Museum's “Revolution at the Library” Partnership with the Free Library of Philadelphia Returns this Summer

Program Brings the Museum’s Diverse Storytelling to Libraries Across the City

Revolution at the Library, the Museum of the American Revolution’s partnership with the Free Library of Philadelphia (FLP), returns this month to engage kids and families in the dynamic, diverse stories of the American Revolution. The project is supported by the Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation.

Throughout the summer, educators from the Museum will visit FLP neighborhood libraries across the city to present engaging stories about the diverse people and complex events of the Revolutionary era, along with activities that allow families to build their skills and knowledge together. Programs are free to attend and do not require advance registration.

Programs are currently planned for the following neighborhood libraries: Greater Olney, Wyoming, Northeast Regional, Holmesburg, Bustleton, Oak Lane, Tacony, and West Oak Lane. Additional libraries will be added. Dates and times of each program are listed here: Revolution at the Library - Museum of the American Revolution (amrevmuseum.org)

“We are so excited to begin our second year of this program, getting out into our communities, and also inviting them into our space,” said Adrienne Whaley, the Museum’s Director of Education and Community Engagement. “And we’re so appreciative of the Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation’s support as we lift up both fun and complex stories about the Revolution for young learners and their families at the library.”

Aimed at elementary school students and their families, Revolution at the Library features hands-on, curiosity-sparking lessons that incorporate replica artifacts and documents that children can examine and explore. 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, like Philadelphian James Forten, who is featured in the Museum’s Black Founders special exhibit; “Thinking Like a Historian,” which encourages students to think critically about what replica objects can teach us about the past; and “Spies,” which examines espionage in the Revolutionary era.

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.

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 five million in-person visits and five 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.