Veterans Day Weekend 2023 at the Museum

This Veterans Day and Veterans Day weekend, join the Museum in honoring America’s first veterans as well as those who have served and continue to serve the nation today.

Throughout the weekend, the Museum will offer free admission to those currently serving in the military, veterans, and Blue Star Families courtesy of Comcast NBCUniversal.

Premiere of the Pension Project
Onsite (Lenfest Myer Theater) | Daily Showings at 11:30 a.m.
Watch the debut of the Museum's Pension Project videos, featuring three living veterans, whose service spans from World War II to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, as they read the military pensions of Revolutionary War soldiers to connect the past with the present.

Walking Tours to Old Pine Conservancy
Museum Neighborhood | Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
Join a Museum educator for a walking tour to Old Pine Conservancy and learn about some of the veterans of the Revolutionary War who are buried there. Old Pine Conservancy supports the preservation and protection of the graveyard and continues to document and share the history of those who are buried there. (Please note: Sunday’s scheduled tour has been cancelled.)

Special Exhibit: Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia
Onsite (Patriots Gallery) | Daily, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
In the Museum’s newest special exhibition, 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 a Museum educator to learn more about a flag captured by Black troops at the Battle of the Crater and about the service during the Civil War.

Meet Elder James Forten Performance
Onsite (Alan B. Miller Theater) | Sunday, 1:15 & 3:15 p.m.
Set in 1838, meet 72-year-old James Forten as he speaks with his friend Daniel Brewton about the nearby ruins of Pennsylvania Hall. The building, which he helped to finance as a meeting space for social reformers and abolitionists, was looted and set on fire by a mob of white men who did not view the work of abolitionists favorably. That same year, Forten, who witnessed a reading of the Declaration of Independence and served two tours as a privateer, lost the right vote when Pennsylvania disenfranchised all Black men. The 20-minute performance of Meet Elder James Forten stars Steve Crum and is best enjoyed by guests ages 9 and up.

Revolution Place
Onsite | Daily, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Visit Revolution Place, the Museum’s family-friendly discovery center, which brings to life Old City’s lively, diverse neighborhood during the1700s and invites visitors to learn through hands-on exploration. Kids of all ages can immerse themselves in four historical environments – a military encampment, a tavern, a parlor, and an 18th-century meeting house – to experience the places where the American Revolution took root. 

Discovery Cart: Akiatonharónkwen (Louis Cook)
Onsite | Daily, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
November is Native American Heritage Month, and during Veterans Day 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.

10-Minute Gallery Talk: The Darkest Hour
Onsite | Daily
What did it mean to participate in the Revolutionary War? Join a Museum educator in the core exhibition to learn more about the diverse range of people who experienced and fought in the Revolution.

Gallery Guide: Remembering Fallen Revolutionaries
Online & Onsite | Daily
Throughout the Museum we tell the stories of many of our nation’s first fallen soldiers and honor those whose names we don’t know. Use our Remembering Fallen Revolutionaries gallery guide to explore these stories and artifacts, including the sword of fallen Revolutionary General Hugh Mercer and the gravestone of Maryland Captain Michael Cresap, among many others.

Relaxed Experience Morning at the Museum
Onsite | Nov. 12, 9-10:30 a.m.
Experience the Museum in a calm, crowd-free environment with lower sound effects, higher light levels, no films, sensory guides, and more to create a sensory-friendly experience.