Presidents Day Weekend 2026 at the Museum

Join us over Presidents Day Weekend at the Museum to explore the life and leadership of two of our nation’s most consequential presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Through hands-on demonstrations, discovery carts, pop-up talks, crafts, and more, discover lesser-known stories from their legacies.

The Declaration's Journey
Onsite (Patriots Gallery) | Daily
The Declaration's Journey, presented by Griffin Catalyst, explores the history and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to today and showcases how it has become one of the most influential political documents in modern history.

10-Minute Talk: The "Electric Cord" of the Declaration
Onsite (Patriots Gallery) | Daily, 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Discover how President Lincoln used the words and ideals presented in the Declaration of Independence to connect Americans across time, and why its promise of equality proved so vital during the Civil War.

10-Minute Talk: The Two Georges
Onsite | Daily, 12:30 p.m.
Join a Museum educator to explore the leadership of both King George III and George Washington in the Revolutionary era.

Gallery Talk: Seeking Freedom to Civil Rights
Onsite (Patriots Gallery) | Daily, 1:30 p.m.
Join a Museum educator in The Declaration's Journey to discover the stories of people of African descent from the Revolutionary era through the Civil Rights Movement.

Presidents Day Junior Ranger Program
Feb. 16, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Celebrate the leadership and legacy of George Washington with the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail. Learn the leadership lessons Washington demonstrated during the Revolutionary War, explore how those values remain relevant today, and earn a special Presidents Day Junior Ranger badge, while supplies last.

Unpack a Sea Chest
Onsite | Daily, 2:30 p.m.
All hands on deck on the Museum’s replica sloop! Join a Museum educator for stories about what life was like at sea during the Revolutionary War for the Continental Navy, privateers, and prisoners of war, and learn about the different roles needed to operate a Revolutionary-era ship.

Discovery Cart: What Does It Mean to Be a Leader?
Onsite | Daily
Join a Museum educator at this discovery cart that uses images and replica objects to explore the way various presidents and leaders featured in The Declaration's Journey used their voices to make change in the world.

Revolution Place
Onsite (First Floor) | Daily
The Museum’s family-friendly discovery center, Revolution Place, features three recreated historical environments from the Museum’s lively, diverse Old City neighborhood during the 1700s, including a military encampment, a tavern, and an 18th-century home. While you're there, color your own inaugural button, inspired by those created for George Washington's campaign.

Talk-Back Wall: Choosing the First President
Onsite (Robert A.M. Stern Rotunda) | Daily
What qualities do you think the first President of the United States needed to have to be successful? Choose your top three, see what other visitors selected, and discuss with a Museum educator.

Washington's War Tent Film
Onsite (Alan B. Miller Theater) | Daily
Do not 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.

Virtual Tour of Washington’s Field Headquarters 
Online | Any Time
Can’t make it to the Museum? With our Virtual Tour of Washington’s Field Headquarters, immerse yourself in 360-degree panoramic images of a recreated Revolutionary War encampment, including the Museum’s handsewn, full-scale replicas of Washington’s sleeping marquee, dining tent, baggage tent, and common tents. Plus, virtually step inside Washington’s sleeping marquee, view high-resolution images of replica artifacts and wartime equipment, watch a timelapse of the encampment set-up, and learn more about Washington’s mobile headquarters while on campaign with the Continental Army.