Countdown to Declaration Days: Philadelphia Freedom Band Performance at the Museum of the American Revolution, July 5

Local LGBTQIA+ Community Band to Perform at 11 a.m. Free to the Public on the Museum’s Plaza

The Museum of the American Revolution today announces the addition of a July 5 public performance from the Philadelphia Freedom Band to round out its Declaration Days programming, which will take place from Wednesday, July 1 – Sunday, July 5, 2026, and highlight the Declaration of Independence with in-gallery talks, historical interpretation, and hands-on demonstrations.

The Philadelphia Freedom Band (PFB) is Philadelphia’s LGBTQIA+ community band, with jazz, marching, and concert ensembles. PFB is a non-profit organization comprised of a wide variety of talented musicians, ranging from amateur to professional, who come together to perform throughout the greater Philly area and provide visible, active support to the LGBTQ+ community. The marching band and color guard will perform popular tunes on the Museum's outdoor plaza, free for the public.

Also, as part of Declaration Days, on July 2 and 3, historical interpreter Michele Gabrielson will bring Baltimore printer and postmaster Mary Katharine Goddard to life through costumed interpretation. Goddard was the first woman to print the Declaration through the newspaper she published, and the first person to include the signers’ names through the broadside she printed in January 1777. From July 2–4, the Museum will also host printing workshops and a papermaking demonstration with Common Press. Each day from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., visitors can learn how paper was made and printing presses were used to spread the word about independence.

The Museum is featuring exciting artifact displays and daily programming to mark both Pride Month in June. This includes an example of the initial design for the Pride flag signed by artist Gilbert Baker, on loan from Mark Segal and on display in our current special exhibition, The Declaration’s Journey. Harvey Milk encouraged Baker to come up with a symbol of Gay Pride, hence this example of the early design. Also, enjoy daily 10-minute talks to learn more about Milk’s advocacy and how the LGBTQ+ movement began, and view other relevant objects on display in the special exhibition, including a piece of the patterned tin ceiling of the Stonewall Inn, on loan from the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center. 

Additionally, back by popular demand, the Museum’s 90-minute, outdoor Public Universal Friend Walking Tour will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturdays throughout the month of June. Stopping at various sites in our Old City Philadelphia neighborhood including Elfreth’s Alley and Carpenters’ Hall, explore the revolutionary story of the self-proclaimed Public Universal Friend, a nonbinary leader of a new religion in the 1770s. More information and tickets available here. 

The Museum will extend its operating hours from 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. beginning Saturday, June 13, 2026, and continuing throughout the Semiquincentennial summer.

The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Starting June 13, the Museum will have extended summer hours from 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. The Declaration’s Journey is open daily during regular Museum hours and is included with regular Museum admission. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215.253.6731, at AmRevMuseum.org, or at the front desk. Save $2 per adult ticket by purchasing online. Children ages 5 and under are always free. All tickets are valid for two consecutive days.  Revolution Place, the Museum’s family-friendly discovery center, and the Museum gift shop will also be open daily from 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. beginning June 13.

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.