The Museum of American Revolution’s latest exhibit, ‘Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia’, is officially open to the public, and will be on display in the City of Brotherly Love until Nov. 26 of this year.
‘Black Founders’ features over 100 different artifacts meant to tell the story of free Black Philadelphian James Forten from the Revolutionary era through the Civil War and Reconstruction. The Forten family played roles in the Revolutionary War, business in Philadelphia, and the abolitionist movement from 1776 to 1876, and Philadelphians will get to see just how far their reach went through the showcase.
Three central Forten generations—from James Forten and Charlotte Vandine Forten, to their children and grandchildren—are the focus, with a look into the start of both the American Anti-Slavery Society and the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society in 1833, plus their roles in defending voting rights and civil liberties for African Americans.
‘Black Founders’ was created by the museum’s in-house curatorial team and features items from over 40 lenders and the MoAR’s own collection. For one, the family’s Bible, which is deemed a “living artifact” will be on display. The exhibit also will feature videos, audio experiences, and tactile interactives, including a partial recreation of James Forten’s sail-making workshop that visitors can step inside to discover replica tools and a workbench like those used by Forten, a release states.
The exhibit will also feature two needlework samplers from 1817 and 1822 stitched by James Forten’s daughters, Margaretta and Mary Forten; one of five surviving journals written by Charlotte L. Forten, James Forten’s granddaughter; a silk flag for the 127th Regiment of United States Colored Troops, painted by Philadelphia artist David Bustill Bowser; and the only surviving photograph of James Forten’s wife Charlotte Vandine Forten taken in Philadelphia in the 1860s—among other artifacts.
‘Black Founders’ will also host events and workshops. On March 8, 15 and 22, participants will learn how to make their own embroidered sampler based on examples from the showcase. There will also be a Women’s History Month event on March 26 featuring talks, activities, and a specific focus on the Forten family women and their contemporaries.
April 8 holds an Artisan Workshop event, and a Read the Revolution Speaker Series with Dr. Julie Winch (also featuring Atwood “Kip” Forten Jacobs) will then take place on April 12.
The final event, AmRev Presents: Black Founders, A Musical Experience with the Jeremy Winston Chorale International will take place on May 12. The concert performance, according to a release, will be directed by founder Jeremy Winston and will celebrate the inspiring story of free Black Philadelphian James Forten and explore Philadelphia’s musical history and its global connections.
‘Black Founders’ will also feature an original first-person theatrical performance that will take place on the weekends in the Alan B. Miller Theater, a family guide for the exhibit, educator resources, audio tours with transcriptions for an extra few dollars, guided tours, outdoor walking tours around the neighborhood and an exhibition catalogue.
Additionally, there will also be a virtual version of the exhibition, available to digital explorers from around the world through a free 360-degree virtual tour, which is scheduled to launch in spring 2023 and will remain permanently available.
‘Black Founders’ will be open daily from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Access to the exhibition is included with regular museum admission. Tickets can be purchased at AmRevMuseum.org, by calling 215-253-6731, or at the front desk. Children ages 5 and under are free, and all tickets are valid for two consecutive days.
