AmRev Presents: Power of the Press Night, Nov. 20

Evening Public Program Will Feature Presentation from The Declaration’s Journey Guest Curator; Panel Featuring WHYY’s Cherri Gregg and The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Mike Newall

Join the Museum of the American Revolution in celebrating the power of the press and how American democracy emerged as a result of Revolutionary media practices and people at AmRev Presents: Power of the Press Night on Friday, Nov. 20, from 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Inspired by The Declaration’s Journey, presented by Griffin Catalyst, and the role of printers, journalists, and reporters in creating media that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government, the event will feature a themed reception with Ironbound Farm cider, after-hours special exhibition access, and a featured panel discussion.  

At 6:15 p.m., following a pre-program reception, the evening will feature a presentation by Dr. Emily Sneff, The Declaration’s Journey guest curator, historian, and author of When the Declaration of News. Her talk — just as with her book released in April 2026 — will focus on the earliest public readings and print reactions to the Declaration of Independence and how the news of American independence spread across the colonies and, eventually, the world. After the presentation, Sneff will join in conversation with shapers of today’s local media landscape, including cohost of WHYY’s Studio 2 Cherri Gregg and The Philadelphia Inquirer features reporter Mike Newall.  The Museum's Senior Manager of Gallery Interpretation Dr. Tyler Putman, will host the conversation on the power of the press then and now.

Following the program, Ironbound Farm founder Charles Rosen will offer a cider tasting and toast in the Museum’s Cross Keys Café, and Sneff will sign copies of her book, which will also be available for purchase in the Museum Rotunda. The evening will conclude with an invitation to view Washington’s War Tent in the Alan B. Miller Theater, a relic which served as  headquarters for the latest news during the Revolutionary War. AmRev Presents: Power of the Press Night is sponsored by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism and presented in partnership with Pennsylvania, The Great American Getaway.

“The Museum is excited to highlight the important role of journalism in the 18th century as well as now with great speakers and sponsors,” said Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, President and CEO. “The Declaration’s Journey, in the final weeks of its fantastic run, will serve as a premiere backdrop for this conversation about how news of independence spread, and how people in America and abroad both upheld and challenged the words of the Declaration over the last 250 years.”

Tickets for this event are $35 for general admission and $30 for Museum Members, and can be purchased here. All tickets include a themed happy hour with light refreshments prior to the program and special exhibition access. This is a 21-and-over event. At 8 p.m., Young Friends members are invited to an exclusive History After Hours social event under the lantern-lit branches on the Museum’s Liberty Tree, featuring an artifact in the Museum’s collection. Learn more here about Young Friends memberships for Museum enthusiasts ages 18-40.

About The Lenfest Institute for Journalism

The Lenfest Institute for Journalism is a mission-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting local journalism and building sustainable business models for news organizations in Philadelphia and across the United States. The Institute was founded in 2016 by H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest and serves as the non-controlling nonprofit owner of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Through grantmaking, training, and research, the Institute provides free tools and resources to help news organizations serve their communities. For more information, visit www.lenfestinstitute.org.

About Museum of the American Revolution

The Museum of the American Revolution uncovers and shares compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government. Through the Museum’s unmatched collection, immersive galleries, powerful theater experiences, and interactive elements, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for how this nation came to be and feel inspired to consider their role in ensuring that the promise of the American Revolution endures. Located just steps away from Independence Hall, the Museum serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging exploration. The Museum, which opened on April 19, 2017, is an independent, non-profit, and non-partisan organization. For more information, visit www.AmRevMuseum.org or call 877.740.1776.