Experience the “Ten Crucial Days” of the Revolutionary War During Winter Break

Meet Costumed Living History Interpreters, Create an Ornament to Take Home, and Enjoy Free Musical Performances

During the winter of 1776-1777, General George Washington carried out a series of strategic maneuvers and surprise attacks over the course of 10 days that brought the Continental Army back from the brink of defeat and changed the course of history. 

During Winter Break from Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019 through Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, visitors to the Museum of the American Revolution can explore the diverse stories of men and women in Pennsylvania and New Jersey who experienced these “Ten Crucial Days.” Visitors of all ages will meet costumed living history interpreters, learn military drills, and enjoy the “Sounds of the Irish Revolution” with free musical performances.

On Saturday, Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., visitors will meet costumed living history interpreters portraying Hessians – German soldiers who fought alongside the British – and hear a Museum educator discuss artifacts and stories from winter battles like those at Trenton and Princeton.

From Noon – 5 p.m. from Saturday, Dec. 21 – Tuesday, Dec. 31., in the Museum’s family-friendly Revolution Place discovery center, kids of all ages can explore 18th-century Philadelphia through immersive environments, interactive touchscreens, reproduction objects, and try-on clothing. Special activities and programs throughout the day will include storytime, make-your-own-ornament, and other craft activities. 

Visitors can immerse themselves in the music of 18th-century Ireland with the “Sounds of the Irish Revolution” series from Thursday, Dec. 26 – Monday, Dec. 30. From 2–4 p.m. each day, visitors can enjoy a variety of musical performances featuring traditional and historic Irish tunes in the Museum’s Cross Keys Café. More information here. The music will bring to life world of Irish soldier Richard St. George, the subject of the Museum’s special exhibition Cost of Revolution: The Life and Death of an Irish Soldier, which is on view through March 17, 2020 and is included with regular Museum admission.

On Friday, Dec. 27 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., visitors can meet the Philadelphia Associators – Philadelphia artist and soldier Charles Willson Peale’s militiamen – learn military drills, and find out how the Continental Army survived “the times that tried men’s souls.”

On Sunday, Dec. 29, from 1 – 4 p.m., young learners can create their own historical hero in a special “Cartooning Around” workshop in partnership with the Philadelphia-based East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention, Inc. (ECBACC), as part of the Museum’s Write the Revolution series geared towards teens. Participants will explore the Museum’s galleries to view a Revolutionary cast of characters and look at examples of 18th-century cartoons. Afterwards, representatives from ECBACC will share a history of comic book cartooning and help participants use elements of sci-fi/fantasy to re-envision a historical figure as a super-powered character. Tickets are $20 (includes Museum admission and supplies) and can be purchased here.

Museum Holiday Hours
Tuesday, Dec. 24 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 25 MUSEUM CLOSED
Thursday, Dec. 26 – Monday, Dec. 30 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 1 MUSEUM CLOSED

About the Museum of the American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution explores the dramatic, surprising story of the American Revolution through its unmatched collection of Revolutionary-era weapons, personal items, documents, and works of art. Immersive galleries, powerful theater experiences, and digital touchscreens bring to life the diverse array of people who created a new nation against incredible odds. Visitors gain a deeper appreciation for how this nation came to be and feel inspired to consider their role in the ongoing promise of the American Revolution. 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 April 19, 2017, is a private, non-profit, and non-partisan organization. For more information, visit www.AmRevMuseum.org or call 877.740.1776.