Living History Demonstrations
Dive deeper into Revolutionary era living history with Artisan Field Trips, Meet the Revolution interviews, cooking demos, and more.
We are grateful to Dick and Sally Brickman for their generous support of our living history programs.
Occupied Philadelphia
Join us each fall as we recreate the dark days of the British occupation with the Museum’s annual flagship living history event.
Join us Nov. 9-10, 2024!
In the fall of 1777, Philadelphia — the Revolutionary capital at the time — was seized by the British and occupied for nine long months, with Independence Hall serving as a prison for American prisoners-of-war. Throughout a select fall weekend each year, the Museum explores what life was like in the city while British forces controlled it through guided walking tours, special programming, and family-friendly activities. Each year, you can meet dozens of costumed historical interpreters portraying soldiers, civilians, and spies on the Museum’s outdoor plaza and additional locations in our Old City neighborhood.
Meet the Revolution
Meet the Revolution is an ongoing series of costumed living history programs that explore the voices, viewpoints, and experiences of the diverse people of the Revolutionary era.
Meet the Revolution: Daniel Sieh
Meet the Revolution: Noah Lewis
Meet the Revolution: Kalela Williams
Artisan Field Trips
In the 1700s, young people served seven-year apprenticeships to learn skilled trades. Just like today, people had specialized jobs. The Museum's Artisan Field Trips feature video interviews with living history artisans and makers as they demonstrate their Revolutionary-era crafts.
Artisan Field Trip with Gunmaker Mitch Yates (Part 2)
Artisan Field Trip with Stationer Ben Bartgis
Artisan Field Trip with Blacksmith Aislinn Lewis
Artisan Field Trip with Milliner Kirsten Hammerstrom
Artisan Field Trip with Gunmaker Mitch Yates
Artisan Field Trip with Bookbinder Paul McClintock
Artisan Field Trip with Shoemaker Shaun Pekar
Artisan Field Trip with Joiner Brian McDonald
Artisan Field Trip with Costume Maker Jana Violante
Freedom on the Horizon Performance
"Freedom on the Horizon" Performed by Nastassia Parker
Actress and historical interpreter Nastassia Parker portrays Ona Judge, an enslaved woman who ran away from George and Martha Washington’s household in Philadelphia, in a 20-minute, one-woman theatrical piece, “Freedom on the Horizon.”
Living History at Home Cooking Demonstrations
What were the Continental soldiers eating while on campaign during the Revolutionary War? The Museum's Living History at Home cooking demonstrations take you through making foods of the Revolutionary era.
Living History at Home: Making Posset
The Museum's Tyler Putman and Mark Turdo mix up a festive drink, show examples of posset cups found in an archaeological dig at the site of the Museum, and talk about the history of the drink.
Living History at Home: Making Rice & Vinegar
Living History at Home: A Humphreys's Tavern Meal
Living History at Home: Making Hard Bread
Living History at Home: Making Gingerbread
