Cross Keys Café will be closed for Election Day on Nov. 5. The Museum will be open normal hours, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Plan Your Visit

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A father holds his child as they look at the Forten family tree in the Museum's 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.

Event details and programming are subject to change at any time.

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Image 032822 Declaration Of Independence Family Galleries
 

Plan Your Visit

View our ticket prices, upcoming events, tour options, and more to plan your next visit to the Museum.
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A father holds his child as they look at the Forten family tree in the Museum's Black Founders exhibit.
 

Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia

February 11 - November 26, 2023
Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia explored the story of James Forten and his descendants as they navigated the American Revolution and cross-racial relationships in Philadelphia to later become leaders in the abolition movement in the lead-up to the Civil War.
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Image 102620 Press Oneida Nation Gallery 0
Museum of the American Revolution 

Meet the Figures: Oneida Nation Theater

At the Museum's Oneida Nation Theater, featuring six life-cast figures and a film, meet Oneida people in the midst of a debate about how they will engage in the Revolutionary War.
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