Living History Youth Summer Institute

Comcast NBCUniversal is the sponsor of the Museum’s African American Interpretive Program.

Additional support provided by the Frances and Benjamin Benenson Foundation in honor of Morris W. Offit, Bergman Foundation, and National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

The Museum of the American Revolution's Living History Youth Summer Institute is a six-week intensive program for young adults interested in interpreting the lives of people of African ancestry in the Revolutionary era and involves guest speakers, research projects, and field study. The course prepares participants to explore careers in cultural heritage, museum, and theater fields.

Applications for the 2023 Living History Youth Summer Institute are now closed. Please stay tuned to the Museum's social media channels for updates on the 2023 edition as well as application opportunities for 2024.

Living History Youth Summer Institute dressed in full 18th-century outfits set up the replica George Washington tent in Clark Park.

Are you, or do you know, a high school or college student between the ages of 15 and 21 who loves history, education, theater, visual arts, communications, and/or costume design? The Living History Summer Institute introduces Philadelphia-area students to the world of costumed historical interpretation with a focus on enslaved and free people of African descent. Participants explore the many aspects of museum work as potential career avenues, including education, curation, fundraising, marketing, interpretive planning, community outreach, acting, and more. In this summer course, students learn from experienced African American interpreters who work at historical organizations and museums from across the country about researching and interpreting the lives of people of African ancestry throughout Revolutionary America.

Participation in this course is a compensated position for students and a six-week program. Participants must be available for the entirety of the program on weekdays and live within commuting distance of the Museum of the American Revolution. Participants are provided with SEPTA passes, PATCO passes (if needed), and transportation to additional off-site tours and field trips.

Comcast NBCUniversal is the sponsor of the Museum’s African American Interpretive Program.

Additional support provided by the Frances and Benjamin Benenson Foundation in honor of Morris W. Offit, Bergman Foundation, and National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

LHYSI Highlights

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The 2023 participants pose for a group photo in front of the First Oval Office Project tent at Penn.

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Members of the 2023 cohort receive their certificates at the closing ceremony.

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The 2023 students tour the collections storage area with the collections and curatorial teams.

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Three of the 2022 students take a photo with the First Oval Office Project tent at Clark Park.

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The 2022 students on a replica ship at the Independence Seaport Museum.

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The 2022 visited Keystone College during their trip to Dennis Farm in Susquehanna County.

Learn More

Living History Youth Summer Institute Closing Ceremony honored five students for completing the six-week course.

News & Updates

First-Ever Class Graduates from Museum's Living History Youth Summer Institute

Learn more about the first-ever graduating class of the Museum's inaugural Living History Youth Summer Institute.

Meet the Revolution

Learn more about our Meet the Revolution series of costumed living history programs that explore the voices, viewpoints, and experiences of the diverse people of the Revolutionary era.

Meet James Forten cover image featuring actor Nathan Alford-Tate.

"Meet James Forten" Performance

Watch the Museum's first-person theatrical performance about James Forten’s early life, written by local playwright Marissa Kennedy and performed by actor Nathan Alford-Tate.