Blog Posts and Recent Content

The Museum is continuously working to bring its in-gallery experiences and programming to our digital visitors. Can't make it to the Museum or to our Old City neighborhood in Philadelphia? Check out our growing selection of digital discovery carts featuring replica objects, "walking" tours, case studies, and more.

Recent Blog Posts

Take a closer look at compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government.

FBI Special Agent Jake Archer points at a detail on a rare firearm made by John Christian Oerter during the Revolutionary era.

The Museum & FBI Team Up to Return Stolen Artifacts

Learn more about how the Museum has teamed up with the FBI Art Crime team to help recover stolen Revolutionary War-era firearms that were a part of a string of thefts in the 1960s and 1970s in and around Valley Forge.

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A visitor views the photographs on the Revolutionary Generation wall in the core exhibition.

Revolutionary Legacy and Ensuring the Promises of the American Revolution Endure

Dr. Philip Mead, now formerly the Museum’s Chief Historian, discussed enormous responsibility of American citizens to improve our system of government, ensure our rights, and make sure that we protect each other’s rights.

Witness to Revolution

The Marquis de Lafayette's 1824-1825 United States Tour

View artifacts from the Marquis de Lafayette's 1824-1825 United States tour on display in the Museum's special exhibit, Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington's Tent.

Christopher Tyler Studio

Whiskey Rebellion

Q&A with "Whiskey Rebellion" Artist John Y. Wind

Learn more about artist John Y. Wind and his sculpture installation, "Whiskey Rebellion," on display at the Museum throughout June 2024.

This rare eyewitness Revolutionary War sketch depicts pen and ink drawings of the Continental Army's North Carolina Brigade and female camp followers marching through Philadelphia in August 1777.

Collections

Bringing an Eyewitness Sketch of the Continental Army to Life

Four costumed living historians bring to life figures featured in Pierre Eugène du Simitière's eyewitness sketch of Continental Army soldiers and camp followers marching through Philadelphia in August 1777.

Witness to Revolution

3D-Printed Tents Bring Hands-On Learning to Witness to Revolution Exhibit for Guests with Visual Disabilities

Learn more about the 3D-printed versions of George Washington's Revolutionary War tents produced by Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired for the Witness to Revolution exhibit.

May 1776 handwritten receipt by Plunkett Fleeson documenting George Washington's order for new tents and camp equipment.

Witness to Revolution

Breaking Down Plunket Fleeson's Receipt for George Washington's Tents & Equipment

Examine the details on this receipt dated May 4, 1776, to learn about the tents and camp equipment that General George Washington purchased from Philadelphia upholsterer Plunket Fleeson.

On the left a close-up image of the James Forten portrait. On the right, an image from a microscope of the same painting.

Black Founders

Conserving Black Founders: How Artifact Conservation Brought an Exhibition to Life

Read from five conservators who worked on conserving artifacts ahead of being displayed in the Museum's special exhibition, Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia.

Force10 Sailmaking's Nahja Chimenti works on a sail in the family business's workshop.

Black Founders

From James Forten to Force 10, the Craft of Traditional Sailmaking Continues Today

Nahja Chimenti and Sean Bunting of Force 10 Sailmaking and Rigging reflect on their work, compare their workshop to the recreated sail loft that was in our Black Founders exhibit, and look at how James Forten's Revolutionary-era sailmaking work is similar to their own.

Black Founders

Triumphant Lives: The Forten Legacy Fosters Scholarship and Historical Insight

Dr. Janice L. Sumler-Edmond recounts the past 50 years of academic scholarship on James Forten and his descendants that helped lead to the Museum's Black Founders special exhibition.

Black Founders

Forten Family Heirlooms on Loan from Descendants in Black Founders Exhibit

Learn more about the rare surviving objects on loan from Forten family descendants that are on display in our special exhibition, Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia.

Black Founders

Forten Family Artifacts on Loan from Howard University in Black Founders Exhibit

Take a closer look at the Forten family artifacts that the Howard University Moorland-Spingarn Research Center loaned to the Museum for our special exhibition, Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia.

Silhouette artist T.J. Steussy shows a young visitor his silhouette during Winter Weekends at the Museum.

Silhouette Art's Unique Connection to Revolutionary-era Philadelphia

Silhouette artist Ted Stuessy explores a brief history of the artform and its unique connection to the Peale Museum in Revolutionary-era Philadelphia.

Portrait painted of John Adams, who had white hair, balding, wearing a black formal jacket and a white shirt underneath.

National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution

John Adams and Revolutionary Philadelphia's Summer Heat

Here are five times John Adams, signer of the Declaration of Independence and eventually the second President of the United States, wrote about his hatred for the heat during the summers of 1776 and 1777.

Battle Of Bunker Hill Credit Don Troiani

Liberty Exhibit

Battle of Bunker Hill in Liberty: Don Troiani's Paintings of the Revolutionary War Exhibit

Take a closer look at two paintings by nationally renowned historical artist Don Troiani as well as four objects related to the Battle of Bunker that are on display in our special exhibition.

Portrait of William Shakespeare from the collection of the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Founders' Writings on Their Admiration of William Shakespeare

Take a look at the deep appreciation many founders, like George Washington, John and Abigail Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, had for William Shakespeare and their recurring citations of his work.

A painting of Washington at the Battle of Princeton, 1777

Courtesy Don Troiani

Liberty Exhibit

10 Crucial Days Liberty Exhibit Scavenger Hunt

Using paintings by artist Don Troiani of the Battles of Trenton and Princeton, complete a scavenger hunt about objects and people from the 10 Crucial Days.

Meet the Figures: Oneida Nation Theater

At the Museum's Oneida Nation Theater, featuring six life-cast figures and a film, meet Oneida people in the midst of a debate about how they will engage in the Revolutionary War.

Explore Online

George Dance Drawing of an 18th-Century Chinese Man

Looking Through the Silk Screen: Asian People in the American Revolution

Historian Daniel Sieh explores how the story of Charles Peters provides a fascinating window into the contributions made by Asian people to the American Revolution.

"Boston Massacre, March 5th, 1770" by John H. Bufford

Boston Athenaeum

Boston Massacre and Propaganda: Changing Depictions of Crispus Attucks

Depictions of the Boston Massacre, the chaotic melee on March 5, 1770 that left five Bostonians dead, including Crispus Attucks, offer a glimpse into the blurred lines between reality and propaganda.

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American Flag’s Origins: A Symbol of Unity or Dissent?

Now-former Museum Chief Historian Dr. Philip Mead takes a closer look at the evolution of the American flag as a symbol during the Revolutionary era.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Promises of the American Revolution

Learn about the life, service, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through many of his speeches and writings that reference the America's founding documents.

5 Pop Culture Portrayals of Benedict Arnold

Benedict Arnold’s journey from a once-ardent hero of the Revolutionary cause to its most dishonored traitor is well-documented in historical works.

A Recipe for a Revolutionary Birthday

Download the recipes for a "whisky cake" favored by George Washington as well as a rum shrub cocktail for your next celebration.

Digital Discovery Carts

Themed discovery carts offer digital guests a chance to view replica objects and documents to dig deeper into stories and people of the Revolution.

Protest in Early America Discovery Cart

Learn how early Americans used boycotts, printed propaganda, violence, and public demonstrations to advocate for various causes, and consider the similarities and differences between the 18th century through to today.

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Sergeant John Hawkins' Lost Pack Discovery Cart

Explore the contents of 2nd Canadian Regiment Sergeant John Hawkins' knapsack, which he lost on Sept. 11, 1777 at the Battle of Brandywine.

James Forten Discovery Cart

View replica objects from the time James Forten, a free Revolutionary War veteran, wealthy sailmaker and prominent Philadelphia abolitionist, spent as a teenager at sea to learn more about his life.

Archaeology at the Museum Discovery Cart

View a sample of the artifacts found during the archaeological dig at the site of the Museum of the American Revolution in Old City, Philadelphia, prior to construction.

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Hessians and the 10 Crucial Days Discovery Cart

Take a closer look at items featured in this digital discovery cart about Hessian soldiers and the Battles of Trenton and Princeton that turned the tides of the Revolutionary War.

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Louis Cook Discovery Cart

Learn more about Lieutenant Colonel Louis Cook's (Akiatonharónkwen) life and story using reproduction objects at this digital discovery cart.

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Harry Washington Discovery Cart

Explore replica objects related to the life of Harry Washington, who was enslaved by the Washingtons and found freedom through service in the British army.

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Forgotten Revolutionaries: Camp Followers Discovery Cart

Learn about the women and children who served vital roles while traveling with both the British and Revolutionary armies during the Revolutionary War.

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Artisans and Makers Discovery Cart

Learn more about tools used by artisans and makers working in specialized, skilled trades during the Revolutionary era.

Virtual "Walking" Tours

Explore Revolutionary sites and spaces around historic Philadelphia with facts and commentary on these little-known histories.

left to right, sitting on stools: David O Stewart, R. Scott Stephenson, Talmage Boston

A Walk Through George Washington's Philadelphia

Authors and historians David O. Stewart and Talmage Boston joined Dr. R. Scott Stephenson for a walking tour through George Washington’s Philadelphia, including stops at Independence Hall, the President’s House, and Congress Hall.

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Michael Idriss Mother Bethel Ame Walking Tour

Mother Bethel AME Virtual Walking Tour

Join the Museum's African American Interpretive Fellow, Michael Idriss, for a virtual tour of the historic Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia.

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Karl Gottlieb Schweikart, Portrait of Tadeusz Kościuszko, National Museum in Warsaw

Thaddeus Kościuszko Virtual Walking Tour

Learn more about one of Poland’s most famous national heroes, Thaddeus Kościuszko, his contributions to the American Revolution, and his influence right here in Philadelphia.

Ona Judge Virtual "Walking" Tour

Hear the extraordinary story of Ona Judge and visit the sites that played a part in her journey towards freedom with Museum educator Michael Idriss.

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The Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier with a statue of George Washington in Washington Square Park in Philadelphia.

Virtually Tour the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier

Read more about the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier, which stands in Washington Square Park, just a couple blocks from the Museum.

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image left: The Library Company of Philadelphia

Hamilton Was Here Virtual Walking Tour

Without Philadelphia, there might not have been the Alexander Hamilton we know today. Check out notable sites from Hamilton's time in Revolutionary Philadelphia.

Case Studies

Take a closer look objects, artwork, and documents featured in the galleries of the Museum's core exhibition.

A photo of our Lexington-Concord gallery

Witnesses of the “Shot Heard 'Round the World"

Explore objects from the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which began the Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775.

General George Washington's 'Military Family'

Explore art and objects related to General George Washington's "military family," featured in the Museum's "Winter Patriots, 1777-1778" gallery.

Before Equality: The King in American Life

Explore the Museum's "Rule Britannia" gallery, featuring objects that reveal how present symbols of the monarchy were in everyday colonial life.

Symbols of a Developing American Republic

Explore symbols of the republic on objects and artifacts found in the Museum's gallery on the New York Campaign.

Painting Breakdowns

Dive deeper into iconic paintings from the Revolutionary War that are featured in the Museum's collection.

Numbered version of Don Troiani's painting Artillery of Independence, Siege of Yorktown, Virginia, October 9, 1781 from the Museum's Liberty exhibit.

Liberty Exhibit

Breaking Down Don Troiani's "Artillery of Independence, Siege of Yorktown" Painting

Take a detailed look at Don Troiani's "Artillery of Independence, Siege of Yorktown" painting depicting General George Washington firing the first shot at Yorktown on Oct. 9, 1781.

A version of Don Troiani's painting of the Boston Massacre with numbered hotpots to highlight different parts of the scene.

Liberty Exhibit

Breaking Down Don Troiani's "The Boston Massacre, March 5, 1770" Painting

Take a detailed look at Don Troiani's "The Boston Massacre, March 5, 1770" painting that depicts the chaotic scene in Boston that left five people dead and was used to turn colonists against King George III's rule.

Liberty Exhibit

Breaking Down Don Troiani's "Victory or Death, Advance on Trenton" Painting

Take a detailed look at Don Troiani's "Victory or Death, Advance on Trenton" painting that depicts the Continental Army en route to Trenton after their Christmas night crossing of the Delaware River.

Breaking Down Xavier della Gatta's Battle of Paoli Painting

British Army officer Richard St. George remembered Paoli as a “nocturnal bloody scene” and helped create the detailed painting of the battle.

Breaking Down Xavier della Gatta's Battle of Germantown Painting

British Army officer Richard St. George worked with Italian artist Xavier della Gatta to create the painting of the Battle of Germantown.

Breaking Down Trego's March to Valley Forge Painting

Painted by Philadelphia artist William B. T. Trego in 1883, The March to Valley Forge, December 19, 1777 is one of the most iconic paintings of the Revolutionary War.

Video Explorations

Wondering how General George Washington's headquarters tent ended up at the Museum? Thinking about how individual artifacts give us a glimpse into Revolutionary events? Browse a selection of videos to explore the American Revolution even further.

We Shall Continue: Celebrating MLK Weekend with the Philadelphia Jazz Project

Watch the Philadelphia Jazz Project's We Shall Continue, pulling together interviews and their past performances at the Museum to look at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring impact on the struggle for human rights and ongoing American Revolution.

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Making the Museum: Washington's War Tent

The Museum opened in April 2017, but its collection has been in the making for more than a century. Learn more about the "rockstar" of our collection, General George Washington's headquarters tent.

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Remembering the First Shot of the Revolutionary War

April 19, 2020 marked the 245th anniversary of the first shot of the Revolutionary War – later called the “shot heard round the world” – at the Old North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts.

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Discovering History: Baroness von Riedesel

Learn the fascinating but little-known story of Baroness von Riedesel with a video presentation from Hannah Boettcher, the Museum’s Manager of Special Programs.

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Discovering History: Memorialization at the Museum

Associate Curator Matthew Skic takes you through the stories of Revolutionary soldiers and officers such as Polish cavalryman Casimir Pulaski, Colonel Jonathan Pettibone, and Gershom Prince.

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Object Stories: Educating Citizens

Learn how important education became in the years following the Revolutionary War, and discover how parents were teaching their children from home in the early republic, much as people are doing today.

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