Museum's Sixth Anniversary & Shot Heard 'Round the World Commemoration

Commemorate the anniversary of the “shot heard ‘round the world,” as Ralph Waldo Emerson later called it, that ignited the Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775. More than 240 years later, on April 19, 2017, the Museum officially opened its doors to the public and has since welcomed more than a million visitors to experience the tumult, transformation, and ongoing relevance of the Revolutionary era.

Discovery Cart: Archaeology at the Museum
Onsite | April 19
Who lived at the site where the Museum now stands? What types of businesses were run at Third and Chestnut Street in the 18th century? Join a Museum educator to explore replica objects and hear stories about the things and people who once lived at our site.

10-Minute Talk: Witness Objects
Onsite | April 19
Join a Museum educator in our gallery about the "shot heard 'round the world" to learn more about the events that took place on April 19, 1775, at Old North Bridge through the objects on display that witnessed the first battles of the Revolutionary War.

Special Exhibition: Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia
Onsite | Daily
In our new special exhibition, explore the story of free Black Philadelphian James Forten and his descendants as they navigated cross-racial relationships in Philadelphia during the American Revolution to become leaders in the abolition and women's suffrage movements.

Case Study: Witnesses of the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World”
Online | Anytime
Dive deeper into the Museum’s gallery focusing on the “shot heard ‘round the world” with an online “case” study examining several objects that witnessed the battles.

Reading List: Shot Heard 'Round the World
Online | Anytime
Commemorate the anniversary of "the shot heard 'round the world" with five suggested books from our Read the Revolution series.