Honor the Lives of Revolutionary, Modern-Day Veterans During Veterans Day at the Museum

Free Admission for Veterans, Military, and Blue Star Families, Nov. 8-11

Special Programming Includes In-Gallery Talk, Performances, and More

The Museum of the American Revolution will honor our nation’s Revolutionary and modern-day veterans on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 with special performances, talks, and more. From Saturday, Nov. 8 – Wednesday, Nov. 11, the Museum will offer free admission to those currently serving in the military, veterans, and Blue Star Families, courtesy of Comcast NBCUniversal (available for in-Museum purchase only).

Also special to Veterans Day, the Museum will give away challenge coins to the first 25 people who utilize the free admission offering for active military, veterans, and Blue Star Families on Nov. 11.

Visitors can explore the stories of Revolutionary veterans in our core galleries like Joseph Plumb Martin, who enlisted in the Continental Army at 15 years old and served through the end of the Revolutionary War, and James Forten, a free person of African descent who served on a privateer ship as a teenager. Visitors can also view the Museum’s Revolutionary Generation photo wall to learn about Revolutionary War veterans who lived into the age of photography.

Veterans Day Programming Highlights:

10-Minute Talk: Akiatonharónkwen/Louis Cook | Nov. 11 at 12:30 p.m.
Join a Museum educator to hear more about the life of Akiatonharónkwen, also commonly known as Louis Cook, who was one of the highest-ranking Native American officers in the Continental forces during the Revolutionary War. Born to an African American father and Abenaki Indian mother, Akiatonharónkwen fought in the French and Indian War (1754-1763) as a young man. Discover the path he chose in the Revolutionary War as British and Revolutionary leaders courted him as an ally.

Pension Project Discovery Cart | Nov. 11 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Explore a variety of replica objects to learn about the stories of Revolutionary War veterans, and watch clips from the Museum’s Pension Project video series, where modern-day veterans reflect on their own military experiences and make connections to the experiences of veterans from the Revolutionary generation.

First-Person Performance: Meet Joseph Plumb Martin | Nov. 11 at 1:15 p.m. & 3:15 p.m.
Watch a 30-minute first-person theatrical performance portraying Continental Army soldier Joseph Plumb Martin, one of the thousands of teenaged soldiers in General George Washington's army. The performance stars Matt Morris as Joseph Plumb Martin.

Daily Program Offerings:

The Declaration's Journey | Daily
The Declaration's Journey, presented by Griffin Catalyst, explores the historical and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to today.

Unpack a Sea Chest | Daily at 2:30 p.m.
All hands on deck on the Museum’s replica sloop! Join a Museum educator for stories about what life was like at sea during the Revolutionary War for the Continental Navy, privateers, and prisoners of war, and learn about the different roles needed to operate Revolutionary-era ships.

Revolution Place | Daily
Visit Revolution Place, the Museum’s family-friendly discovery center, which brings to life Old City’s lively, diverse neighborhood during the 1700s and invites visitors to learn through hands-on exploration. Kids of all ages can immerse themselves in three historical environments – a military encampment, a tavern, and a parlor – to experience the places where the American Revolution took root.

Gallery Guide: Remembering Fallen Revolutionaries | Onsite and Online
Throughout the Museum we tell the stories of many of our nation’s first fallen soldiers and honor those whose names we don’t know. Use our Remembering Fallen Revolutionaries gallery guide to explore their stories and artifacts, including the sword of fallen Revolutionary General Hugh Mercer and the gravestone of Maryland Captain Michael Cresap, among many others.

Veterans Day at 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 an independent, non-profit, and non-partisan organization. For more information, visit www.AmRevMuseum.org or call 877.740.1776.