March into Spring Break with family-friendly activities for all ages at the Museum. Info & Tickets

Dismiss notification
Finding Freedom Digital Kiosk  Credit Moar 1

A Forum on Racial Understanding, Theatrical Performances, and More Bring to Life the Stories of Black Men and Women of the Revolutionary Era

Don’t Miss a Powerful Book Talk on Formerly Enslaved Revolutionary War Veteran Jeffrey Brace,
Featuring His Descendant

Celebrate Black History Month and explore the stories of unsung Revolutionaries at the Museum of the American Revolution this February. Through a forum on racial understanding, a newly commissioned painting in our Liberty special exhibition, theatrical performances, and more, experience a fuller and more inclusive history of our nation’s beginnings and discover that the Revolutionary story is for everyone.

On Feb. 17, don’t miss a powerful Read the Revolution Speaker Series event with historian Dr. Kari J. Winter on formerly enslaved Revolutionary War veteran Jeffrey Brace, featuring a conversation with his descendant, Rhonda Brace.

“Uncovering and sharing often-untold stories about a diverse range of people is at the heart of what we do here at the Museum every day,” said Adrienne Whaley, Director of Education and Community Engagement. “But during Black History Month, we are shining a special spotlight on the Black men and women who played essential roles in establishing our nation and their continuing legacies today.”

Meet James Forten Performance  Credit Moar
"Meet James Forten" performances will take place on Saturdays.

Black History Month Highlights Include:

"Meet Elizabeth Freeman" Performances | Feb. 4 and 18 at 11:15 a.m., Feb. 26 at 12:15 and 2:15 p.m.
Watch a first-person theatrical performance portraying the life and experiences of Elizabeth "Mumbet" Freeman, a Massachusetts woman who sued for her freedom from enslavement and won. The piece will be performed by Katrina Hall.

“Meet James Forten” Performances | Saturdays, 1:15 & 3:15 p.m.
Experience the Museum’s latest first-person theatrical performance, “Meet James Forten,” exploring Forten’s life as a free Black Philadelphian, privateer, and sailmaker. This 20-minute performance will take place on Saturdays in February in the Museum’s Alan B. Miller Theater. Actor Nathan Alford-Tate performs as Forten in his formative years in this performance written by playwright Marissa Kennedy.

AmRev Presents: “Meet James Forten” Performance & Panel Discussion
February 10, 2022, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Experience the Museum's newest first-person theatrical performance, “Meet James Forten,” with a discussion to follow about the creation of this new piece and why Forten’s story continues to resonate today.

Race in the United States: Connecting the Dots between 1776 and Today

February 12, 2022, from 1 – 3:30 p.m.

In partnership with the Museum, the Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust will present the fifth annual Lonae A. Moore Memorial Forum on racial understanding. This year’s theme will be “Race in the United States: Connecting the Dots between 1776 and Today.”

Read the Revolution Speaker Series with Kari Winter featuring Rhonda Brace

February 17, 2022, from 6:30-8 p.m.

Historian and author Dr. Kari J. Winter will discuss the rare and powerful memoir of Jeffrey Brace, an enslaved man who won his freedom through service during the Revolutionary War, before being joined by Brace descendent and family historian, Rhonda Brace.

Presidents Day Weekend at the Museum

February 19-21, 2022, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

During Presidents Day Weekend, join us at the Museum to explore the life, leadership, and legacy of the nation’s first president, George Washington, and the diverse range of people with whom he would have interacted, including Ona Judge, William Lee, and Harry Washington.

Special Exhibition: Liberty: Don Troiani's Paintings of the Revolutionary War

Featured in the Museum’s current special exhibition, Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War, is one of nationally renowned historical artist Don Troiani’s latest works, “Brave Men as Ever Fought.” The painting depicts young African American sailor James Forten looking on as Black and Native American troops in the ranks of the Continental Army march past Independence Hall on their way to victory at Yorktown. Forten later described those men as “brave Men as ever fought.” The painting was commissioned by the Museum and funded by the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail of the National Park Service. Exhibit access is included with regular Museum admission.

Discovery Carts, Tableau Talks, Crafts, and More
Stop by a Discovery Cart to learn about Black soldiers in the Revolutionary War through replica objects and documents, and enjoy pop-up talks in our galleries about the difficult decisions made by people of African descent during the Revolutionary era. On weekends, in our family-friendly Revolution Place discovery center, make your own cap to wear home like those worn by the Rhode Island Regiment, which consisted primarily of Black and native troops.

Discovery Cart  Credit Moar
Discovery Carts will explore Black soldiers in the Revolutionary War.

Finding Freedom Digital Interactive (Virtual and Onsite)
The Museum’s virtual resources are always available, including the new Finding Freedom digital interactive, which examines the stories of enslaved people of African descent in Virginia who followed different paths to freedom during the Revolutionary War. These stories are also available to explore in the Museum’s galleries via a touchscreen kiosk.

At the Museum and in our free Virtual Tour, explore other personal—often unfamiliar—stories of free and enslaved people of African descent during the Revolutionary era. Learn about Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman, an enslaved woman who sued for her freedom and won; Lemuel Haynes, a veteran of the Revolutionary War who became the first Black man in the United States to be ordained a minister; and London Pleasants, an African American teenager who joined Benedict Arnold’s British American Legion as a trumpeter; and many others.

The Museum is now open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets to the Museum can be purchased by calling 215.253.6731, at amrevmuseum.org, or at the front desk. Save $2 per adult ticket by purchasing online. Kids ages 5 and under are always free. Revolution Place discovery center is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Health and Safety Note
Due to declining COVID-19 cases in the Philadelphia area, proof of vaccination is no longer required for daytime visitors to the Museum. Masks are required for visitors ages 2 and up. Please contact the front desk at 215.253.6731 with any questions or visit the Museum’s Health and Safety page.

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 a private, non-profit, and non-partisan organization. For more information, visit www.AmRevMuseum.org or call 877.740.1776.