Presidents Day Weekend 2023 at the Museum

Join us at the Museum to explore the life, leadership, and legacy of the nation’s first president, George Washington, and the diverse range of people who he interacted with, during Presidents Day Weekend from Feb. 18-20. Throughout the weekend, guests of all ages are invited to explore our new special exhibition, participate in family-friendly crafts and activities, discover surprising stories in our galleries, and more.

Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia
Patriots Gallery (first floor) | Daily, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
In our newest special exhibition, visitors can explore the lives of 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. Using objects, documents, and immersive environments, Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia will explore the Forten family’s roles in the Revolutionary War, business in Philadelphia, and abolition and voting rights from 1776 to 1876.

Washington’s Camp Furniture Activity
Rotunda (first floor) | Daily, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
George Washington slept where!? Join a Museum educator to set up replicated furniture, including his camp bed, stools, and accoutrements, that would have been used inside Washington's headquarters tent for visitors to explore his day-to-day experience as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army and the unsung role of William Lee, Washington’s enslaved valet.

In-Gallery Talk: Peaceful Transition of Power
Core Exhibition (second floor) | Daily
What does it take to be a leader? Join a Museum educator for a 10-minute talk in our galleries about George Washington’s time as President of the United States and his decision to not seek a third term, which helped set the two-term precedent in place today.

Discovery Cart: Ona Judge
Rotunda (first floor) | Daily
Join a Museum educator at a hands-on discovery cart to explore the story of Ona Judge through replica handling objects. Judge, who was enslaved by George and Martha Washington, escaped from the Presidents House – located just a few blocks from the site the Museum – while the Washingtons lived in Philadelphia. 

Color-Your-Own Inaugural Button Craft
Revolution Place (lower level) | Daily, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Check out original inaugural buttons from Washington’s campaign in The Constitution gallery in our core exhibition before heading on down to Revolution Place on the lower level to create your own inaugural button to take home. 

Little Liberty Storytime: Grace for President
Revolution Place (lower level) | Daily, times TBA
Join a Museum educator in our family-friendly Revolution Place discovery center for an engaging reading of the children’s book Grace for President, which tells the story of a girl who set out to be the first female president of the United States after hearing that it had never been done before. Grace for President was written by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by LeUyen Pham. 

Washington's War Tent Film
Alan B. Miller Theater (second floor) | Daily
Don’t miss our signature experience, Washington’s War Tent, a dramatic presentation of the linen field tent that served as Washington’s command center during the Revolutionary War. The tent is a stirring testament to his leadership and to the diverse people like William Lee and Selina Gray who were critical to the tent’s endurance through the years. One of the most iconic surviving artifacts of the Revolution, the tent remains a powerful symbol of the survival of our fragile republic.