American Heritage Credit Union Sponsors Presidents Day Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution
During Presidents Day Weekend from Saturday, February 19 – Monday, February 21, 2022, explore the life, leadership, and legacy of our nation’s first president, George Washington, and the diverse range of people with whom he interacted. Through a hands-on camp set-up demonstration, discovery carts, pop-up talks, a create-your-own inaugural button craft, and more, learn about Washington’s world and discover the lesser-known stories of those who made it possible.
Can’t make it to the Museum? Join us online with our immersive, 360-degree virtual tour of Washington’s Field Headquarters or watch a walking tour of Washington’s Philadelphia from the comfort of home.
Presidents Day Weekend Highlights Include:
Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War
Onsite | Daily
The Museum’s special exhibition, now open through September 5, 2022, immerses visitors in the dramatic and research-based works of nationally renowned historical artist Don Troiani to bring compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events of the American Revolution to life. Explore paintings from crucial moments for General George Washington during the Revolutionary War, including the Battle of Trenton, the Battle of Princeton, and victory at Yorktown. The exhibit is included with regular Museum admission.
Washington's Camp Furniture Activity
Onsite | Daily, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
George Washington slept here! Join a Museum educator to set up the interior of Washington’s tent with replicated furniture, including his camp bed, stools, and accoutrements, for visitors to explore Washington’s day-to-day experience as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army and the unsung role of William Lee, Washington’s enslaved valet.
Create-Your-Own Inaugural Button Craft
Onsite | Daily from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Check out original inaugural buttons from Washington’s presidential inauguration in our galleries before heading down to our family-friendly Revolution Place discovery center to create your own button to take home. Or color your own button from home!
Discovery Cart: Washington’s War Tent
Onsite | Daily
Join a Museum educator at a hands-on discovery cart to explore replica objects and documents based on the tent that served as Washington’s mobile command center during the Revolutionary War. Plus, learn more about the little-known stories of William Lee, who was Washington’s enslaved valet throughout much of the war, and Selina Gray, who saved the tent and other Washington family heirlooms from Arlington House during the Civil War. At home, you can explore a Digital Discovery Cart about Harry Washington, who was enslaved to the Washingtons at Mount Vernon.
10-Minute Pop-Up Talks: The Promise of Equality
Onsite | Daily
Join a Museum educator in the Declaration of Independence gallery to discuss the promises of the Declaration and how different people, like Elizabeth Freeman and William Findley, seized the opportunity to advocate for equal rights in 1776 and afterwards. Plus, learn more about the connections between these Revolutionary-era events and figures to later movements advocating for equal rights in America.
Washington’s War Tent Film
Onsite | Daily
Don’t miss our signature experience, Washington’s War Tent, a dramatic presentation of the linen field tent that served as Washington’s command center during the Revolutionary War. The tent is a stirring testament to his leadership and to lesser-known people like William Lee and Selina Gray who were critical to the tent’s endurance through the years. One of the most iconic surviving artifacts of the Revolution, the tent remains a powerful symbol of the survival of our fragile republic.
First-Person Theatrical Performances
Onsite | Saturday and Sunday
Experience the Museum’s latest first-person theatrical performance, “Meet James Forten,” exploring Forten’s life as a free Black Philadelphian and Revolutionary War privateer. “Meet James Forten” will be performed on Saturday, February 19, at 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. and on Sunday, February 20 at 1:15 p.m. Watch “Meet Joseph Plumb Martin,” which features Continental Army soldier Joseph Plumb Martin, on Sunday, February 20, at 2:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.
A Reading of Washington’s “Letter to the Hebrew Congregation”
Offsite at Congregation Mikveh Israel | Monday, Feb. 21 at Noon
Join our neighbors at Congregation Mikveh Israel (44 N. 4th St ), Philadelphia’s oldest synagogue, to hear a special presentation of the words written by George Washington in 1790, responding to Mikveh Israel’s letter of congratulations for being sworn in as the first President of the United States from the Hebrew congregations in Philadelphia, New York, Charleston, and Richmond.
With our Virtual Tour of Washington’s Field Headquarters, immerse yourself in 360-degree panoramic images of a recreated Revolutionary War encampment, including the Museum’s handsewn, full-scale replicas of Washington’s sleeping marquee, dining tent, baggage tent, and common tents. Plus, virtually step inside Washington’s sleeping marquee, view high-resolution images of replica artifacts and wartime equipment, watch a timelapse of the encampment set-up, and learn more about Washington’s mobile headquarters while on campaign with the Continental Army.
Join us online as authors and historians David O. Stewart and Talmage Boston join Museum President and CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson for a walking tour through Washington’s Philadelphia, including stops at Independence Hall, the President’s House, and Congress Hall. Following a visit to Museum’s core exhibition and our special exhibit, Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War, the trio will warm up in Revolution Place for a fireside chat about the nation’s first president. Tune in on Facebook at 10 a.m.
All onsite Presidents Day Weekend activities are included with regular Museum admission. Tickets to the Museum can be purchased by calling 215.253.6731, at amrevmuseum.org, or at the front desk. Save $2 per adult ticket by purchasing online. The Museum is now open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. with enhanced health and safety protocols. Revolutionary Place discovery center will be open Saturday – Monday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Health and Safety Note:
All visitors ages 5 and up are required to show proof of vaccination upon entry; visitors 18 and older must also show a matching valid ID. An original CDC vaccination card or a photo or electronic copy of the card are all acceptable forms of documentation. Proof of a negative COVID test will not be accepted. Masks are required for visitors ages 2 and up. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we navigate these challenging times.
Presidents Day Weekend at the Museum is sponsored by American Heritage Credit Union.
