Pride Month at the Museum

In the second-floor Oneida Nation Atrium, guests can 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.

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.

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.

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.

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, you will encounter replica objects and documents related to Sampson, including a copy of Abner Weston's journal that described Sampson's service during the war.

Fashion and clothing choices have long been used to make bold political and personal statements. 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.

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