Celebrate Women's History Month with our new Black Founders exhibit, a special March 24 event, and more this March. Plan Your Visit

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A canvas ditty bag with a fid, sewing needles, and a thimble.

Join us for this one-day, in-person workshop to learn “plain sewing” to create a Revolutionary sailor’s linen ditty bag, similar to a modern tote bag. Museum staff will discuss the history of sailmaking and sailors’ bags, inspired by our special exhibition, Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia, and offer instruction on basic hand-sewing. Visit a recreation of James Forten’s sail loft and use historical tools and techniques to complete a ditty bag to take home. This is a beginner workshop and no previous sewing experience is required.

This workshop includes a break for lunch participants are welcome to bring their own lunch or purchase lunch upon arrival. 

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A father holds his child as they look at the Forten family tree in the Museum's Black Founders exhibit.
 

Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia

Now Open Daily, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
In our newest special exhibition Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia, explore the story of James Forten and his descendants as they navigated the American Revolution and cross-racial relationships in Philadelphia to later become leaders in the abolition movement in the lead-up to the Civil War.
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Image 101220 Foop Williamsburg Sewing Tent 0
 

Artisan Workshop Series

Learn tricks of 18th-century trades and meet others while discovering new talents in making and doing. Then, try your hand at creating your own replica.
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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.
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