Museum Honors Nation's Veterans During Veterans Day Weekend

To commemorate Veterans Day 2019, the Museum of the American Revolution is hosting a series of events and activities to honor America’s first veterans and those who continue to serve our country today.

To kick-off Veterans Day Weekend and to coincide with the Museum's special exhibition, The Cost of Revolution: The Life and Death of an Irish Soldier, the Museum is hosting a panel discussion, Recalling Trauma: History and Healing in Veterans Affairs on Thursday, November 7, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Guests are invited to hear from experts as they discuss military service and trauma in the Age of Revolutions and today. More than a century before modern psychologists first began diagnosing people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Revolutionary War veterans dealt with their traumatic memories and the long-term consequences of their physical and psychological wounds.

Our panel of experts will use the life of Richard St. George to help us understand stories from today’s veterans.

"St. George’s life reveals some of the many outlets veterans sought during the eighteenth century to deal with trauma after years of war,” said Dr. Philip Mead, Director of Curatorial Affairs and Chief Historian for the Museum. "St. George’s exceptionally well-documented life story provides a rich case study for examining similarities and differences in veteran’s experiences in his time and ours.”  

Richard St. George was an Irish officer and artist in the British Army who was wounded in the head at Germantown and suffered hallucinations for years. He often used his artwork to convey his pain. 

“Utilizing art to process trauma is a timeless tradition and one that is widely used today from hospitals to schools and beyond,” said Lovella Calica, Founder and Director of Warrior Writers. “Veterans continue to face the same challenges as those in the eighteenth century, the more we know about what our veterans must deal with, the better we can support them." 

Sean Casey, Director of Communications, Military and Veterans Affairs at Comcast NBCUniversal, will introduce the panel that will discuss the challenges and advantages of using modern psychological language to understand the experiences of soldiers and veterans in the 1700s. Speakers include:

• Dr. Philip C. Mead, Director of Curatorial Affairs and Chief Historian at MoAR
• Dr. John Bradley, MD, COL(Ret), US Army, Chief of Psychiatry at VA Boston Healthcare System and Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School
• Dr. Katherine Grandjean, Associate Professor of History at Wellesley College
• Mike Miller, Veteran Artist, Warrior Writers
• Jessi Faue, Veteran Artist, Warrior Writers

This is a ticketed event. $20 General Admission, $15 for Members, $10 for Students and free for veterans, those currently serving in the military, and Blue Star Families, courtesy of Comcast NBCUniversal.

Starting on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, a sea chest that once belonged to Betsy Ross’ husband, John Claypoole, will be on display at the Museum. Aboard the Museum's replica privateer sloop, join an educator to explore the contents of a replica sea chest – like the one used by Claypoole – and its contents. The original chest and the replica will be on display during regular Museum hours.

Saturday, Nov. 9 – Monday, Nov. 11, 2019, the Museum will offer free admission to veterans, those currently serving in the military, and Blue Star Families, courtesy of Comcast NBCUniversal. Visitors can explore stories of soldiers in our Galleries and in our hands-on discovery center, Revolution Place. Uncover the life of Irish soldier Richard St. George in our special exhibition and during special 30-minute theatrical performances where he reflects on his role in the Revolutionary War and its Irish aftermath. Performances take place at 1:15 pm and 3:15 pm in Washington’s War Tent Theater.

Saturday, Nov. 9 – Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, join a Museum educator for a 30-minute walking tour to the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier located in Washington Square Park to learn more about the history of Revolutionary veterans. Tours will depart from the Museum’s front desk at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm on both days. Tickets are $3 for Members and $5 General Admission (in addition to regular Museum admission; to be donated to the American Legion Auxiliary).

About Museum of the American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution explores the dramatic, surprising story of the American Revolution through its unmatched collection of Revolutionary-era weapons, personal items, documents, and works of art. Immersive galleries, powerful theater experiences, and interactive digital elements bring to life the diverse array of people who created a new nation against incredible odds. Visitors gain a deeper appreciation for how this nation came to be and feel inspired to consider their role in the ongoing promise of the American Revolution. 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.