Celebrate Thanksgiving Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution

Discover Surprising Connections Between Pilgrims and Revolutionaries

Add a Note to the “Wall of Thanks” and Get a Leaf Ornament to Take Home

PHILADELPHIA, NOV. 14, 2017 — On October 3, 1789, George Washington issued a proclamation designating Thursday, November 26, of that year as a national day of thanks. During Thanksgiving Weekend, the Museum of the American Revolution will offer special talks, guided tours, and family-friendly activities from Friday, Nov. 24 – Sunday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (6 p.m. on Friday).

What are you thankful for this year? Add a note to the "wall of thanks" at the Museum of the American Revolution during Thanksgiving Weekend. As a “thank you” for visiting, each child will receive a colorful leaf ornament to take home and etch with their own design. Visitors also will see the Museum’s colorful new holiday window illuminations, based on those by Philadelphia artist Charles Willson Peale, which will be lit at night. 

Uncover the unexpected connections between the Pilgrims, Plymouth Rock, and the Revolutionary War as gallery educators highlight how New Englanders during the Revolutionary War found inspiration from Pilgrims as "revolutionaries."  

Then, take a unique look at Black Friday and learn about the surprising history of shopping in early America. Keep an eye out for a costumed 18th-century shopper on her way back from the market and see what she has in her basket. Uncover the unique stories hiding in plain sight in the exhibits with a printed gallery guide that connects objects to the “consumer revolution” that took place in the mid-1700s.

On Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Museum’s Liberty Hall, a 30-minute talk entitled “Philadelphia: A Revolutionary City” will engage the topic of shopping and consumerism through the story of a punch bowl that was discovered during the archaeological excavation of the Museum’s site prior to construction. Also highlighting the “marketplace of the Revolution” are one-hour guided gallery tours at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. throughout the weekend. Tours are general admission plus $12. Book in advance here.

From 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Museum’s first-floor Patriots Gallery, kids of all ages can try on Revolutionary-inspired clothing, design a flag, decode secret messages, make a sash like George Washington’s to take home, and practice drilling like a Revolutionary soldier.

Throughout the weekend, learn how to muster for battle at the Museum’s Battlefield Theater at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. At 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., board the Museum’s privateer ship to learn how to fire a ship’s cannon. At 2 p.m., learn about Revolutionary fashion in the Museum’s second-floor Atrium. Outside of the Washington War Tent theater, visit the discovery cart to learn about the marketplace of goods that went into the tent’s construction. And, at 4 p.m., gather for stories on the deck of the privateer ship.

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.