Free Admission for Veterans, Active Military, and Blue Star Families During Veterans Day Weekend, Nov. 11 - 14

Veterans Day Premiere of “Meet James Forten” Theatrical Performance and Panel Discussion

Don’t Miss the New Special Exhibition Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War

This Veterans Day Weekend from Thursday, November 11 – Sunday, November 14, 2021, the Museum of the American Revolution will pay tribute to America’s first veterans as well as those who continue to serve our nation today. Throughout the weekend, the Museum will offer free admission to veterans, active military, and Blue Star Families, courtesy of Comcast NBCUniversal. The weekend includes an evening theatrical performance and discussion, access to our new special exhibition, and family-friendly activities.

On Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, at 6:30 p.m., experience the debut of the Museum’s newest first-person theatrical performance with AmRev Presents: A Veterans Day Premiere of “Meet James Forten.” The 20-minute performance explores Forten’s life as a free Black Philadelphian, Revolutionary War veteran, and stalwart abolitionist. Following the live performance, join playwright Marissa Kennedy, actor Nathan Alford-Tate, African American Interpretive Fellow Michael Idriss, and Senior Manager of Gallery Interpretation Dr. Tyler Putman for a talkback discussion about how and why this new theatrical piece was created and why Forten’s story continues to resonate with audiences today. The event will be livestreamed online.

This evening event is ticketed (admission includes access to Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War from 5:15 – 6:30 p.m.) Tickets are $20 for onsite general admission or $15 for Museum Members (proof of vaccination is required). Online-only admission is $15 for general admission or $10 for Museum Members. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 215.253.6731.

Veterans Day Weekend Highlights:

• Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War | Daily
  Throughout the weekend, don’t miss the Museum’s special exhibition Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War. For the first time in a museum, this special exhibition brings together over 45 of Troiani’s original Revolutionary War paintings and pairs them with 40 artifacts that inspired or appear in them. The exhibit also features one of Troiani’s latest works, “Brave Men as Ever Fought,” a painting of young James Forten witnessing Black and Native American troops in the ranks of the Continental Army as they march past Independence Hall on their way to Yorktown, Virginia. Also featured in the exhibit is “The Veterans Return,” which features a Continental Army soldier returning home after the war. It is displayed alongside the memoir of Continental Army veteran Joseph Plumb Martin, which details his seven years of military service and is on display at the Museum for the first time.
• Postcards & Poppies | Thursday – Sunday
  Guests of all ages are invited to write a special message of gratitude for service members and their families throughout the weekend. The Museum will mail the messages to organizations supporting Blue and Gold Star Families. Visitors also can donate to the American Legion Auxiliary and receive a red fabric poppy to wear home.
• Pop-Up Gallery Talks | Thursday – Sunday
  Join an educator for 10-minute pop-up talks exploring the stories of veterans of the Revolutionary War. In the Museum’s final gallery, visitors can view a wall of photographs featuring men and women of the Revolutionary Generation who lived through the Revolutionary War and survived into the age of photography.
• Discovery Cart: Akiatonharónkwen | Thursday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  November is Native American Heritage Month, and during Veterans Day weekend, visitors can explore the stories of native veterans such as Akiatonharónkwen, also known as Louis Cook, who was one of the highest-ranking Native American officers in the Continental forces during the Revolutionary War. Join a Museum educator at a discovery cart to learn about the path he chose in the Revolutionary War as British and Revolutionary leaders courted him as an ally. This cart features brand-new replica wampum belts recently commissioned by the Museum. 

Veterans Day Weekend activities are included with regular Museum admission. Tickets to the Museum can be purchased by calling 215.253.6731, at amrevmuseum.org, or at the front desk. Free admission for veterans, military, and Blue Star Families is available at the front desk with ID. The Museum is currently open to the public daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. with enhanced health and safety protocols. Masks are required for all visitors ages 5 and up.

Veterans Day Weekend with the Museum is sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal.

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.