Fourth of July Weekend 2023 at the Museum

Join the Museum in historic Philadelphia for Independence Day with special activities, costumed interpretation, and crafts for all ages to discover the American Revolution and its ongoing relevance over Fourth of July weekend. Explore what freedom means to you throughout the weekend and contribute to a collaborative art installation on the Museum’s outdoor plaza.

Special Exhibit: Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia
Onsite (Patriots Gallery) | Daily, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
In the Museum’s newest special exhibition, explore the life and legacy of free Black Philadelphian, Revolutionary War privateer, and successful businessman James Forten and his descendants as they navigated the American Revolution and cross-racial relationships in Philadelphia to become leaders in the abolition movement in the lead-up to the Civil War and the women's suffrage movement. Join a Museum educator for an in-gallery talk about how James Forten heard the words of the Declaration of Independence read aloud for the first time as a young boy and worked to ensure its promises that "all men are created equal" were for all.

Guided Gallery Tours & Neighborhood Walking Tours
Onsite | Options Vary Daily
Additional Ticket Required for Tours
Explore the Museum and its historic neighborhood with an expert guide! Tours include 90-minute outdoor walking tours that explore iconic sites in the Museum’s historic Old City neighborhood, hour-long tours of our core galleries, hour-long early-access guided tours for a private experience, and audio tours. 

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 a themed craft to create-your-own flag inspired by Revolutionary-era symbols, shapes, and colors. 

USCIS Naturalization Ceremony
Onsite (Liberty Hall) | June 30, 10 a.m.
Welcome dozens of new American citizens from across the globe during a naturalization ceremony hosted by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Museum's Liberty Hall. 

West Powelton Drummers & Steppers
Onsite (Outdoor Plaza) | June 30, 11-11:30 a.m.
Join us on the Museum's outdoor plaza immediately following the USCIS Naturalization Ceremony for a free, heart-pounding, high-energy performance by the West Powelton Drummers and Steppers to kick off the holiday weekend.

In-Gallery Talk: The Promise of Equality
Onsite | Daily
Join a Museum educator in the Declaration of Independence gallery to discuss the promises of the Declaration and how different people, like Elizabeth Freeman and William Findley, seized the opportunity to advocate for equal rights in 1776 and afterwards. Plus, learn more about the connections between these Revolutionary-era events and figures to later movements advocating for equal rights in America. 

First-Person Performance: Meet Elizabeth Freeman
Onsite (Alan B. Miller Theater) | Saturday & Sunday at 1:15 & 3:15 p.m.
In this 20-minute first-person performance, watch Katelyn E. Appiah-Kubi perform Meet Elizabeth Freeman, portraying the life and experiences of Elizabeth Freeman, a Massachusetts woman who sued for her freedom from enslavement and won.

On Display: True Colours Flag Project
Onsite (Oneida Nation Atrium) | Daily
The Museum’s handsewn, replica “suit of colours” will be on display throughout the 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. 

Discovery Cart: Season of Independence
Onsite | Daily
Join a Museum educator to learn more about the spread of support for American independence through the colonies from January 1776 through the signing of the Declaration of Independence in July 1776. Plus, don’t miss our in-gallery touchscreen and online interactive exploring the spread of support and to encounter the perspectives of real men and women on all sides of the debate.

National Constitution Center's Finding the Founders Summer Scholar Series: Thaddeus Kosciuszko Discovery Cart
Onsite (Museum Plaza) | July 2,11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Join us on the Museum's outdoor plaza for a hands-on discovery cart to learn more about one of the Revolutionary War’s early supporters, Thaddeus Kosciuszko, his contributions to the American Revolution, and his influence right here in Philadelphia. The National Constitution Center partners with neighboring sites throughout Historic Philadelphia for its annual Finding the Founders scholarly series. These programs explore the ideas of equality and freedom through the lens of the American Revolution and provide an expanded understanding of Independence Day.

History Explorer Meet-Up: Soldiers' Packs
Onsite (Robert A. M. Stern Rotunda) | July 3, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Join us for an interactive History Explorer Meet-Up where you’ll enlist in the Continental Army and decide what you’re going to take with you in your haversack, like a Revolutionary-era backpack! Kids are invited to take the lead in this interactive, hands-on program, which is included in regular Museum admission and runs for about 20 minutes and takes place in the Museum's Robert A. M. Stern Rotunda. This History Explorer Meet-Up is great for kids 7-11 but open to kids of any age.