Thanksgiving Weekend 2023: Closing Weekend of Black Founders Exhibit

Join us at the Museum over Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 24-26, for the final weekend of our special exhibition, Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia, and to explore the compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events of the American Revolution with the whole family. Don't forget to find all the history buffs in your life the perfect gift this holiday season!

Please note that the Museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23.

Special Exhibit: Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia
Onsite (Patriots Gallery) | Daily, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Before it closes on Sunday, Nov. 26, 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. Plus, join Museum educators throughout the exhibit for talks about a painting that depicts the Black and Native American troops of the Rhode Island Regiment marching past the Pennsylvania State House (now Indepenedence Hall) en route to Yorktown on Sept. 2, 1781, a flag captured by Black troops at the Battle of the Crater, and to learn about the tools of the sailmaking trade.

Revolution Place
Onsite | Daily, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Explore the Museum’s family-friendly discovery center, Revolution Place, which will transform into the winter of 1778! Walk into frost-covered windows, logs piled by the fire, and 18th-century coats and cloaks as you learn about what Philadelphia would have been like in the snowy winter months and how they celebrated the winter holidays.

Discovery Cart: Akiatonharónkwen (Louis Cook)
Onsite | Daily,11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
November is Native American Heritage Month, and during Thanksgiving weekend, visitors can explore the stories of native veterans such as Akiatonharónkwen, also known as Louis Cook, who was one of the highest-ranking Native American officers in the Continental forces during the Revolutionary War. Join a Museum educator at a discovery cart to learn about the path he chose in the Revolutionary War as British and Revolutionary leaders courted him as an ally. This cart features brand-new replica wampum belts recently commissioned by the Museum.

Oneida Nation Gallery
Onsite | Daily
November marks Native American Heritage Month. In the Museum’s core exhibition, visitors can explore an immersive multimedia gallery about the Oneida Indian Nation’s debate over whether or not to break away from the Six Nations Confederacy to support the Revolutionary cause. Listen as recreated figures representing Oneida men and women discuss the difficult choices they faced. 

Gallery Guide: The Marketplace of Revolution
Onsite | Daily
In colonial and revolutionary America, what you bought — and who you bought it from — told people a lot about you. Throughout the war and in the years that followed, money and the marketplace were everyone’s concern: buying things became part of what it meant to be American. This holiday shopping season, use our Marketplace of Revolution gallery guide to look for artifacts related to the “consumer revolution,” new shopping habits, and wish lists! 

Holiday Shopping
Onsite & Online
It’s the season of giving! Let us help you find the perfect gift for your friends and family this holiday season. From gift memberships to unique gift options for all ages in the Museum Shop, the Museum has the perfect selection of meaningful gifts for the history buffs in your life.