Celebrate Black History Month and explore the stories of unsung Revolutionaries at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia this February. Through the opening of a new special exhibition, an engaging forum on race, theatrical performances, and more, visitors can experience a more inclusive – and thus, more accurate – history of our nation’s founding.
A highlight of the month will be the grand opening of the Museum’s newest special exhibition,Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington’s Tent, which opens Saturday, Feb. 17. This special exhibit will greatly expand the story told in the Museum’s award-winning Washington’s War Tent presentation and bring to life the stories of individuals who saved George Washington’s field headquarters from being lost over the generations and who ultimately fashioned it into a symbol of the fragile American republic. Throughout the exhibition, learn the diverse stories of the people of African descent who played critical roles in the tent’s journey, including William Lee, Hannah Archer Till, and Selina Gray.
Black History Month Highlights:
Member Morning: Black Voices Highlight Tour
Feb. 4, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.
Museum Members are invited to join a Museum educator for a 60-minute Black Voices of the Revolution tour of the core exhibit galleries highlighting a diverse set of stories, experiences, and objects related to people of African descent during the American Revolution.
First-Person Theatrical Performance: Meet Elizabeth Freeman
Feb. 3 & 10, 2024, at 1:15 p.m. & 3:15 p.m.
In this live, first-person theatrical performance, learn about Elizabeth Freeman, a Massachusetts woman who sued for her freedom from enslavement – and won. “Meet Elizabeth Freeman” will be performed by actress Katelyn E. Appiah-Kubi and was written by playwright Teresa Miller. The original “Meet Elizabeth Freeman” performance starring actress Tiffany Bacon is also available to watch online, any time.
Artisan Workshop: Make an Apron
Feb. 7, 21, & 28, 2024, from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Learn how to make your own hand-sewn men’s or women’s apron during a virtual, three-night workshop on Wednesdays, Feb. 7, 21, and 28, as part of the Museum’s Artisan Workshop Series. Please note that there will be no class held on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. Manager of Gallery Interpretation, Meg Bowersox will discuss how men and women wore aprons as she leads participants in making their own with historically accurate materials and sewing techniques.
Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust’s Lonae A. Moore Forum
February 10, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
In partnership with the Museum, the Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust will present the seventh annual Lonaé A. Moore Forum, “It Begins with Each of Us: Fostering Racial Understanding” on Saturday, Feb. 10. The theme of this year’s forum, “Building Bridges By Sharing Our Stories,” will explore how access to media helps us learn about, respect, and appreciate one another in our communities. Speakers at the event will include Chelsea Frank, Director of Library Services at Rosemont College; M. Denise Dennis, Chairwoman and CEO of the Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust; and Adrienne G. Whaley, Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Museum of the American Revolution.
Presidents Day Weekend and Opening Weekend of Witness to Revolution
Feb. 17-19, 2024, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Join the Museum over Presidents Day Weekend, Saturday, Feb. 17 – Monday, Feb. 19, for the opening of our newest special exhibition Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington’s Tent. Learn the diverse stories of the people of African descent who played critical roles in the tent’s journey, including William Lee, Hannah Archer Till, and Selina Gray. Throughout the weekend, explore George Washington’s life, legacy, and the diverse range of people who he interacted with through discovery carts, pop-up talks, and hands-on activities. The exhibit is included with regular Museum admission.
Gallery Highlights Tour: Black Voices of the Revolution
Saturdays & Sundays at 12:00 p.m.
Join a Museum educator for our 60-minute tour of the core exhibit galleries, which highlights a diverse set of stories, experiences, and objects related to people of African descent during the American Revolution. Along the way, you’ll see a first edition of Phillis Wheatley’s Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, learn about Elizabeth Freeman’s historic court case, consider what the engraving “No Slavery” on a Continental Army soldier’s musket meant, and discuss Harry Washington’s international life. Through it all, you’ll have the opportunity to consider what words like freedom, liberty, and equality meant for different people within the Revolutionary era, and how these ideas continue to influence our lives today. Tickets can be purchased here.
