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On our quick stop in Philadelphia, we wanted to hit the highlights and get a taste of the historic city. Of course, we wanted to see Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. We even chose our lodging at the Kimpton Hotel Monoco based on the ease of access to those attractions.
One attraction that caught our attention in our planning stages was the Museum of the American Revolution. This museum’s greatest claim to fame is General George Washington’s War Tent. That’s right; you’ll be able to see the actual tent he used during the revolution. It’s showcased in a special exhibit that only reveals the tent for a few moments during a presentation in a theater.
When we looked up the location, we saw that this museum is also easily walkable from our hotel. It also looked like a great museum for learning more about U.S. history, so we added it to our list of things to do on our afternoon stroll in Old City.
We had to dodge some rain showers, but the walk to the museum from the hotel was quick, and we managed to get to our destination during a gap in the rain.
Museum of the American Revolution: First Floor
If you buy your tickets online, you can save a couple of dollars, so that’s what we did, Soon, we were checked in and ready to explore. The first floor has space for temporary exhibits, a cafe, and a gift shop.
During our visit, the temporary exhibit focused on the Forten Family, a Black family that helped shape Philadelphia while witnessing and participating in movements of our nation, from the revolution to the late 1800s.
This interactive area allowed guests to try our life in James Forten’s sailmaking shop.
No visit to a museum is complete without stopping by the gift shop. We couldn’t resist checking it out before heading upstairs. We have to get a magnet!
Museum of the American Revolution: Second Floor
After browsing the gift shop, we made our way upstairs to see the permanent exhibits. The staircase is a focal point of the first-floor space.
Washington’s War Tent exhibit is one option you have when you get upstairs. We decided to do the tent before we did the main exhibits that are linked together in a linear timeline.
You won’t be able to take pictures once the presentation of Washington’s War Tent begins. There is a short film before the tent is revealed. Even though Washington had his flaws, it’s still awe-inspiring to see the actual tent he used during the Revolution. He wasn’t perfect, and his participation in slavery is problematic, but without his leadership, this country may have found itself on a completely different trajectory at many different points in history.
After the war tent presentation, which is totally worth the price of admission, we began out jouney of American independence. We begin with our adversary, King George III.
We also learn about the indigenous people in the what will become the colonies.
The museum does a good job explaining all the issues and events that lead to the Revolution.
This museum is a great companion to some other experiences we’d had this road trip, like the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum we visited in Boston.
I liked that they highlighted Liberty Trees where the Sons and Daughters of Liberty often met in various cities in New England.
This museum did tie together many places we;d visited on this road trup; we explored the Minute Men National Historical Park between Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts, the first battles of the Revolution. The phrase below is from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Concord Hymn” about the Old North Bridge in Concord. The picture below depicts the bridge while a beam from the bridge is featured below the picture.
These exhibits are truly immersive and well-done.
The statue below represents a statue of King George that had been erected in New York City. Washington’s army destroyed it during the Revolution.
The mix of scenes and artifacts is just right in this museum. Museums like this one are great for all ages, and everyone can take away something unique from the exhibits.
Boarding the replica of a privateering ship from the time period is another great example of immersive learning of American History. We won’t soon forget our visit to the Museum of the American Revolution.
If you’re planning a trip to Philadelphia, you should definitely put the Museum of the American Revolution on your itinerary. We’ve seen many historic places and museums that teach about the Revolution, and adding this museum will certainly add to your understanding of the events surrounding this period in history. I like seeing Kristin make connections as we travel the U.S., and this museum is a great place to ask questions and draw conclusions, no matter what your age. Washington’s War Tent is the icing on the cake. This museum os a good one.
Other great historic stops in the region:
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
