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 and throughout American history.
Programs & Activities
These talks and activities are included in regular Museum admission throughout Pride Month.
10-Minute Talk: The Promise of Equality
Daily | 12:30 p.m.Join a Museum educator in the core galleries to discover more about ideas of equality for all meant during the Revolutionary War and in the new nation.
10-Minute Talk: Pride and Progress
Daily | 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.Join a Museum educator in The Declaration's Journey to discover the stories of the Pride flag, Harvey Milk, and the Stonewall Uprising, and learn more about how the LGBTQ+ movement began.
In-Gallery Talk: 18th-Century Fashion
Weekdays, starting June 15 | 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!
Outdoor Walking Tour: The Public Universal Friend Walking Tour
Saturdays | 11 a.m.
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 covered about a mile and stopped 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. This tour requires an additional, paid ticket.
Tickets Learn More About the Public Universal FriendSpecial Object Displays
Throughout Pride Month, learn about individuals who challenged gender and social norms with special object displays in the core galleries.
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
