Flag Day Weekend at the Museum

On June 14, 1777, Congress passed the first Flag Act, adopting the 13-star flag as the official flag of the new United States. Join the Museum over Flag Day weekend to learn about flags of “all kinds of colours” from the Revolutionary era with activities and talks for the whole family. Don't miss a special flag craft with Fleisher Art Memorial's ColorWheels mobile art studio on Saturday, June 11!

Special Exhibit: Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War
Onsite (Patriots Gallery) & Online | Daily
The Museum's special exhibition, now open through Sept. 5, 2022, immerses visitors in the dramatic and research-based works of nationally renowned historical artist Don Troiani to bring the compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events of the American Revolution to life. Don’t miss a 10-minute, in-gallery talk about the flag of the 8th Virginia Regiment. Liberty is now available as a virtual tour where you can immerse yourself in 360-degree panoramic gallery images, high-resolution photos of the art and artifacts, and a guided audio tour.

Revolution Place
Onsite (lower level) | Daily, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Museum’s family-friendly discovery center, Revolution Place, will be open daily to explore the Museum’s lively, diverse Old City neighborhood during the 1700s through hands-on exploration in four key recreated historical environments, including a military encampment, a tavern, a home, and an 18th-century meeting house. Don’t miss themed crafts and activities, including cutting your own six-pointed star like those featured on George Washington’s headquarters flag.

Flag Craft with Fleisher Art Memorial
Onsite (plaza) | June 11, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Join Fleisher Art Memorial’s ColorWheels mobile art studio on the Museum’s outdoor plaza to create your own flag-themed craft. Dubbed the “Swiss Army Knife of art,” ColorWheels delivers creative experiences directly to community members in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia. This activity is weather permitting.

On Display: True Colours Flag Project
Onsite | Daily
The Museum’s handsewn, replica “suit of colours” will be back on display throughout Flag Day weekend. Learn more about the process of recreating — and the history behind — these huge flags flown by 18th-century ships at sea during the Revolutionary War. Sponsorship for the project was provided by The Color Guard of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution.

George Washington Standard Project Preview
Onsite | June 14
Textile conservator Virginia Whelan will be onsite in the Museum's rotunda to discuss the beginning of the new George Washington Standard Project that will recreate a handwoven and handsewn replica of George Washington's headquarters flag in the Museum's collection.

Stories on Deck: Life at Sea
Onsite | Daily
All hands on deck on the Museum’s replica sloop! Join a Museum educator for a story about what life was like at sea during the Revolutionary War and what professions sailors worked in after the war.

In-Gallery Talks: Monmouth and Forster Flags
Onsite | Daily
Enjoy a 10-minute pop-up talk to learn more about the Monmouth flag and Forster flag on display at the Museum. The Monmouth flag, on loan from the Monmouth County Historical Association, descended in a Pennsylvania family and is one of the oldest surviving flags from the American Revolution, dating to 1775-76. The Forster flag, on loan from Brian and Barbara Hendelson, may be one of the earliest American flags to have been altered after the Declaration of Independence; it is clear that the British Union was removed from it and the white fabric has been reworked to create stripes. 

Rebecca Flower Young Discovery Cart
Onsite | Flag Day Weekend
Flagmaker Rebecca Flower Young advertised “all kinds of colours” for the Revolutionary cause from her shop here in Philadelphia. Meet a Museum educator to view replica objects and learn more about Young’s work as a military contractor making flags and drum cases for the Continental Army.

Handheld Washington Standard Giveaway
Onsite | Flag Day Weekend
Visitors to the Museum throughout the weekend will receive a handheld version of General George Washington's Standard, the headquarters flag in the Museum's collection that is said to have marked his presence throughout the Revolutionary War.