Occupied Philadelphia 2024 Daily Schedule

In the fall of 1777, Philadelphia — the Revolutionary capital at the time — was seized by the British and occupied for nine long months, with Independence Hall serving as a prison for American prisoners-of-war. Occupied Philadelphia, the Museum's annual flagship living history event, recreates the dark days of the 1777-78 British occupation of the city.

Use the daily schedule below to navigate the free activities, ticketed walking tours, Museum programs, and more at Occupied Philadelphia on Nov. 9-10, 2024.

Saturday, Nov. 9

Inside the Museum
Visit the Museum throughout the weekend for more exciting programming!

• • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Revolution Place (Museum admission required)
  Visit our family-friendly discovery center, Revolution Place, to learn what the Museum's Old City neighborhood was like in the 1770s. Plus, check out a small collection of artifacts related to the occupation and the Museum's neighborhood on the Museum's lower level in the workroom window.

Neighborhood
Step into Philadelphia as it was occupied (or liberated?) by the British Army in the fall of 1777 with special walking tours.

• • Every 30 minutes until 4 p.m. - Occupied Philadelphia Walking Tour
  This hour-long walking tour will depart from the Museum and include stops at nearby historic sites to meet costumed interpreters and complete a "spy challenge" to aid the Revolutionary cause. Guests should plan on an outdoor tour of approximately one mile.
  Purchase Tickets | Member Tickets

• • 11 a.m. - History Explorer Meet-Up: Occupied Philadelphia
  Join a Museum educator for a family-friendly, activity-filled walking tour exploring Occupied Philadelphia. At least one adult must accompany up to three children.
  Purchase Tickets | Member Tickets

Museum Plaza
Visit the Museum’s outdoor Plaza to explore a bustling 18th-century marketplace throughout the day from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.!

• • 10 a.m. - British March & Proclamation Reading
  The British Army proclaims the liberation of the city.

• • 11 a.m. - Join the Provincials!
  Consider whether to enlist in a newly formed Loyalist regiment.

• • 11:30 a.m. - Beg, Barter, Steal
  Meet a merchant to see how far you can stretch your money at the market.

• • 12 p.m. - Meet a Wheelwright
  Try your hand at a spoke-shave.

• • 12:30 p.m. - Meet a Shoeblack 
  Learn how a poor woman can make a few pence.

• • 1 p.m. - Dressed for Occupation
  Help a Loyalist woman decide what to wear and learn about the uniforms of the British Army.

• • 1:30 p.m. - Bend an Elbow at the Seven Stars
  Meet Sarah Hayes at her tavern.

• • 2 p.m. - "No One's Enemy But His Own"
  Join Philadelphians and British officers in the rehearsal of the first play performed in the liberated city.

• • 2:30 p.m. - Meet a Hessian Officer
  Find out why the Hessians are in the occupied city.

Carpenters’ Hall
Explore inside and outside Carpenters' Hall to discover a British Army encampment and meet Continental Army prisoners-of-war.

• • 10:30 a.m. - Meet General Howe
  Join the British commander as he grapples with military strategy and supplying the city.

• • 11 a.m. - Visit a Military Surgeon
  Meet one of the doctors sent into the occupied city by Washington.

• • 11:30 a.m. - Enlist or Starve
  Meet Continental Army prisoners-of-war and learn about the conditions in which they lived.

• • 12 p.m. - Meet a Carpenter
  Try your hand at 18th-century woodworking.

• • 1 p.m. - Soldiers’ Games
  Take a wager and learn about popular 18th-century games.

• • 1:30 p.m. - Women in Philadelphia
  Learn more about the experience of women during the occupation.

• • 2 p.m. - Meet a Carpenter
  Try your hand at 18th-century woodworking.

• • 2:30 p.m. - Enlist or Starve
  Meet Continental Army prisoners-of-war and learn about the conditions in which they lived. 

Sunday, Nov. 10

Inside the Museum
Visit the Museum throughout the weekend for more exciting programming!

• • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Revolution Place (Museum admission required)
  Visit our family-friendly discovery center, Revolution Place, to learn what the Museum's Old City neighborhood was like in the 1770s. Plus, check out a small collection of artifacts related to the occupation and the Museum's neighborhood on the Museum's lower level in the workroom window.

• • 1-2 p.m. - Museum Member Teatime (Member exclusive) 
  Museum Members are invited to stop by the Museum’s third-floor Liberty Hall for a spot of tea. While enjoying light refreshments, “loyal” Members and History Explorers alike will have the opportunity to spy on the bustling British-occupied marketplace on the Museum plaza from the terrace above. Free for Museum Members.
  More Info

Neighborhood
Step into Philadelphia as it was occupied (or liberated?) by the British army in the fall of 1777 with special walking tours.

• • Every 30 minutes until 2 p.m. - Occupied Philadelphia Walking Tour
  This hour-long walking tour will depart from the Museum and include stops at nearby historic sites to meet costumed interpreters and complete a "spy challenge" to aid the Revolutionary cause. Guests should plan on an outdoor tour of approximately one mile.
  Purchase Tickets | Member Tickets

Museum Plaza
Visit the Museum’s outdoor Plaza to explore a bustling 18th-century marketplace throughout the day from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.!

• • 10 a.m. - British March & Proclamation Reading
  The British Army proclaims the liberation of the city.

• • 11 a.m. - Join the Provincials!
  Consider whether to enlist in a newly formed Loyalist regiment.

• • 11:30 a.m. - Beg, Barter, Steal
  Meet a merchant to see how far you can stretch your money at the market.

• • 12 p.m. - Meet a Wheelwright
  Try your hand at a spoke-shave.

• • 12:30 p.m. - Meet a Shoeblack 
  Learn how a poor woman can make a few pence.

• • 1 p.m. - Dressed for Occupation
  Help a Loyalist woman decide what to wear and learn about the uniforms of the British Army.

• • 1:30 p.m. - Bend an Elbow at the Seven Stars
  Meet Sarah Hayes at her tavern.

• • 2 p.m. - "No One's Enemy But His Own"
  Join Philadelphians and British officers in the rehearsal of the first play performed in the liberated city.

• • 2:30 p.m. - Meet a Hessian Officer
  Find out why the Hessians are in the occupied city.

Carpenters’ Hall
Explore inside and outside Carpenters' Hall to discover a British Army encampment and meet Continental Army prisoners-of-war.

• • 10:30 a.m. - Meet General Howe
  Join the British commander as he grapples with military strategy and supplying the city.

• • 11:30 a.m. - Enlist or Starve
  Meet Continental Army prisoners-of-war and learn about the conditions in which they lived.

• • 12 p.m. - Meet a Carpenter
  Try your hand at 18th-century woodworking.

• • 1 p.m. - Soldiers’ Games
  Take a wager and learn about popular 18th-century games.

• • 2 p.m. - Meet a Carpenter
  Try your hand at 18th-century woodworking.

• • 2:30 p.m. - Enlist or Starve
  Meet Continental Army prisoners-of-war and learn about the conditions in which they lived.