13 Ways to Explore the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, PA

In the winter of 2018 we spent a wonderful long weekend exploring the many historic sites in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. One of the museums we enjoyed was the Museum of the American Revolution, which had recently opened in 2017. When we returned to Philly this past week for a family event, we stopped by the Museum of the American Revolution for another visit. 

The museum, located just two blocks from Independence Hall in the center of the historic part of Philadelphia, celebrates the beginnings of America and our fight for freedom and independence from British rule. The majority of the galleries are located on the second floor and follow a chronological timeline of events (Becoming Revolutionaries 1760-1775, The Darkest Hours 1776-1778, A Revolutionary War 1778-1783, and A New Nation 1783-present) with over 500 artifacts, maps, eight short films, interactive touch screens, and anecdotal stories about the men, women, and children of that time period. The galleries are very kid friendly, beautifully laid out, and offer plenty of engaging opportunities to help children learn about America’s beginnings. Revolution Place, set to open in April 2025 on the first floor, will also be a must see for children- more information here. 

Travel Tips:

13 Ways to Explore the Museum of the American Revolution:

1. View one of the many short films in theaters throughout the museum:
   1. Myers Theater: Revolution (15 minutes) explains the catalyst for the American Revolution and its legacy and People of the Standing Stone (25 minutes) tells the story of the Oneida Nation, who fought with the Patriots against the British. 
   2. Miller Theater: Washington’s War Tent (12 minutes) is a film about Washington’s creation of the army and significance of the tent where Washington slept with his troops during battle. Learn about the tent and the museum’s acquisition of it and see the actual tent on display (no personal photography allowed and guests must remain seated and cannot go too close to the tent- the photo below is used with permission from the museum.)
   3. There are also eight short films (all under 10 minutes) in galleries through the exhibits that go more in depth about specific battles, people, and controversies. 
2. See the evolution of the British flag and its various adaptations, including changing stripes and colors in the Rule Britannia! gallery.
3. See the collection of medals celebrating Admiral Edward Vernon’s attack on Spanish colonies. The medals were produced as commemorative souvenirs. Vernon was a war hero in England and America when Washington was a child and Washington’s older brother Lawrence served in the military under Vernon. Washington’s estate, Mount Vernon, in Virginia is named after Admiral Vernon. 
4. Distinguish American made and imported textiles, glass, metals, and ceramics in the The Price of Victory exhibit. 
5. Engage with “Posters of Protest” from the 1760s and 1770s on interactive touch screens.
6. Hide behind a life size replica “Liberty Tree”. The most famous Liberty Tree in Boston was a gathering place for the Sons and Daughters of Liberty; elm trees became a symbol of resistance to British tyranny.
7. Listen to the “shot heard round the world” from the Battle at Concord’s North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts; the gun used by Captain David Brown is on display in the exhibit. Visitors can also trace the route of British advancement in Lexington and Concord.

8. Read a replica copy of the Declaration of Independence and learn about its printing and distribution in the 1770s. Note which two words used in Jefferson’s draft that were not included in the final version: “slavery” and “Parliament.” Also on display are the Constitution for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the State of Massachusetts Bay, and the Thirteen United States of America. 
9. Count the rings of the original colonies on the floor of the “Chilles” Gallery. 
10. Spin the various parts of the uniforms for the soldiers of the New England states and southern states. Note the differences in hats, shoes and coats. 
11. Light the paths of various routes during the Battles of Trenton and Princeton in late December 1776 and January 1777. 
12. Learn about the dozens of weapons on display in the “Arms of Independence” exhibit using interactive touch screens.
13. Climb aboard a replica sloop and pretend to be a “privateer.” Approximately 70,000 men served aboard privateer ships during the American Revolution. Learn how to tie various knots and hoist the sails aboard the sloop.

Bonuses: 

• Revolution Place, a special interactive exhibit geared towards kids ages 12 and younger, is set to reopen on the first floor in April 2025. The exhibit includes four recreated 18th century settings (tavern, church, parlor, and military encampment) with costumes, touch screens, activities, and special programs and events to help children better understand life in 18th century Philadelphia. 
• The Patriots Gallery’s Banner of Liberty special exhibit featuring dozens of original Revolutionary War flags will open in April 2025. 

Looking for other adventures throughout Philadelphia? Check out our full City Guide here and our list of free things to do in Philadelphia here. 

Disclosure: Our family was given a media pass to explore the museum; all opinions expressed are my own.