Juneteenth at the Museum

Explore the continuing struggle for equality for all and join the Museum to mark the anniversary of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. The date commemorates the day in 1865 when the abolition of slavery reached the deepest parts of the former Confederacy in Texas.

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 10-minute, in-gallery talks at the new “Brave Men as Ever Fought” painting and at the “A Soldier of Lord Dunmore's Ethiopian Regiment, 1775” figure study. 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 making your own Rhode Island Regiment cap.

Walking Tour: James Forten’s Philadelphia
Museum Neighborhood | June 18 & 19 at 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. | $10
Join a Museum educator for a sneak preview of our James Forten’s Philadelphia walking tour, created for our upcoming special exhibition, Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia, opening in February 2023. Navigate the Museum neighborhood to visit sites important to Forten’s life and legacy, including the site of his family’s home near 4th and Lombard St.

Meet the Revolution with Daryian Kelton
Onsite | June 18
The Museum welcomes the return of historical interpreter Daryian Kelton as part of the Meet the Revolution series. As a costumed interpreter, Kelton will present the story of Polydore Redman, a man of African descent who went on to become a drummer in the 5th Pennsylvania (Continental) Battalion. His story begins at the dawn of the American Revolution in 1775 when the war was still new and many Americans were advocating for a broad definition of liberty. Learn more about Redman's pursuit of liberty and how it differed from those he served alongside as the war proceeded. 

10-Minute, In-Gallery Talk: Finding Freedom Tableau
Onsite | Daily
Enjoy a 10-minute pop-up talk at the Finding Freedom tableau to learn how “sometimes, freedom wore a red coat” as enslaved people of African descent sought freedom on both sides of the war. Plus, explore the stories of African American men and women in war-torn Virginia with the Finding Freedom online interactive feature, adapted from the Museum's galleries.

Stories on Deck: Life at Sea
Onsite | Daily, 4 p.m.
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 learn more about the life of James Forten, a free Black Philadelphian who served on a privateer before becoming a successful businessman and stalwart abolitionist.

Discovery Cart: Black Soldiers of the Revolution
Onsite | Daily
Join a Museum educator to view and handle replica objects to learn more about the service of Black soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Plus, learn more about the Museum’s recently acquired archive featuring nearly 200 documents bearing the names of Black and Native American soldiers who served in the Continental Army.