Museum of the American Revolution Receives Preservation Planning Award for Washington’s War Tent Project

“It’s an engrossing, dramatic moment, this reveal of the crown jewel in the collection of Philadelphia’s new Museum of the American Revolution. The object of awe is a fragile, yellowing textile with scalloped trim, but oh, the stories it could tell.” –Washington Post

PHILADELPHIA, SEPT. 14, 2017 — The Museum of the American Revolution’s years-long process to conserve and display General George Washington’s War Tent, his mobile headquarters throughout most of the Revolutionary War, was awarded a 2017 Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Award in the category of Preservation Planning.

The award will be presented at a ceremony and reception on Oct. 12, 2017 at The State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg, with Pennsylvania’s First Lady Frances Wolf attending. The awards are hosted by Preservation Pennsylvania, the commonwealth’s only statewide, private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the protection of historically and architecturally significant places.

“The process to conserve and display this three-dimensional textile was one of the most complex and complicated preservation projects in generations, involving structural engineers, historians, tailors, conservationists, curators and others over the course of several years,” said Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, Vice President of Collections, Exhibitions, and Programming for the Museum of the American Revolution. “The tent has already survived several centuries as a witness to the establishment of our nation, and these efforts will ensure that it survives – and is appropriately celebrated – for many more.”

One of the most iconic surviving artifacts from the Revolutionary War, Washington’s War Tent is the cornerstone of the Museum’s collection. The Museum’s “rock-star object” (New York Times) is featured as part of an innovative, multi-layered, mixed media presentation in a dedicated 100-seat theater, and has quickly become a signature visitor experience.

“Washington’s tent was his command center during the Revolutionary War, and tells the story of his inspiring leadership, unyielding determination, and steadfast devotion to his troops,” said Michael Quinn, President and CEO of the Museum of the American Revolution. “It is a powerful symbol of American freedom, and one that we are thrilled to be able to preserve for future generations.”

About the Museum of the American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution explores the dynamic story of the American Revolution using its rich collection of Revolutionary-era weapons, personal items, letters, diaries, and works of art. Immersive galleries, theater experiences, and recreated historical environments bring to life the events, people, and ideals of our nation’s founding and engage people in the history and continuing relevance of the American Revolution. Located just steps away from Independence Hall, Carpenters’ Hall, and Franklin Court, the Museum serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging exploration. The Museum is a private, non-profit, and non-partisan organization. For more information, visit www.AmRevMuseum.org or call 877.740.1776.

About Preservation Pennsylvania
Annually, since 1979, the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Awards have honored individuals and organizations that exhibited excellence in the field of historic preservation. Preservation Pennsylvania is the commonwealth’s only statewide, private non-profit, membership organization dedicated to preserving Pennsylvania’s historic places through creative partnerships, targeted educational and advocacy programs, special projects, and technical assistance.