Pride Month at the Museum
Join the Museum throughout Pride Month in June to explore the lesser-known stories of people who challenged gender, identity, and social norms during the Revolutionary era.
Programs & Activities
These talks and activities are included in regular Museum admission throughout Pride Month.
In-Gallery Talk: Revolutionary Roles
June 7-8 and 17-30 | 11:30 a.m.Discover historical figures like Hannah Snell and Deborah Sampson, who dressed as men to serve in the military, and learn more about how these stories give us rare glimpses into the lives, choices, and motivations of people who challenged gender roles in the Revolutionary era.
In-Gallery Talk: 18th-Century Fashion
Weekdays | 1:30 p.m.Fashion and clothing choices have long been used to make bold political and personal statements. Join a Museum educator 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.
Unpack a Sea Chest
Daily | 2:30 p.m.Welcome aboard! Explore replica handling objects with an educator to learn what life was like at sea for someone like Hannah Snell during the Revolutionary era!
Discovery Cart: Public Universal Friend
Select WeekendsExplore replica handling objects and documents related to the nonbinary Friend, their identity, and their time in Philadelphia as well as building a following.
Outdoor Walking Tour: The Public Universal Friend Walking Tour
June 7 and 21 at 10 a.m.
$26 for walking tour only (non-members), $37 for walking tour plus Museum admission (non-members), $16 for Members
Please Note: Children under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Join a museum educator on this 60-minute walking tour exploring the revolutionary story of the self-proclaimed Public Universal Friend, a nonbinary leader of a new religion in the 1770s. This walking tour covers about a mile and stops at iconic places like Elfreth’s Alley, Carpenters’ Hall, and the site of diarist Elizabeth Drinker's home to discuss how the Revolution in Philadelphia provided people like the Public Universal Friend opportunities to test boundaries and challenge the social norms of a rapidly changing society.
Special Object Displays
Throughout Pride Month, learn about individuals who challenged gender and social norms with special object displays in the core galleries and Oneida Nation Atrium.
Baron von Steuben
Baron von Steuben helped strengthen the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, and his close relationships with men lead to questions about his sexuality.
Philadelphia artist John Y. Wind’s sculpture of Steuben, on display throughout the month, explores issues of masculinity, heroism, diversity, and the very notion of commemoration through a 21st century lens.
Deborah Sampson
Deborah Sampson challenged traditional gender roles of the era by dressing in men’s clothes to enlist and fight in the Revolutionary War, using the name Robert Shurtliff.
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.
The Overflowing of Friendship
Charity and Sylvia
Masquerade
The Public Universal Friend
Watch Past Programs
Watch past Museum programs exploring gender, identity, and self-expression during Revolutionary era.
Deborah Sampson Unveiled: A Virtual Conversation
