Our Revolutionary Philadelphia journey continues, and this time, we’re stepping inside the Museum of the American Revolution. Nestled in Old City, just a stone’s throw from Independence Hall, this museum is a history lover’s dream. My mom and I, both fervent Revolutionary War enthusiasts, recently had the pleasure of exploring its incredible exhibits. Growing up with a historian mom who worked at Raleigh’s Joel Lane House, I was practically raised on tales of the Revolution. It was a deeply moving experience to explore the Revolutionary War in the heart of Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was written, debated, and signed in 1776, laying the foundation for liberty.
About The Museum of The American Revolution:
Founded in 2017, The Museum of The American Revolution uncovers and shares compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality and self-government.
Located two blocks from Independence Hall, the museum is a must-visit in Philadelphia, offering history enthusiasts of all ages an immersive experience into the Road to Revolution, the Fight for Independence, and the founding of our nation.
Museum Highlights:
Offering a rich tapestry of history, the museum uses both permanent and rotating exhibits to explore the diverse stories of the American Revolution. With interactive exhibits that transport children and families back in time, and meticulously curated exhibit halls offering scholarly insights, the museum is designed to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
The Museum poses key questions for each visitor to explore, helping the history to come alive and also prompt us to examine our own role in democracy now.
Core Exhibits include:
The Road to Independence: The seven galleries in this exhibit detail the events leading up to the American Revolution. It answers the question: How did American colonists, who were content and proud to be British subjects turn towards revolution.
The exhibit dives into the foundations leading up to the war:
- Seven Years War/French-Indian War: This World War was fought both in Europe and in North America. In North America it pitted The British and their Native American allies against The French and their Native American Allies. The British eventually won the war, allowing them to take control of the continent east of the Mississippi River. American colonists like George Washington fought as British soldiers in service of ‘their mother country.’ So when the British Parliament decided to force colonists to pay back the debts incurred from The French-Indian War through taxation, this planted the first seed of rebellion.
- As British citizens you are not allowed to be taxed without representation in parliament. The colonists did not have formal representation in parliament and were angered by the taxation without representation.
This portion of the exhibit explains how taxes like The Stamp Act, Townshend Acts and Intolerable Acts angered colonists and ignited boycotts against British goods and protests. Learn about groups like The Sons of Liberty and events like The Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party on the road to The Shot Heard Round the World at The Battle of Lexington and Concord (April 19th 1775).
This exhibit concludes with the history of The Declaration of Independence; how it came to be, and its impact.
Other interesting features in this exhibit include:
- Examples of the first state Constitutions, adopted in 1776. Though often overlooked by The Declaration of Independence, these documents established the precedent for modern government creation. They were the first written constitutions of independent government in the history of the world.
- Women and Liberty: As Abigail Adams wrote to her husband John Adams in April 1776 – “Remember the ladies…” The contributions of courageous women, who served as spies, advocates, and soldiers, were crucial to the fight for liberty and equality during the Revolution. This exhibit honors their vital role in the victory for Independence.
- The Liberty Tree: 2-story replica of America’s First Liberty Tree. This interactive exhibit allows you to pretend that you are standing in the shadow of Boston’s famed Liberty Tree circa 1765. The Liberty Tree was a famous elm tree that stood near the Boston Common from 1646 to 1775. In 1765, Patriots in Boston staged the first act of defiance of the British government at the tree. The tree became a rallying point for the growing resistance to the rule of Britain over the American colonies, and the ground surrounding it became known as Liberty Hall. The Liberty Tree was felled in August 1775 by Loyalists, but its impact continued to be an enduring sign of liberty.
Darkest Hour Exhibit:
America would learn it was one thing to declare independence, but another thing entirely to secure it. The War for Independence was an arduous conflict, pitting countrymen against each other. It is estimated that roughly a third of the population were loyalists, a third patriots, and a third remained neutral. This division created a complex and often brutal conflict. The Museum of the American Revolution does a good job shedding light into the various motivations of each side. Some loyalists simply didn’t believe that England could be defeated—it was the largest superpower in the world at that point, after all—whereas others were staunchly pro-crown. Patriots were truly led by the fire of liberty, but fighting for freedom meant they risked everything if they lost. It was a hard decision, especially in the early parts of the war, where the Continental Army struggled against British forces. These were truly the darkest hours of the war, such as the winter at Valley Forge. It was only the grit, determination, and persistence, and the strong leadership of General George Washington, that helped the fight for Independence survive in the early years of the war.
This exhibit shows the chaos after The Battle of New York in the fall of 1776 that tested General Washington and The Continental Army. You can follow the retreat from New York through the Battles of Long Island, White Plains and Fort Washington via a floor-sized map of the campaign while looking at original objects used in these battles.
Oneida Theatre – This was one of my favorite exhibits, as it provides a 360 video about how The Oneida Indian Nation made a momentous decision to break with the ancient Iroquois Confederacy and join the American cause. The Oneida’s risked everything to aide the patriots and were so important in the fight for independence. Click here to learn more
A Revolutionary War Exhibition:
This exhibit explores the pivotal later years of the war, focusing on the Southern Campaign, the road to Yorktown, and France’s crucial involvement in securing the Patriots’ ultimate victory.
A New Nation Exhibition:
Signer of The Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Rush in 1783 said: “The American war is over; but this is far from being the case with the American Revolution…”
This exhibit explains how our new nation was founded in the aftermath of the revolution. It pays homage to The Revolutionary Generation of men and women who helped win the war, as well as breaking down how our country became The United States of America from The Articles of Confederation to the U.S. Constitution. Click here to learn more.
Washington’s War Tent:
The most remarkable artifact and exhibit at The Museum of The American Revolution is Washington’s War Tent. This linen and wool tent, originally sewn in Reading PA was used by General George Washington around 1777 and onward as his official sleeping tent and office. Even when he had formal accommodations, he would still use this tent as his ‘Oval Office’
Following the war, the office tent was carefully preserved for generations of the Custis and Lee families following the deaths of George and Martha Washington.
In 1909, Reverend W. Herbert Burk of Norristown, Pennsylvania, purchased the tent from Miss Mary Custis Lee, daughter of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Reverend Burk considered the tent the “supreme relic of Washington” and he made it the centerpiece of an American history museum he established at Valley Forge. Reverend Burk’s Valley Forge Historical Society, the predecessor organization of the Museum of the American Revolution, served as the longtime steward of Washington’s tent.
The tent is now on permanent display at The Museum of The American Revolution where you can experience it first hand. Learn more here.
Given the fragility of the tent as a Revolutionary War artifact, guests can see the tent in a special theater, where protective lighting combined with a film allows you to see the tent and learn about it up close.
Hands down this was the highlight of the museum tour. The ability to see the tent where General Washington discussed key battle plans and spent the winter at Valley Forge brings you right into history. Think of the stories this tent can tell, if we listen closely.
You can watch Washington’s War Tent film online here.
Family Friendly Fun at Revolution Place:
This was closed during our visit, but reopens on April 5th 2025
What was life like in Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War? The Museum’s discovery center, Revolution Place, brings to life the Museum’s lively, diverse Old City neighborhood during the 1700s and invites visitors to learn through hands-on exploration.
Revolution Place features three key recreated historical environments — a military encampment, a tavern, and a home — to immerse and engage families, especially kids 5-12 years old, in the places where the American Revolution took root. Visitors will enjoy experiential elements, interactive touchscreens, reproduction objects, and special programming set against colorful murals that evoke scenes from 18th-century Philadelphia. (from website)
Planning Your Visit:
I recommend blocking off a few hours to take full advantage of what The Museum of the American Revolution has to offer. The staff were extremely helpful in providing itineraries and insights into how to best use our time (we had three hours).
For more information on how to plan your Museum of the American Revolution adventure, click here.
I recommend purchasing your tickets online for ease of use.
They do have a cafe and gift shop on site. The museum is also handicap accessible, which was helpful for my mom who was in a wheelchair.
Stay tuned to American Nomad as we continue our Revolutionary Adventures of Philadelphia with sites like Betsy Ross House and Elfreth’s Alley (oldest residential street in America) soon.
Other posts in Revolutionary Philadelphia:
- Philadelphia’s Revolutionary Adventures: We dive into Philly’s Revolutionary War History and I provide an overview of our Philly Travel Adventures
- Independence Hall Tour: Discover the Birthplace of The United States – where The Declaration of Independence (1776) and Constitution (1787) were debated and signed.
- National Constitution Center: Immerse yourself into ‘America’s governing document’ – The U.S. Constitution at this informative and interactive museum in the heart of Philadelphia
- Liberty Bell
American Nomad is created by Adele Lassiter, a singer-songwriter with a passion for travel and history. Her new EP, ‘American Nomad,’ is available on Bandcamp and streaming platforms.
