Museum Announces Newly Expanded Positions in Education, Community Engagement and 250th Initiatives in the Lead-Up to 2026

The Museum of the American Revolution today announced two newly expanded roles within the organization in support of the Museum’s strategic commitment to education, engagement, and commemorating the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding in 2026.

Dr. Elizabeth Grant, formerly Director of Education, will now serve as Director of 250th Initiatives and Museum Programs. Since 2018, Grant has provided creative and strategic leadership for all aspects of the Museum’s educational programming. During her tenure, Grant expanded the Museum’s educational offerings into a robust line-up of programs and initiatives for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. She led an interdepartmental team in producing new educational resources and programmatic series, including the Museum’s Citizenship Initiative, which prepares Philadelphia-area immigrants for the naturalization test. In her new role, she will oversee the Museum’s multifaceted initiatives to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, as well as many of the Museum’s public-facing programs.

Adrienne Whaley, who has managed the Museum’s K-12 education program since 2016, was promoted to Director of Education and Community Engagement. Whaley designed and developed the Museum’s signature school program, “Through Their Eyes,” which engages more than 70,000 schoolchildren each year in the diverse stories of men, women, and children who played a role in launching America’s revolutionary experiment in liberty, equality and self-government. In her new role, she will continue to lead the development and delivery of the Museum’s K-12 education programs and will play a leadership role in expanding and maintaining the Museum’s engagement with individuals and communities of color.

“Liz and Adrienne are powerhouses in producing learning programs that bring the Museum’s immersive exhibitions to life and reflect its inclusive approach to the history and legacy of the American Revolution,” said Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, Museum President and CEO. “They have a proven passion for ensuring that audiences of all ages and backgrounds have access to the powerful, transformative experiences that history provides. We’re excited about the expertise and vision they bring to these new roles as we look ahead to our nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.”

About Dr. Elizabeth A. Grant
Dr. Elizabeth Grant joined the Museum as Director of Education in 2018. She previously served as Head of Learning at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London, where she spearheaded the launch and expansion of a dynamic collections-based architectural design and heritage program. Prior to that, Grant served as Director of Education at the New-York Historical Society, where she led programs for students and teachers, and the production of printed and online teaching resources for both permanent collections and changing exhibitions. Grant has a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Trinity College in Hartford, CT. She received a master of philosophy degree and a doctorate in American and Canadian Studies from the University of Birmingham in the UK.

About Adrienne G. Whaley
Adrienne Whaley has managed the Museum’s K-12 education program since 2016. She previously served as Curator of Education and Public Programming at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. She has worked in both art and history museums and loves the potential for objects, artifacts and primary source documents to enrich student learning experiences. Whaley earned her bachelor’s degree in African American Studies from Harvard University and her master's degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania. She was recently featured in HISTORY®’s 2020 television documentary ‘Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution.’ Whaley carries her love of history and for uncovering the stories of common people into her spare time as an avid genealogist researching her own family history and as the President of Philadelphia’s African American Genealogy Group.

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.