Beat the Heat at the Museum of the American Revolution this August

Extended Summer Hours, Free Outdoor Activities, History-Themed Happy Hours, and More!

PHILADELPHIA, JULY 26, 2017 — John Adams wrote that he dreaded “the melting Heats of a Philadelphia Summer,” but even though it’s hot outside, cool things are happening at the Museum of the American Revolution this August. 

In addition to enjoying the Museum’s ice-cold air conditioning (a perk of strict climate requirements for preserving artifacts), visitors can enjoy everything from 18th-century music on the outdoor plaza to an archaeology station and history-themed happy hours. 

The Museum’s extended summertime hours from 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. will continue through Sept. 4. After Labor Day, Museum hours will return to 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Free Activities on the Plaza

• Meet the Revolutionaries: How did people become Revolutionaries? Every weekend in August, visitors can engage with costumed historical interpreters on the Museum’s outdoor plaza from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 
• Historical Musician: From 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. every Wednesday – Sunday until Labor Day weekend, musician Robert Mouland will be performing 18th-century music on the plaza. Watch a video here.
• Once Upon a Nation Storytelling Bench: Engaging storytellers bring to life the stories of James Forten, a free black 14-year-old who joined a privateer ship; Deborah Sampson, a woman who dressed as a man in order to fight in the Revolutionary War; and the Philadelphia beginnings to the relationship between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. Find the schedule here.

Family-Friendly Activities

• Archaeology Conservation Station: From 1 – 3 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the Museum’s Patriots Gallery, a member of the Museum’s collections team will be working to re-assemble ceramic fragments from the archaeological excavation of the Museum’s site prior to construction of the building. An educator will discuss the basic concepts of archaeology and this ongoing project at a table with broken reproduction ceramics and images of the archaeological excavation.
• Summer Soldiers & Sailors Discovery Cart and Enlistment Activity: Would you enlist as a summer soldier or sailor? From 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily during the month of August at a mobile Discovery Cart stationed on the Museum Plaza or Rotunda, guests are personally invited to choose a branch of service and sign their name to a takeaway card that features a privateer ship letter of marque or soldier’s enlistment notice. Guests can also hold replica objects representing the two most common choices for military service in the Revolutionary War. Learn more about your newly assigned role at the Museum’s Battlefield Theater and Privateer Ship.
• Revolutionary Philadelphia: Family-friendly activities take place from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily in the Museum’s Patriots Gallery during the month of August. Kids of all ages can try on Revolutionary-inspired clothing, design a flag, decode secret messages, and practice drilling like a Revolutionary soldier.

Happy Hours

• August 12: The Museum is teaming up with the Young Friends of Independence National Historical Park to host a happy hour at the Museum’s Cross Keys Café from 5 – 7 p.m., which will include an exclusive tour at 6 p.m. of Hamilton’s First Bank of the United States, which is located directly across Third Street from the Museum. The behind-the-scenes tour is free but is first come, first served and is limited to 50 people.
• August 26: The Museum’s Cross Keys Café will host a happy hour from 5 – 7 p.m. Enjoy drink specials and snacks inside the café or on the outdoor terrace. 

New Guided Tours

• Early Access Guided Tour
  Offered every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 9 a.m. 
  $50 non-members, $35 members
  This 60-minute guided tour offers visitors an exclusive opportunity to see the Museum's exhibits before the Museum opens to the public. Limited to 15 people. Book online here or at the Museum.
• Guided Highlights Tour
  Offered daily at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  Price of admission plus $12
  This 60-minute tour highlights key artifacts and intriguing stories of the Museum's exhibits. Book by calling the Museum at 215.253.6731 or emailing [email protected]. Limited to 15 people. 

General admission tickets to the Museum can be purchased here and are $19 for adults; $17 for seniors, students, and active or retired military; and $12 for children ages 6 and up. Children ages 5 and under are free. All tickets are valid for two consecutive days. Group tickets for parties of 15 or more are currently available for a discounted price by calling 267.858.3308. Memberships are also available for purchase here or by calling 215.454.2030.

About the Museum of the American Revolution

The Museum of the American Revolution explores the dynamic story of the American Revolution using its rich collection of Revolutionary-era weapons, personal items, letters, diaries, and works of art. Immersive galleries, theater experiences, and recreated historical environments bring to life the events, people, and ideals of our nation’s founding and engage people in the history and continuing relevance of the American Revolution. Located just steps away from Independence Hall, Carpenters’ Hall, and Franklin Court, the Museum serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging exploration. The Museum is a private, non-profit, and non-partisan organization. For more information, visit www.AmRevMuseum.org or call 877.740.1776.