Press Releases
Learn About Flags, Celebrate Dad, and More Over Flag Day Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution
May 8, 2024Take Home a Free Handheld Version of George Washington’s Headquarters Flag
Visit the Museum of the American Revolution over Flag Day Weekend, from Flag Day, Friday, June 14 through Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16, to learn about flags of “all kinds of colours” with flag-themed crafts and activities, living history interpretation, a special display in the Museum Rotunda, and more. Throughout the weekend, guests can receive a free handheld version of George Washington’s Headquarters Flag based on the flag in the Museum's collection that is said to have marked his presence throughout the Revolutionary War, including the field headquarters highlighted in our newest special exhibition Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington’s Tent.
Open daily from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Witness to Revolution greatly expands the story told in the Museum’s award-winning Washington's War Tent film and brings to life the stories of individuals from all walks of life who saved George Washington’s tent from being lost over the generations and who ultimately fashioned this relic into a symbol of the fragile American republic. Visit Witness to Revolution over Flag Day Weekend to hear a 10-minute gallery talk about the flags featured in the exhibit as well as a painted silk banner that celebrated the Marquis de Lafayette's return to America in 1824.
Other Flag Day Highlights:
- On Display: True Colours Flag Project | Daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Museum’s handsewn, replica “suit of colours” is back on display in the Museum Rotunda for Flag Day. Learn more about the process of recreating — and the history behind — these huge flags flown by 18th-century ships at sea during the Revolutionary War. Sponsorship for the project was provided by The Color Guard of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution. - Meet the Revolution: Sydney Marenburg | Daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Costumed living historian Sydney Marenburg will be onsite to discuss the intersections of economics, class, gender, and race in the United States. Sydney has conducted original research into industrial soap production in the 18th century, as well as the position of servants and immigrants to the American colonies. - Pop-Up Gallery Talks: Liberty and Forster Flags | Daily from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Enjoy a 10-minute pop-up talk to learn more about the Liberty flag and the Forster flag on display at the Museum. The Liberty flag, on loan from the Schenectady Historical Society, is the only surviving example from the Revolutionary War and is believed to have been carried by a New York regiment in 1776 and 1777. The Forster flag, on loan from Brian and Barbara Hendelson, may be one of the earliest American flags to have been altered after the Declaration of Independence; it is clear that the British Union was removed from it and the white fabric has been reworked to create stripes. - Create Your Own Flag in Revolution Place | Daily from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Explore Revolution Place, the Museum’s family-friendly discovery center, which brings to life Old City’s lively, diverse neighborhood during the1700s and invites visitors to learn through hands-on exploration. Kids of all ages can immerse themselves in four historical environments – a military encampment, a tavern, a parlor, and an 18th-century meeting house – to experience the places where the American Revolution took root. Don't miss a chance to create your own flag with your own colors and symbols to take home with you. - Rebecca Flower Young Discovery Cart | Daily from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Flagmaker Rebecca Flower Young advertised “all kinds of colours” for the Revolutionary cause from her shop here in Philadelphia. Meet a Museum educator to view replica objects and learn more about Young’s work as a military contractor making flags and drum cases for the Continental Army.
All Flag Day and Father’s Day Weekend activities are included with regular Museum admission. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Special exhibit Witness to Revolution is open from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is 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. Save $2 per adult ticket by purchasing online. Kids ages 5 and under are always free. All tickets are valid for two consecutive days.
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.