Construction Crew, Dignitaries, Donors and Friends Celebrate Museum's "Topping Off"

PHILADELPHIA, July 16, 2015 — Dignitaries, supporters, community members and friends joined staff, board members, and the Museum of the American Revolution’s construction crew to celebrate the time-honored tradition of “Topping Off.” Participants signed their “John Hancock” on a 40-foot steel beam that was then lifted into place in the highest level of the new building. The beam was adorned with a replica of George Washington’s Headquarters Flag, an American Flag, and a tree, symbolizing the construction has been accident-free and as an expression of hope for its safe completion.

Speakers included Museum Chairman H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest, former Governor Edward G. Rendell, former Governor Tom Corbett, William Schwartz, Principal and Co-founder of INTECH, Chris Gheysens, Chief Executive Officer and President, Wawa, and Michael C. Quinn, the Museum President and CEO.

“This is a great day for the Museum of the American Revolution. We have reached this milestone thanks to our many supporters from every state in the Union who are rallying to the cause of a Museum that will explore the full, remarkable story of our nation’s founding,” said Quinn. “We are now looking forward to our next major milestone, opening day, in the spring of 2017.”

For more by-the-numbers information about building the Museum, click here.

About The Museum of the American Revolution

The Museum of the American Revolution, now under construction just steps from Independence Mall, will feature rare objects, dynamic exhibits, engaging media experiences that will enable visitors to explore the history, legacies, and continuing relevance of the American Revolution. The Museum will serve as a portal to the nation’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context and encouraging explorations that begin at the Museum’s doorstep. The Museum is a private, non-profit organization. For more information, visit AmRevMuseum.org or call toll free, 877-740-1776.