Explore Native American history, culture, and their role in the American Revolution this November. Learn More

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Displays Exploring Identity & Self-Expression

Two displays at the Museum — one exploring the life and experiences of Baron von Steuben, the other a special art installation reflecting on issues of masculinity, heroism and contemporary commemoration — were on display throughout Pride Month.

Artist John Wind poses next to two cases and the intro panel for his exhibition of Whiskey Rebellion at the Museum.
Christopher Tyler Studio 

"Whiskey Rebellion" Installation by Artist John Y. Wind

Was on View in June 2024

In the second-floor Oneida Nation Atrium, guests cound view "Whiskey Rebellion,” an installation of sculptures by Philadelphia artist John Y. Wind. When offered a collection of 1960’s figurative whiskey decanters, Wind was drawn to a grouping centered on "Heroes of the American Revolution." Taking inspiration from Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton, Wind then intervened by embellishing and recontextualizing the subjects through a 21st-century lens.

On Saturday, June 22, Wind led a guided tour of "Whiskey Rebellion" before exploring his artistic process and inspiration at a pop-up discovery cart with objects and documents.

Read Artist Q&A
A case with a soft blue background showcasing objects about the life and legacy of Baron von Steuben.
Christopher Tyler Studio 
News & Updates

Who Was Baron von Steuben?

On View Through December 2024

Prussian immigrant and military leader Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin von Steuben (1730-1794), also known as Baron von Steuben, helped shape the Continental Army into a powerful fighting force during the Revolutionary War. Additionally, Steuben’s charming and charismatic behavior endeared him to his fellow soldiers and friends but his close and cherished relationships with men caused people to wonder about his sexuality. At a new display in second-floor atrium case thanks to the Color Guard of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution, view historical artifacts to learn more.

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In-Gallery Programs

These talks and activities were included in regular Museum admission throughout Pride Month.

Historical interpreter Sydney Marenburg dressed in a white 18th century dress and standing in front of a red fence with green vines.
 

Meet the Revolution: Sydney Marenburg

Sydney Marenburg is an economic historian with an interest in the intersections of class, gender, and race in the United States. Sydney has conducted original research into industrial soap production in the 18th century, as well as the position of servants and immigrants to the American colonies.

A reproduction of a portrait of female sailor Hannah Snell is the focus of a wall graphic about women at sea during the Revolutionary War.
 

In-Gallery Talk: Hannah Snell

Guests could join a Museum educator near the recreated sloop in the core galleries to learn about the life an legacy of Hannah Snell, a British woman who disguised herself as a man under the name James Gray to serve in the military and at sea during the Revolutionary era.

Printed black and white portrait of Deborah Sampson surrounded by military and patriotic symbols
 

Discovery Cart: Deborah Sampson

Guests could join a Museum educator to learn about the life and Revolutionary War service of Deborah Sampson, a Massachusetts woman who dressed as a man to serve in the Continental Army. At this discovery cart, guests encountered replica objects and documents related to Sampson, including a copy of Abner Weston's journal that described Sampson's service during the war.

Image 020322 When Women Lost The Vote Tableau Detail
 

In-Gallery Talk: 18th-Century Fashion

Fashion and clothing choices have long been used to make bold political and personal statements. Guests could join a Museum educator in the core exhibition to learn more about how clothing was used to differentiate military officers and soldiers of different ranks, and explore what civilians and children of different classes, backgrounds, and regions wore during the late 18th century.

Why the Revolution: Gender, Sexuality, and Pride in the Revolution

While primary source evidence relating to gender roles, sexuality, and LGBTQ+ identity in the Revolutionary era is lacking, there are the stories of people like Hannah Catherall, Charity and Sylvia, and Deborah Sampson to provide a window into the experiences of the period. Senior Manager of Gallery Interpretation Dr. Tyler Putman explores these stories and more in a special Pride Month edition of Why the Revolution on Youtube.



Read the Revolution Excerpts

Read excerpts from thought-provoking books about the Revolutionary era this Pride Month.

Book cover for John Gilbert McCurdy's book Vicious and Immoral featuring the title in a green script font at top and a portrait of Robert Newburgh wearing a purple coat and pants.
 
Read the Revolution

Vicious & Immoral

Read an excerpt from John Gilbert McCurdy's new book, Vicious and Immoral: Homosexuality, the American Revolution, and the Trials of Robert Newburgh.

Read Excerpt
Book cover for The Overflowing of Friendship by Richard Godbeer fades top down from yellow to light blue with the book title in a blue script font.
 
Read the Revolution

The Overflowing of Friendship

Read an excerpt from Richard Godbeer's book, The Overflowing of Friendship: Love Between Men and the Creation of the American Republic.
Read Excerpt
Charity and Sylvia Book Cover
 
Read the Revolution

Charity and Sylvia

Read an excerpt from Rachel Hope Cleves' book, Charity and Sylvia: A Same-Sex Marriage in Early America.
Read Excerpt
This image depicts the book cover of Masquerade: The Life and Times of Deborah Sampson, Continental Soldier by Alfred F. Young. The background is a pale yellow. There are images of eight continental soldiers. The middle soldier is the largest and is colored pink. The other soldiers surround this one in varies positions and are colored blue.
 
Read the Revolution

Masquerade

Read an excerpt from late historian Alfred F. Young's book, Masquerade: The Life and Times of Deborah Sampson, Continental Soldier.
Read Excerpt

Watch Past Programs

Watch past Museum programs exploring gender, identity, and self-expression during Revolutionary era.

Deborah Sampson Unveiled Panel
 
AMREV PRESENTS

Deborah Sampson Unveiled: A Virtual Conversation

In April 2021, costume designer Emilio Sosa, author and Sampson descendent Alex Myers, and the Museum's Tyler Putman's explored the life and dress of Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man to fight in the Revolutionary War, in a discussion co-presented by American Repertory Theater.
Watch
Dr. John Gilbert McCurdy speaks to the Read the Revolution crowd at the Museum during a Q&A with Dr. R. Scott Stephenson.
 
Read the Revolution

Read the Revolution with John Gilbert McCurdy

Historian and author Dr. John Gilbert McCurdy joined the Museum in June 2024 for the launch of his book, Vicious and Immoral: Homosexuality, the American Revolution, and the Trials of Robert Newburgh.
Watch