Only Seven Weeks Remain to See "Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War" Special Exhibition, on View Through Sept. 5

Exhibition Brings Together More than 45 Paintings by Nationally Renowned Historical Artist Don Troiani Alongside Historic Artifacts

Only seven weeks remain to see Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War at the Museum of the American Revolution, the special exhibition’s exclusive venue. The exhibition brings together – for the first time in public – more than 45 original paintings by nationally renowned historical artist Don Troiani, alongside historic artifacts that illuminate the story in each scene. Liberty is on view through September 5, 2022, and is included with regular Museum admission.

Visitors can enhance their experience through audio and guided tours, 10-minute talks, a theatrical performance, and other daily programs. A richly illustrated exhibition catalog is available for purchase in the Museum’s store and online, as well as prints and miniature figures.

Connecticut-based artist Don Troiani (b.1949) has dedicated much of his artistic career to imagining and recreating what the Revolutionary War truly looked like. His use of primary sources, archaeology, original artifacts, and other research methods imbues his paintings with an almost photographic-quality realism. Using a masterful combination of “artistry and accuracy” (New York Times), Troiani’s paintings demonstrate his extraordinary combination of historical research, technical skill, and artistic drama. Liberty is the first major exhibition of his original artwork. 

The special exhibition pairs Troiani’s works of art with artifacts that inspired or appear in his paintings and illuminate the story of each scene. The 40 objects on display include weapons, military equipment, textiles, manuscripts, and more, which are from the Museum's collection, on loan from Troiani's personal collection, and other lenders. Through these pairings, the exhibition plunges visitors into some of the most pivotal moments of America’s fight for independence, from the Battles of Lexington and Concord to the victory at Yorktown. 

Visitors encounter rare objects such as a bear-fur cap worn by a British Army grenadier, pieces of the Hessian flags that General Washington’s army captured at the Battle of Trenton, and a rifle made in 1775 by Moravian gunsmith Christian Oerter of Pennsylvania. The exhibit also features an original copy of Paul Revere’s famous engraving of the Boston Massacre, on loan from the care of Seth Kaller, Inc. Revere’s engraving is displayed next to Troiani’s 2017 painting of the Boston Massacre.  

Also featured in the exhibition is Troiani’s recent painting, “Brave Men as Ever Fought,” commissioned by the Museum and funded by the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail of the National Park Service. This painting captures the moment when 15-year-old African American sailor and Philadelphian James Forten witnessed Black and Native American troops in the ranks of the Continental Army as they marched past Independence Hall on their way to eventual victory at Yorktown. Forten later called those soldiers “as brave Men as ever fought.”

Special Programming & Additional Resources:

• Theatrical Performance: Accompanying the exhibition, an original first-person theatrical performance, “Meet James Forten,” dramatizes the experiences of free Black Philadelphian James Forten, who joined a privateer ship to serve during the Revolutionary War and later became a prominent businessperson and abolitionist. The performance takes place on Sundays at 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. in the Alan B. Miller Theater.
• Family Guide and Scavenger Hunt: Families can enjoy the special exhibition with a printed family guide full of games and activities, along with a scavenger hunt for younger visitors. Hands-on activities for visitors to the exhibition include try-on clothing carts and a James Forten Discovery Cart.
• Educator Resources: For students and teachers, virtual distance learning programs and teacher professional development opportunities inspired by the exhibition are available, along with modular activities and ready-made worksheets on the Museum’s website.
• Virtual Tour: A virtual version of the exhibition is now available for digital explorers from around the world through a free 360-degree virtual tour, which will remain permanently available.
• Audio Tour: A free audio tour (with transcriptions) is available for use on your mobile device. Sanitized hand-held audio devices are available for rental for $5 per device ($3 for Museum Members).
• Guided Tours: Thirty-minute guided tours are available through Group Sales for private bookings. To book, contact [email protected] or call 215.579.3623.
• Accessibility: As part of the Museum’s commitment to accessibility, the exhibition includes raised tactile images of three of Troiani’s paintings for use by guests who are blind or have low vision, created and donated by Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired, as well as replica handling objects.
• Exhibition Catalog: A hardcover catalog of the exhibit is available for purchase for $29.95 in the Museum’s shop onsite and online.

The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. with enhanced health and safety protocols. The exhibition is open from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily and is included with regular Museum admission. Tickets can be purchased at www.amrevmuseum.org, by calling 215.253.6731, or at the front desk.

Museum tickets are $21 for adults ($19 online); $18 for seniors, students, and active or retired military; and $13 for children ages 6 and up. Children ages 5 and under are free. All tickets are valid for two consecutive days. Group tickets for parties of 15 or more are available for a reduced price by calling 267.579.3623. Memberships are also available online or by calling 215.454.2030.

Liberty is presented by Bank of America. Comcast NBCUniversal is the exhibition’s education sponsor. Additional support is provided by Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of Pritzker Military Museum & Library, Lanny and Ann Patten, The Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution and its Color Guard, NJM Insurance Group, State Society of the Cincinnati of Pennsylvania, Cynthia Sweeney, and Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail of the National Park Service. In-kind support provided by Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired.

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.