era stories to life through first-person interpretations of historical figures such as King George III, Phillis Wheatley, and even the Liberty Tree. The audio tour includes sensory and tactile activities, guiding listeners from 1763 Colonial America to the present day in an educational and memorable experience. The tour is available for checkout at the museum’s front desk.
Labor Day Weekend Highlights
During the Labor Day weekend, several special events will be taking place:
Meet the Revolution: Daniel Sieh
On Saturday, August 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., living historian Daniel Sieh will join the Museum to explore the lives of Asians in the United States during the 18th century. Through documents, activities, and objects, Sieh will uncover how global trade connected the lives of Asian sailors, soldiers, traders, and enslaved people as they navigated American society as strangers from a distant land.
Meet Joseph Plumb Martin
A 30-minute first-person theatrical performance portraying Continental Army soldier Joseph Plumb Martin will be held on August 30 and 31 at 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. The performance, starring Chris Roche as Joseph Plumb Martin, was written by Ryan Schwartz and offers a glimpse into the experiences of teenaged soldiers in General George Washington’s army.
Meet Elizabeth Freeman
Another first-person theatrical performance will take place on Monday, September 1, at 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m., portraying the life and experiences of Elizabeth Freeman, also known as Mumbet. A Massachusetts woman who sued for her freedom from enslavement and won, the performance stars Katelyn E. Appiah-Kubi as Elizabeth Freeman.
Revolution Place: A Family-Friendly Discovery Center
The Museum’s family-friendly discovery center,Revolution Place, will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can explore the lively, diverse Old City neighborhood during the 1700s through hands-on exploration in three key recreated historical environments, including a military encampment, a tavern, and an 18th-century home.
In-Gallery Talk: The Promise of Equality
Visitors can join a Museum educator in the Declaration of Independence gallery to discuss the promises of the Declaration and how different people seized the opportunity to advocate for equal rights in 1776 and afterwards. This talk also highlights the connections between these Revolutionary-era events and figures to later movements advocating for equal rights in America. The in-gallery talks are held daily at 11:30 a.m.
Unpack a Sea Chest
Join a Museum educator daily at 2:30 p.m. for stories about what life was like at sea during the Revolutionary War for the Continental Navy, privateers, and prisoners of war. Learn about the different roles needed to operate Revolutionary-era ships and gain insight into the challenges faced by those who served at sea.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Museum directly at 215.253.6731 or visit AmRevMuseum.org.