Final Weeks: Visit our Witness to Revolution special exhibit before it closes Sunday, Jan. 5. Info & Tickets

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courtesy of K. Ciappa for Visit Philly

Revolutionary Sites & Museums to Visit

Explore these historic sites and museums dedicated to preserving and telling the stories of America's Revolutionary era.

This image shows an old stone home with red doors, shutters, and details at Brandywine Battlefield Park.
courtesy of Delaware County Historical Attractions 
can't miss

Brandywine Battlefield Park

Brandywine Battlefield Park is home to the largest land battle of the American Revolution, the Battle of Brandywine, fought on Sept. 11, 1777. Now officially a National Historical Landmark, Brandywine Battlefield Park covers more than 50 acres and offers access to the Benjamin Ring House, which is believed to have served as George Washington’s headquarters, and The Gideon Gilpin House, where the Marquis de Lafayette stayed before the battle.

1491 Baltimore Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Website
This image shows a modest old stone house that was owned by John Chads in the 18th century.
courtesy of the Chadds Ford Historical Society 

John Chads House

This 18th-century house once owned by John Chads, a wealthy Quaker, and was witness to the Battle of Brandywine in 1777 offers tours, lectures, special events, and family programs. Don't miss checking out the nearby Barns Brinton House, an early 18th-century house that served as a tavern and is also owned by the Chadds Ford Historical Society.

1719 N. Creek Road
Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Website
This image shows a plaque on a rock memorializing the site of the house that served as Washington's headquarters at the Battle of Brandywine.
courtesy of Brandywine Conservancy 

Brandywine's "Hiking Through History" Trail

Tour the Delaware Valley’s rich Revolutionary War history with Brandywine Conservancy and Brandywine Creek Greenway's Hiking Through History map. Hike, bike, and drive following the routes of the American and British troop movements from the British landing on the Elk River near Elkton, Maryland, to the capture of Philadelphia, and culminating with the American winter encampment at Valley Forge.

Multiple Locations
Delaware County & Chester County, PA

Website
This image shows a sculture in the middle of a field and garden.
courtesy of Winterthur 

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

Located in northern Delaware, Winterthur has a museum of American decorative arts, with an unparalleled collection of nearly 90,000 objects made or used in America since 1640, all displayed displayed in the 175-room house of founder Henry Francis du Pont. Winterthur is also home to a 60-acre garden and 1,000 acres of protected meadows, woodlands, ponds, and waterways.

5105 Kennett Pike
Winterthur, DE 19735

Website
This image shows an old stone home with a wooden fence out front that is the Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead.
courtesy of Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead 

Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead

The Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead is an authentic living history site with the purpose of enhancing understanding of 1760-90 farm life in Southeastern Pennsylvania by providing high-quality, research-based experiences to the public.

Located within Ridley Creek State Park
1023 Sycamore Mills Rd
Media, PA 19063

Website

Beyond the Revolution

Continue your explorations beyond the Revolutionary era with additional historical sites and some can't-miss destinations in the area.

This image shows a large water fountain across a green field at Longwood Gardens.
courtesy of Longwood Gardens 

Longwood Gardens

Spanning more than 1,100 acres, Longwood Gardens is one of world's largest gardens showcasing horticultural expertise, beautiful fountains, impressive architecture, conservation, and more year-round. One of the most-visited gardens in the country, Longwood Gardens is broken into six distinct "distracts," including a conservatory and fountain display, and has something for every season.

1001 Longwood Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348

Website
This image shows a large red barn and flowers in the foreground that make up Chaddsford Winery.
courtesy of Chaddsford Winery 

Chaddsford Winery

With goals of approachability, community, and sustainability, Chaddsford Winery has been producing an evolving portfolio of dry, sweet, and sparkling wines since 1982. The award-winning winery hosts a number events and festivals throughout the year in addition to its regular service.

632 Baltimore Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Website
This image shows visitors looking at paintings hung in a gallery space at the Brandywine River Museum of Art.
courtesy of the Brandywine Museum of Art 

Brandywine Museum of Art

Renowned for its holdings of the Wyeth family of artists, the Brandywine Museum of Art features galleries dedicated to the work of N.C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth, and Jamie Wyeth. The Museum’s outstanding Brandywine Collection is a cross-section of American art, with a special focus on artistic practice in the Brandywine Valley. 

1 Hoffmans Mill Road
Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Website

Know Before You Go

Check out these Museum resources to learn more ahead of your visit to the Brandywine Valley.

Image 091020 16x9 Battle Brandywine Map
 

Plan of the Battle of Brandywine

This detailed battle plan shows British, Hessian, and American troop positions and movements during the Battle of Brandywine, September 11, 1777.
See Object
Image 102620 16x9 Transparent Rtr Philadelphia Campaign Volume One Mcguire
 

The Philadelphia Campaign, Vol. I

Read an excerpt from Thomas J. McGuire's book, The Philadelphia Campaign, Vol. I: Brandywine and the Fall of Philadelphia.
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Image 091021 Discovery Cart Hawkins Pack Dsc5356
 

Sergeant John Hawkins' Lost Pack Discovery Cart

Explore the contents of 2nd Canadian Regiment Sergeant John Hawkins' knapsack, which he lost on Sept. 11, 1777 at the Battle of Brandywine.
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This image shows the book cover of Almost a Miracle: The American Victory in the War of Independence by John Ferling. The title is written at the top of the image and John’s name is written at the bottom. The picture on the cover is of George Washington and his troops in the snow. The viewer sees Washington from the side, and he is facing to the right of the image. He is on a white horse.
 

Almost A Miracle

This excerpt from John Ferling recounts how British troops led by General Howe defeated Washington's American army in the gruesome Battle of Brandywine.
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Image 121120 Amrev360 Virginia Logan Jim Lighthizer
 
AmRev360

AmRev360: Brandywine: Where History, Art, and Landscape Meet with Virginia Logan and Jim Lighthizer

Commemorate the Battle of Brandywine anniversary with a conversation featuring Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art's Virginia A. Logan and American Battlefield Trust's Jim Lighthizer.
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This image depicts the book cover of Congress's Own: A Canadian Regiment, the Continental Army, and American Union by Holly A. Mayer. The top of the image is a map of Canada. The title of the book is written in red in a box, mostly covering the map. The bottom half is a white background with a painting of a soldier marching and playing a drum.
 

Congress's Own

Read an excerpt from Holly Mayer's new book, Congress's Own: A Canadian Regiment, the Continental Army, and American Union.
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Begin Your Journey at the Museum

Plan your visit today to make the Museum the first stop on your journey into exploring America's 18th-century Revolutionary history before you travel to the region's iconic historical sites and museums.

Image 032822 Declaration Of Independence Family Galleries
 

Plan Your Visit

View our ticket prices, upcoming events, tour options, and more to plan your next visit to the Museum.
Plan Your Visit
Two visitors point our a historic photo at the Revolutionary Generation wall at the Museum.
 

Hours & Admission

View the Museum's operating hours, price of admission, and ways to save on tickets.
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Image 090420 Museum Galleries Photo Credit Jeff Fusco 2
Jeff Fusco 

Become a Member

Learn more about becoming a Museum Member at the level that is perfect for you or your family.
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Continue Exploring

Have additional time in the Philadelphia region to explore the area's Revolutionary history? Check out more itineraries!

Costumed living historians dressed as the Continental Army stand in front of a log cabin at Valley Forge National Historical Park.
courtesy of NPS 

American Revolution Day Trip: Valley Forge

Travel just outside of Philadelphia to visit Valley Forge, where General George Washington and his Continental Army troops set up their 1777-78 encampment and trained during the brutal winter.
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This image shows the stone structure of Cliveden, also known as the Chew House, in Germantown.
courtesy of Cliveden 

American Revolution Day Trip: Germantown

Travel to the northwest corner of Philadelphia to visit Germantown, where the Battle of Germantown was fought on Oct. 4, 1777, between General George Washington's Continental Army troops and the British army.
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This image shows a historic stone home in Washington Crossing Historic Park.
courtesy Washington Crossing Historic Park 

American Revolution Day Trip: Washington Crossing & 10 Crucial Days

Travel just outside of Philadelphia to visit Washington Crossing, where General George Washington famously led his Continental Army troops across the frigid Delaware River on Christmas night 1776 to begin the 10 Crucial Days.
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Please check with individual sites, museums, and businesses for admissions and operating hours.