Museum Wins Silver-Level Anthem Award for African American Interpretive Program

The Program Elevates Black Stories of the Revolutionary Era

The Museum of the American Revolution today announced that it has received a silver-level Anthem Award in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion category for its African American Interpretive Program. The program launched in July 2021 to elevate Black stories of the Revolutionary era and is funded by a grant from Comcast NBCUniversal.

The Anthem Awards, The Webby Awards’ newest initiative, was developed to recognize the breadth of social good work—online and offline—around the globe by honoring the organizations, brands, and people creating long-lasting impact. Anthem Award finalists are selected by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. The Museum previously won a silver-level Anthem Award in 2022 for its Finding Freedom online experience and was a Webby Award honoree for its website, AmRevMuseum.org.

The African American Interpretive Program is part of the Museum’s Diversify Living History Initiative, which began in 2018 to cultivate and support a more diverse community of people engaged in the work of costumed living history and museum education. The program significantly expands the Museum’s capacity to develop and deliver programs that explore the lives, experiences, and impact of Revolutionary-era people of African descent. It is led by African American Interpretive Fellow Michael Idriss.  

In his role, Idriss has overseen the Museum’s Meet the Revolution Interpreters-in-Residence fellowship program, which includes costumed interpreters portraying and discussing people of color at the Museum. He also oversaw a summer 2022 living history institute that introduced teens and young adults to professional museum work, historical research and writing, and costumed living history, as part of the Museum’s wider interpretive and living history programming.

Additionally, Idriss managed the creation of a new first-person theatrical performance based on the life and experiences of James Forten (1766-1842), a free Black Revolutionary sailor and Philadelphian. The piece is performed on select weekends in conjunction with the Museum’s current special exhibition Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia.

“We are committed to lifting up stories that have often gone untold, with the conviction that inclusive history is the most accurate history,” said Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, Museum President and CEO. “The African American Interpretive Program, sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal, strengthens our ability to do this important work, and we are incredibly grateful for this recognition from the Anthem Awards.”

Winners of the 2nd Annual Anthem Awards will be celebrated at the Winners Celebration on February 27 in New York City. Fans will be able to hear from social impact leaders and their hallmark speeches at www.anthemawards.com.

The Anthem Awards was launched in response to the prevalence social good has taken within the national conversation and cultural zeitgeist in recent years. The 2nd Annual competition received nearly 2,000 entries from 43 countries worldwide. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, the Anthem Awards are defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their communities. A portion of program revenue will fund a new grant program supporting emerging individuals and organizations working to advance the causes recognized in the 2nd Annual Anthem Awards.

About The Anthem Awards
Launched in 2021 by The Webby Awards, The Anthem Awards honors the purpose & mission-driven work of people, companies and organizations worldwide. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, we’re defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their own communities. The Anthem Awards honors work across seven core causes: Diversity; Equity & Inclusion; Education; Art & Culture; Health; Human & Civil Rights; Humanitarian Action & Services; Responsible Technology; and Sustainability, Environment & Climate. Founded in partnership with the Ad Council, Born This Way Foundation, Feeding America, Glaad, Mozilla, NAACP, NRDC, WWF, and XQ. For more information, visit www.anthemawards.com.

About The Webby Awards
Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites; Video; Advertising, Media & PR; Apps, Mobile, and Voice; Social; Podcasts; and Games. Established in 1996, The Webby Awards received more than 13,500 entries from all 50 states and 70 countries worldwide this year. The Webby Awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include Verizon, WP Engine, YouGov, Brandlive, Canva, NAACP, KPMG, Fast Company, Wall Street Journal, MediaPost, Podcast Movement, and AIGA. For more information, visit www.webbyawards.com.

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.