Winter Break 2025 at the Museum

Throughout Winter Break at the Museum, join us to explore life during the winter months of the American Revolution with hands-on activities, engaging in-gallery talks, and more for the whole family.

Please note that the Museum will be closed on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, and New Year's Day, Jan. 1.

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.

Revolution Place
Onsite (First Floor) | Daily
Explore the Museum’s family-friendly discovery center, Revolution Place, which will transform into the winter of 1778! Walk through a scene of 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. Sit in the parlor, where you can make your own revolutionary-themed decorations!

10-Minute Talk: Independence for Haiti
Onsite (Patriots Gallery) | Daily, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Join a Museum educator to learn more about the Haitian Declaration of Independence of Jan. 1, 1804.

10-Minute Talk: Children’s Toys
Onsite | Daily, 11:30 a.m.
Join a Museum educator to learn about what children played with, as well as the role of camp followers in the Revolutionary era!

First-Person Performance: Meet Joseph Plumb Martin
Onsite (Alan B. Miller Theater) | Dec. 20, 21, and 28, 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.
Watch a 30-minute first-person theatrical performance portraying Continental Army soldier Joseph Plumb Martin, one of the thousands of teenaged soldiers in General George Washington's army. The performance stars Chris Roche as Joseph Plumb Martin and was written by Ryan Schwartz.

[CANCELED] First-Person Performance: Meet Elizabeth Freeman
Onsite (Alan B. Miller Theater) | Dec. 27, 1:15 and 3:15 p.m.
Watch a 30-minute first-person theatrical performance portraying the life and experiences of Elizabeth Freeman, also known as Mumbet, a Massachusetts woman who sued for her freedom from enslavement and won. The performance stars Katelyn E. Appiah-Kubi as Elizabeth Freeman and was written by Teresa Miller.

Gallery Talk: Winter Scenes
Onsite | Weekdays, 1:30 p.m.
Join a Museum educator in the core galleries to explore the Brawl in Harvard Yard and Winter Patriots tableaus, as well as a painting of the March to Valley Forge, and learn more about wintertime in the Revolutionary era.

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 ships.

Discovery Cart: Winter Garments
Onsite | Daily
What did people wear during the cold winter months in the late 18th century? Stop by this discovery cart and learn about what life was like in the wintertime and how people kept warm in the 18th century.

Holiday Shopping
Onsite and Online
It’s the season of giving! Let us help you find the perfect last-minute 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.