Meet the Revolution

The Museum welcomes historical interpreter Daryian Kelton as part of the Meet the Revolution series. As a costumed interpreter, Kelton will present the story of Polydore Redman, a man of African descent who went on to become a drummer in the 5th Pennsylvania (Continental) Battalion. His story begins at the dawn of the American Revolution in 1775 when the war was still new and many Americans were advocating for a broad definition of liberty. Learn more about Redman's pursuit of liberty and how it differed from those he served alongside as the war proceeded. 

Ever wonder what life was like in an 18th-century schoolroom? Join Kalela Williams as she discusses the work of Elenore “Helena” Harris an African American schoolteacher in Revolutionary Philadelphia. Harris had the unique perspective of having taught white children in both England and Philadelphia. With a focus on the children of the Revolution, Williams will give insight into how young people worked and played during times of war and peace. Williams also will discuss the work of writer and poet Phillis Wheatley and her lasting impact.  

Meet 18-year-old James Forten at the end of the Revolutionary War as he is about to embark on a journey to London. Forten will be interpreted by Nathan Alford-Tate who also portrays the privateer in the Museum's theatrical performance of Forten's life. Learn more about Forten's experience growing up as a free person of African descent in revolutionary Philadelphia and ask him questions about his wartime experiences.

In Summer 2021, Noah Lewis portrayed a Revolutionary soldier of African descent, Edward “Ned” Hector. Museum guests met Hector in the 1820s as a respected resident of Plymouth Township, Pennsylvania, as he fought to gain a pension for service in the war. Lewis also discussed the skills and innovations of African American teamsters as well as everyday life in the 18th and early 19th centuries. 

In Summer 2021, historical interpreter Brenda Parker explored the skills and innovations of both free and enslaved women of African descent. Through the exploration of various textiles, Parker discussed block printing, hand-dyeing, mudcloth, and other traditions brought to America from Africa. She also discussed various waxes and soaps as well as soap-making techniques used in the Revolutionary era. 

In Summer 2021 and July 2019 at the Museum, Cheyney McKnight, founder of Not Your Momma's History, told stories about Quansheba, a woman of African descent who lived as an enslaved and then free woman on the site of the Museum during the Revolutionary War. She has also discussed African American women’s headwraps and spiritual practices, and she held workshops on African adornments, storytelling, foodways, and medicine. 

In May and August 2019 at the Museum, historical interpreter Joel Cook discussed the opportunities that people of African descent had at sea during the Revolutionary War.

In June 2019 at the Museum, Nastassia Parker portrayed Ona Judge, an enslaved woman who ran away from George and Martha Washington’s household in Philadelphia. The 20-minute performance is available to watch online.