What did life look like for diverse Philadelphians living in a rebellious colony during the fall and winter of 1775? The Museum of the American Revolution’s new living history interpretation event Revolutionary Philadelphia: 1775 will explore this on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 2., 2025, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Formerly Occupied Philadelphia, the Revolutionary Philadelphia series will provide new people to meet, situations to encounter, and aspects of the American Revolution to explore as part of the Museum’s annual fall living history event. Starting this year with historical interpretation set in 1775 and continuing through the 250th anniversary year of the nation and beyond, Revolutionary Philadelphia will portray the lives of people during corresponding years of the Revolutionary War, showcasing their changes and choices over time. From the news of Dunmore’s Proclamation and the King’s speech declaring the colonies in open rebellion, to raising the 1st Pennsylvania Battalion and Thomas Paine writing Common Sense, to the creation of the Marine Corps, this year’s event will recreate or otherwise address many of the complex and notable moments that happened in the city between early October 1775 and early winter 1776.
“We are committed to providing high quality, engaging, and resonant living history interpretation that allows visitors to imagine and empathize with the diverse people who lived during the Revolutionary era,” said Adrienne G. Whaley, Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Museum of the American Revolution. “Revolutionary Philadelphia will provide a new and fun, yet thought-provoking opportunity timed to the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding for our visitors to meet and understand the many varying experiences of these real, everyday people, and how their lives and choices are both similar to and different from ours today.”
Revolutionary Philadelphia: 1775 will offer dramatic vignettes, guided neighborhood walking tours, third-person interpretation, first-person portrayals, and family-friendly activities to immerse visitors in the lives of residents who lived in British Philadelphia. The Museum will also offer a special walking tour focused on the Quaker experience in partnership with the Arch Street Meeting House.
“In 1775, Philadelphia was a bustling city clustered along the shores of the Delaware River. Made up of artisans and tradespeople of differing faiths, these citizens felt the war’s effects in many ways,” said Jennifer Gray, Education and Museum Manager for Arch Street Meeting House. “This walking tour will highlight the Quaker perspective, showcasing how their impact on the city and society around them was shaped by their religious beliefs.”
Activities on the outdoor plaza are free and open to the public. Tickets for the guided walking tours may be purchased in advance or on the day of the event. Tickets to the Museum can be purchased by calling 215.253.6731, at AmRevMuseum.org, or at the front desk. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets to the Museum can be purchased by calling 215.253.6731, at AmRevMuseum.org, or at the front desk. Save $2 per adult ticket by purchasing online. Kids ages 5 and under are always free. All tickets are valid for two consecutive days.