Museum of the American Revolution’s “Black Founders” Exhibit Wins Awards from PA Museums and the American Association for State and Local History

The Museum of the American Revolution is pleased to announce that its 2023 special exhibition, Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia, has won both a 2024 Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) and a 2024 Special Achievement Award from PA Museums.

Black Founders told the inspiring story of free Black Philadelphian James Forten and his family, who navigated the American Revolution and cross-racial relationships in Philadelphia to become leaders in the abolition movement in the lead-up to the Civil War and women's suffrage. The exhibit explored three generations of Forten descendants who played pivotal roles in the Revolutionary War, and in the abolitionist movement from 1776 to 1876, including their roles helping to start both the American Anti-Slavery Society and the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society in 1833.

The exhibition brought together more than 100 historical artifacts, works of art, textiles, and documents from nearly 40 lenders and the Museum’s own collection. Rare historical objects on loan from descendants of the Forten family were on view for the very first time in a public exhibit, including a family Bible that was donated to the Museum by descendants of James Forten. Black Founders also featured videos, audio experiences, and tactile interactives, including a partial recreation of James Forten’s sail-making workshop that visitors could step inside to discover replica tools and a workbench like those used by Forten.

Black Founders was the first major museum exhibit of its kind to tell James Forten’s remarkable story, magnifying the impact of both esteemed institutions awarding it this year.

“It is such an honor to have both AALSH and PA Museums recognize Black Founders and the exceptional work of our in-house exhibition and curatorial team,” said Trish Norman, Assistant Curator at the Museum of the American Revolution, who recently attended the AASLH annual meeting in Mobile, Alabama to accept the Award of Excellence on the Museum’s behalf.

The AASLH Leadership in History Awards not only honor significant achievement in the field of state and local history, but also bring public recognition of the opportunities for small and large organizations, institutions, and programs to make contributions in this arena. This year, AASLH confers with 47 national awards honoring people, projects, exhibits and publications whose winners represent the best in the field and provide leadership for the future of state and local history.

Since the 1980s, PA Museums has invited nominations from its membership and chosen institutions, projects, and individuals to be recognized. This year, twelve organizations from every region of Pennsylvania have won Institutional Awards of Merit. One organization is receiving PA Museums’ prestigious S.K. Stevens Award, and two individuals will be honored for their contributions to the field with Individual Awards.

“PA Museums’ annual awards are meant to inspire the museum field and impress visitors to museums,” said Rusty Baker, Executive Director of PA Museums. “Pennsylvania’s museums and historical organizations are star performers, and we are proud to recognize the great work being done throughout the Commonwealth.”

About the American Association for State and Local History
The American Association for State and Local History is a not-for-profit professional organization of individuals and institutions working to preserve and promote history. From its headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, AASLH provides leadership, service, and support for its members who preserve and interpret state and local history in order to make the past more meaningful to all people. AASLH publishes books, technical publications, a quarterly magazine, and maintains numerous affinity communities and committees serving a broad range of constituents across the local community. The association also sponsors an annual meeting, regional and national training in-person workshops, and online training.

About PA Museums
PA Museums is Pennsylvania’s statewide museum association with 350 members across the Commonwealth. PA Museums’ membership includes museums and historical organizations of many types and sizes, and in addition to providing professional development opportunities for museum professionals, the organization also leads advocacy campaigns on behalf of the museum community.

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