March into Spring Break with family-friendly activities for all ages at the Museum. Info & Tickets

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Meet James Forten Performance  Credit Moar

As part of the Museum of the American Revolution’s Black History Month celebration, explore the life and legacy of James Forten, a free Black Philadelphian, Revolutionary War privateer, and later, a stalwart abolitionist, with the Museum’s newest first-person theatrical performance “Meet James Forten” on Thursday, February 10, 2022, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. The 20-minute live performance will be followed by a discussion with audience participation. The event will take place in-person at the Museum and will be livestreamed for ticketed online audiences. EDITOR'S NOTE: THIS EVENT WILL NOW BE ONLINE ONLY.

During the talkback session, actor Nathan Alford-Tate and Michael Idriss, the Museum’s African American Interpretive Fellow, will discuss how and why this new theatrical piece was created and why Forten’s story continues to resonate with audiences today. Kalela Williams, founder of Black History Maven and a member of the Museum’s Diversify Living History Advisory Committee, will moderate the conversation.

Actor Nathan Alford-Tate depicts a sailor in a blue coat holding a sailmaking fid in our Meet James Forten first-person theatrical performance.

The Museum’s Senior Manager of Gallery Interpretation Dr. Tyler Putman will provide opening remarks about “Brave Men as Ever Fought,” a new painting by nationally renowned historical artist Don Troiani that shows a significant moment in Forten’s life. The painting, which is featured in the Museum’s current special exhibition Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War, was commissioned with funding from the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail of the National Park Service. 

Tickets are $15 ($10 for Museum Members) and are available for purchase here.

“Meet James Forten” is part of the Museum’s African American Interpretive Program, Sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal. 

About Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War
Without the benefit of photography, the Revolutionary War can be difficult to envision. But what did the war actually look like? The Museum's current special exhibition, Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War, immerses visitors in the dramatic and research-based works of this nationally renowned historical artist to bring the compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events of the American Revolution to life. The first major exhibition of Troiani’s original artwork, Liberty plunges visitors into some of the most pivotal events of America’s fight for independence and reveal Troiani’s research-based artistic process. This special exhibition brings together for the first time in public more than 45 of Troiani’s original Revolutionary War paintings and pairs them with dozens of artifacts from his personal collection as well as the Museum and other lenders. It is on view through September 5, 2022, and is included with regular Museum admission. More information here

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.