The British Are Back! Living History Event Recreates the British Occupation of Philadelphia, November 9-10

Walking Tours, Hands-On Demonstrations, Spy Challenges, and Other Family-Friendly Activities

In the fall of 1777, Philadelphia was seized by the British and occupied for nine long months. The Museum of the American Revolution will recreate this little-known time in our city’s history as part of its annual living history event, Occupied Philadelphia, on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Museum will offer guided neighborhood walking tours and family-friendly activities exploring what life was like while British forces controlled – or, for some people, liberated – Philadelphia.

To commemorate Veterans Day, the Museum will also offer free admission to those currently serving in the military, veterans, and Blue Star Families over Occupied Philadelphia Weekend and on Monday, November 11, 2024, courtesy of Comcast NBCUniversal.

Weekend Schedule:

Kick-Off Moment
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 9-10 at 10 a.m. | Free and open to the public
The festivities will kick off with more than 50 costumed historical interpreters gathering on the Museum’s outdoor plaza for the unfurling of the British flag and the reading of British General Howe’s proclamation declaring Philadelphia an occupied city.

Living History Marketplace
Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Free and open to the public
The Museum’s outdoor plaza will be staged with several marketplace stalls, including craftspeople such as carpenters, dressmakers, woodcutters, farmers, and more.

Guided Walking Tours
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 9–10 | Additional ticket required
Join a guided walking tour and step into Philadelphia as it was occupied (or liberated?) by the British army in the fall of 1777. This hour-long walking tour will depart from the Museum every 30 minutes and includes stops at nearby historic sites to meet costumed interpreters and complete a “spy challenge” to aid the Revolutionary cause. Guests should plan on an outdoor tour of approximately one mile. Walking tour tickets can be purchased here. Member tickets can be purchased here.

History Explorer Meet-Up: Occupied Philadelphia
Saturday at 11 a.m. | Additional ticket required
Kids and their adults can join a family-friendly, activity-filled History Explorer Meet-up to take a walking tour through Occupied Philadelphia’s festivities. Explorers will meet British soldiers and everyday residents, get a hands-on glimpse into life under British authority, and gather the latest information to pass onto the spymaster. At least one adult must accompany up to three children. Tickets can be purchased here.

Museum Member Teatime at 2024 Occupied Philadelphia
Sunday, Nov. 10, 1-2 p.m. | Free for Museum Members
Museum Members are invited to stop by the Museum’s third-floor Liberty Hall for a spot of tea. While enjoying light refreshments, “loyal” Members and History Explorers alike will have the opportunity to spy on the bustling British-occupied marketplace on the Museum plaza from the terrace above. More information and free registration for Members can be found here.

Activities on the outdoor plaza are free and open to the public. Tickets for the guided walking tours and History Explorers Meet-up may be purchased in advance or on the day of the event. Tickets to the Museum can be purchased by calling 215.253.6731, at AmRevMuseum.org, or at the front desk. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington’s Tent is open daily from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is included with regular Museum admission. Tickets to the Museum can be purchased by calling 215.253.6731, at AmRevMuseum.org, or at the front desk. Save $2 per adult ticket by purchasing online. Kids ages 5 and under are always free. All tickets are valid for two consecutive days.

Occupied Philadelphia is sponsored by American Heritage Credit Union and Comcast NBCUniversal.