Museum of the American Revolution’s “Revolution at the Library” Program Returns This Summer with Expanded Regional Locations, Dates

The Museum of the American Revolution’s Revolution at the Library program returns this July to engage kids and families across the region in the dynamic, diverse stories of the American Revolution. In addition to its continued partnership with the Free Library of Philadelphia, the Museum is partnering with the Camden County Library System to expand this year’s program to libraries across both Philadelphia and Camden County, NJ.

Throughout the summer, Museum educators will bring history to life at libraries across the region by presenting riveting Revolutionary tales accompanied by engaging activities. These stories span a variety of topics and incorporate interactive elements, like replica artifacts and documents, that children are invited to examine and explore. Geared toward elementary school students and their families, Revolution at the Library aims to spark students’ curiosity and to encourage families to learn and develop skills together.

“It is such a privilege to offer Revolution at the Library for a third year and to take the Museum’s programming outside of our walls and into our communities, both here in Philadelphia and now in Camden County as well,” said Adrienne Whaley, the Museum’s Director of Education and Community Engagement. “We love serving kids and families, and being able to bring them fascinating stories of the American Revolution by way of neighborhood libraries is always a blast!”

Programs are currently planned for the following Free Library of Philadelphia branches: Greater Olney, Wyoming, Chestnut Hill, Holmesburg, Northeast Regional, and Oak Lane. Camden County Library program locations include: William G. Rohrer Memorial Library-Haddon Township Branch, Gloucester Township Blackwood Rotary Public Library, M. Allan Vogelson Regional Branch, South County Regional Branch, Riletta L. Cream Ferry Avenue Branch, and the Nilsa I. Cruz-Perez Downtown Branch. A full list of program locations, dates, and times can be found here.

Program topics vary and include “What’s Under the Museum,” which unearths the treasures found during the archaeological excavation of the Museum’s site prior to its construction; “Life at Sea,” which explores what life was like for sailors on privateer ships; “Thinking Like a Historian,” which encourages students to think critically about what replica objects can teach us about the past; “Spies,” which examines espionage in the Revolutionary era; and “Within These Walls,” which introduces students to Washington’s War Tent, the subject of the Museum’s current special exhibition, Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington's Tent, and explores who and what it took to keep George Washington's home away from home functioning.

To continue their exploration, participants and their families can register for a field trip to the Museum from their neighborhood on a select date. Participants will also be encouraged to make future Museum visits by taking advantage of opportunities to visit free of charge or at a reduced cost, including its Library Pass Program which allows patrons of more than 100 libraries to visit the Museum for free.

Revolution at the Library expands and enriches dedicated program offerings for children, young people, and their families as part of FLP’s LEAP program, a free drop-in program that provides homework assistance and activities for school-aged youth and their caregivers.

2024 Revolution at the Library is supported by the Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation and the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation.

About the Camden County Library System
Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Camden, Bellmawr, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees Township. The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Commissioners and the Camden County Library Commission. For more information about the Camden County Library System, visit www.camdencountylibrary.org or call (856) 772-1636.

About the Free Library of Philadelphia
The Free Library of Philadelphia system, with 54 locations advances literacy, guides learning, and inspires curiosity with millions of digital and physical materials; 31,000 yearly programs and workshops; free public computers and extensive Wi-Fi; and rich special collections, including those at the Parkway Central Library. With more than 5 million in-person visits and 5 million more online annually, the Free Library is one of the largest public library systems in the United States. For more information, visit www.freelibrary.org.  

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.