James Forten
James Forten, a free man of African descent, built upon his coming-of-age in Revolutionary-era Philadelphia and his wartime experience to forge himself into a changemaker in the city and the young United States. Forten became a successful businessman and devoted great time and effort to philanthropy and the abolition of slavery.
Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia
In our 2023 special exhibition, Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia, the Museum introduced visitors to 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. Using objects, documents, and immersive environments, the exhibition explored the Forten family’s roles in the Revolutionary War, business in Philadelphia, and abolition and voting rights from 1776 to 1876.
A virtual tour of Black Founders is now available. Immerse yourself in 360-degree panoramic gallery images, high-resolution photos of the artifacts and documents, and a guided audio tour.
Learn more about Black Founders
Forten Family Artifacts on Loan from Howard University in Black Founders Exhibit
Forten Family Heirlooms on Loan from Descendants in Black Founders Exhibit
Triumphant Lives: The Forten Legacy Fosters Scholarship and Historical Insight
From James Forten to Force 10, the Craft of Traditional Sailmaking Continues Today
Conserving Black Founders: How Artifact Conservation Brought an Exhibition to Life
Museum Programs
Watch Museum programming about the world and legacy of the Forten family in Philadelphia.
The Jeremy Winston Chorale's Black Founders-Inspired Musical Performance
Black Founders & the War at Sea with Author Eric Jay Dolin
Black Founders Women & the Archives with Lela Sewell-Williams & Rebecca Shipman
Black Founders Legacy of Entrepreneurship Panel Discussion
Read the Revolution
Learn more about the Forten family with books featured in Read the Revolution, a curated collection of thought-provoking books about the American Revolution. Plus, watch a Read the Revolution Speaker Series event with historian Dr. Julie Winch and Atwood “Kip” Forten Jacobs, the great-great-great-great grandson of James Forten.
A Gentleman of Color
The Journal of Charlotte L. Forten
Read the Revolution with Julie Winch featuring Atwood "Kip" Forten Jacobs
First-Person Performances
The Museum's original first-person theatrical performances bring to life the diverse lives, perspectives, and experiences of people from the Revolutionary era. Our Meet James Forten performances, written by playwright Marissa Kennedy, explore the life and legacy of James Forten and are part of the Museum's African American Interpretive Program, sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal.
"Meet Young James Forten" Performance
"Meet Elder James Forten" Performance
Additional Resources
The Music of Francis Johnson: A Soundtrack to Antebellum Black Philadelphia
Black Founders Teacher Resources
Access modular activities and ready-made worksheets to help your students dig deeper into the lives and legacies of free Black Philadelphia, Revolutionary War privateer, and successful businessman James Forten and his descendants.
