Museum of the American Revolution

ABOUT

The Museum of the American Revolution in Old City Philadelphia is one of the finest museums in the country dedicated to America’s fight for independence. The Museum boasts over 5,000 artifacts beautifully arranged in a state of the art 118,000 square foot building.

One of the highlights of the Museum, perhaps its centerpiece, is the dramatic display showcasing General George Washington’s campaign tent from the war. It is a must see for all visitors. Other highlights include its core exhibits such as The Road to Revolution which discovers how American colonists became revolutionaries and The Darkest Hour which explores how Americans heroically faced the challenges of securing independence after declaring it.

The Museum also has a lot to offer beyond artifacts and displays such as its Read the Revolution Speaker Series in which prominent authors lead discussions on pertinent topics. It also holds classes that dive deeper into our nation’s founding and explore the tricks of the trade of Revolutionary artisans.

The mission of the Museum is to uncover and share compelling stories about diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government. Importantly, its vision is to ensure that the promise of the American Revolution endures.

The Museum is open to the public every day except for selected holidays.

HISTORY

The Museum of the American Revolution was opened on April 19, 2017, the 242nd anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord and the start of the American Revolution.

The Museum was the fulfillment of a promise made a century ago to create a national museum devoted to America’s founding. Episcopal priest Reverend W. Herbert Burk had first conceptualized a memorial for George Washington during a sermon commemorating Washington’s birthday in 1903.

In 2019, after gaining a few years of valuable experience, the Museum initiated its Strategic Plan which will take it through 2026, our nation’s 250th Birthday. The plan includes seven strategic goals including: Excellence through rigorous scholarship, thought leadership, and programmatic excellence; Education with well-researched high-quality programs and learning resources; and Sustainability by operating under a sound business model that will sustain the Museum well into the future.

GRANT PROJECT

The Americana Corner Preserving America grant awarded to The Museum of the American Revolution supported the conservation of several items including a manuscript letter signed by General George Washington to Captain Caleb Gibbs requesting outfitting during the creation of his Life Guard, in Morristown, New Jersey, and dated April 22, 1777. Interestingly, the letter gives detailed instructions about the type and color of fabric to buy for Washington’s Life Guard soldiers’ uniforms.

The grant also preserved a discharge document for Private James Ray (1st NY Infantry), signed by General Washington, discharging Ray from the Continental Army on June 8, 1783, including the award of the badge of military merit.

Americana Corner is proud to assist The Museum of the American Revolution with its mission to preserve the Great American Story and to help our fellow citizens grow their love of country.