Only Two Weeks Remain to See “Among His Troops” Exhibit, On View Through Presidents Day Feb. 19

Evening Discussion on Detective Work Involved in Discovering and Identifying the Watercolor, Feb. 15

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 5, 2018 — Only two weeks remain to see a recently discovered watercolor painting from the Revolutionary War at the Museum of the American Revolution. The 235-year-old, seven-foot panoramic painting is the centerpiece of the special exhibit Among His Troops: Washington’s War Tent in a Newly Discovered Watercolor, which runs through Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 19, 2018.

The exhibit brings together works of art, weapons, and other artifacts from the Revolutionary War to explore the history surrounding the rare eyewitness view of the Continental Army in 1782, which was discovered by the Museum’s curators. Visitors will learn about the detective work conducted by the Museum’s curators to identify the watercolor and its artist, Pierre L’Enfant. Among His Troops is open from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily and is free with regular museum admission.

“We have no photographs of this army, and suddenly here is the equivalent of Google Street View,” Dr. Philip Mead, Chief Historian and Director of Curatorial Affairs for the Museum, told the New York Times. “Looking at it, you feel like you are walking right into the past.”

The 2,500 square-foot exhibit is located in the Museum’s first-floor Patriots Gallery. An adjacent activity space features replica soldiers’ tents that visitors can climb inside, and replicated furniture from Washington’s tent, including his bed, stools, and accoutrements, for visitors to explore Washington’s day-to-day experience as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. Guests can try on Revolutionary-inspired clothing, handle replica objects like those represented in L’Enfant’s watercolor, and learn how to drill like a soldier. 

Complementing the exhibit, visitors have the rare opportunity to view the Diamond Eagle of the Society of the Cincinnati on the Museum’s second floor. The diamond-encrusted pendant was owned and worn by George Washington as the first president general of the Society. It was presented to Washington in Philadelphia but has never been publicly exhibited in the city before now. The Society’s insignia — a gold Eagle suspended from a blue and white ribbon – was designed by Pierre L’Enfant, the artist who painted the watercolor.

Upcoming Programming Highlights Include:

• Thirty-minute educator-led early access tours of the special exhibit will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 10 a.m. for $35 general admission, $20 members.
• Twenty-minute gallery talks by members of the curatorial team will take place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Free with general admission.
• On Saturday, Feb. 10 and Sunday, Feb. 11 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., visitors can experience 18th-century art-making as a costumed artist demonstrates the watercolor painting techniques that were mastered by Pierre L’Enfant and other artists during the Revolutionary War. Free with regular Museum admission.
• On Sunday, Feb. 11 at 1:30 p.m., Corine N. McHugh, a Philadelphia-based independent conservator of works on paper, will discuss the treatment choices she made while conserving L’Enfants watercolor. McHugh will discuss her efforts to best preserve the artist’s hand and intent. Free with regular admission.
• On Thursday, Feb. 15 at 6:30 p.m., Museum historians Dr. R. Scott Stephenson and Dr. Philip Mead will present an evening discussion on the detective work involved in discovering and identifying the watercolor. Tickets are available here and are $25 general admission and $15 for members (includes access to special exhibit).
• During Presidents Day weekend, Saturday – Monday, Feb. 17 – 19, gallery activities and costumed historical interpreters will interpret the Commander in Chief’s Guard, a unit of the Continental Army that protected General Washington during the Revolutionary War. Visitors can wish Washington a happy birthday by signing a giant birthday card throughout the weekend and enjoy a slice of birthday cake on Saturday at 1 p.m.
• On Sunday, Feb. 18, enjoy Breakfast with George Washington in the Museum’s Liberty Hall. A costumed historical interpreter representing our country’s first Commander in Chief will meet and greet guests while they dine on an assortment of muffins, bagels and mini quiches. Tickets are available here and are $50 for adults and $25 for children (includes Museum admission). Seatings are at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Admission to the exhibit is free with regular museum admission. Museum tickets can be purchased at www.amrevmuseum.org and are $19 for adults; $17 for seniors, students, and active or retired military; and $12 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 currently available for a reduced price by calling 267.858.3308. Memberships are also available online or by calling 215.454.2030.

IF YOU GO

WHAT:          In Among His Troops: Washington’s War Tent in a Newly Discovered Watercolor, the Museum of the American Revolution presents a recently discovered 235-year-old, seven-foot panoramic painting that offers an invaluable glimpse into the Revolutionary War. The exhibit brings together works of art, weapons, and other artifacts from the Revolutionary War to explore the history surrounding this remarkable discovery by the Museum’s curators. The limited-run exhibit is on display for only five weeks.

WHERE:      Museum of the American Revolution, Patriots Gallery, 101 S. Third St. Philadelphia, PA 19106

WHEN:         Saturday, Jan. 13 – Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (The Museum opens at 10 a.m.)

HOW:           Free with regular museum admission, tickets are available at www.amrevmuseum.org, 215-253-6731, or at the front desk

Among His Troops: Washington’s War Tent in a Newly Discovered Watercolor is sponsored by Goldman Sachs. Additional support provided by: Landenberger Family Foundation; The Family of Irvin and Anita Schorsch; MBA Design & Display Products Corp.; Library of Congress; Winterthur Museum, Garden, & Library; Philadelphia History Museum; Biggs Museum of American Art; Historical Society of Pennsylvania; Van Cortlandt House Museum, the National Society of the Colonial Dames in New York; Museum of Connecticut History; Brian and Barbara Hendelson; Richard H. Brown Revolutionary War Map Collection; Nick Manganiello; and Bob MacDonald.

About the Museum of the American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution explores the dynamic story of the American Revolution using its rich collection of Revolutionary-era weapons, personal items, letters, diaries, and works of art. Immersive galleries, theater experiences, and recreated historical environments bring to life the events, people, and ideals of our nation’s founding and engage people in the history and continuing relevance of the American Revolution. Located just steps away from Independence Hall, Carpenters’ Hall, and Franklin Court, the Museum serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging exploration. The Museum is a private, non-profit, and non-partisan organization. For more information, visit www.AmRevMuseum.org or call 877.740.1776.