Fourth of July Week 2024 at the Museum

Join the Museum in historic Philadelphia for Independence Day with special activities, costumed interpretation, and crafts for all ages to explore what freedom means to you and discover the American Revolution's ongoing relevance over Fourth of July week.

Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington's Tent
Onsite (Patriots Gallery) | Daily, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Our newest special exhibition greatly expands the story told in the Museum’s award-winning Washington's War Tent film and brings to life the stories of individuals from all walks of life who saved George Washington’s tent from being lost over the generations and who ultimately fashioned this relic into a symbol of the fragile American republic.

Red, White, & Blue To-Do
Old City | July 2, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Red, White, & Blue To-Do will bring together museums, historic sites, and local businesses in America’s most historic square mile to honor our nation’s founding. This occasion promises to be a memorable experience for all, featuring the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, festooned decor, concerts, games, extended visitation hours at area historic attractions, restaurant specials, and much more. The Museum will have activities on the outdoor plaza and will have extended hours, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Guided Gallery Tours & Neighborhood Walking Tours
Onsite | Options Vary Daily
Additional Ticket Required for Tours
Explore the Museum and its historic neighborhood with an expert guide! Tours include 90-minute outdoor walking tours that explore iconic sites in the Museum’s historic Old City neighborhood, hour-long tours of our core galleries, hour-long early-access guided tours for a private experience, and audio tours. 

Revolution Place
Onsite (lower level) | Daily, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Museum’s family-friendly discovery center, Revolution Place, will be open daily to explore the Museum’s lively, diverse Old City neighborhood during the 1700s through hands-on exploration in four key recreated historical environments, including a military encampment, a tavern, a home, and an 18th-century meeting house. Don’t miss a themed craft to create-your-own flag inspired by Revolutionary-era symbols, shapes, and colors. 

In-Gallery Talk: 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. 

First-Person Performance: Meet Joseph Plumb Martin
Onsite (Alan B. Miller Theater) | July 1, 3, & 4, 1:15 p.m. & 3:15 p.m.
Experience the Museum’s first-person theatrical performance portraying Continental Army soldier Joseph Plumb Martin, performed by Chris Roche and written by Ryan Schwartz. Martin was one of the thousands of teenaged soldiers in General George Washington's army. He wanted to prove he was "as warm a patriot as the best of them." In June 1776, he left Milford, Conn. and joined the Continental Army in New York City. Martin went on to write Memoir of a Revolutionary Soldier, which was published in 1830 and is one of the best-known Revolutionary War memoirs depicting the life of an ordinary soldier.

First-Person Performance: Meet Elizabeth Freeman
Onsite (Alan B. Miller Theater) | July 2, 6, 7, 1:15 & 3:15 p.m.
Watch a 30-minute first-person theatrical performance portraying the life and experiences of Elizabeth Freeman, also known as Mumbet, a Massachusetts woman who sued for her freedom from enslavement and won. The performance stars Katelyn E. Appiah-Kubi as Elizabeth Freeman and was written by Teresa Miller.

On Display: True Colours Flag Project
Onsite (Oneida Nation Atrium) | Daily
The Museum’s handsewn, replica “suit of colours” will be on display throughout the weekend. Learn more about the process of recreating — and the history behind — these huge flags flown by 18th-century ships at sea during the Revolutionary War. Sponsorship for the project was provided by The Color Guard of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution. 

Discovery Cart: Season of Independence
Onsite | Daily
Join a Museum educator to learn more about the spread of support for American independence through the colonies from January 1776 through the signing of the Declaration of Independence in July 1776. Plus, don’t miss our in-gallery touchscreen and online interactive exploring the spread of support and to encounter the perspectives of real men and women on all sides of the debate.