The National Liberty Museum is going strong with its multi-month initiative, ‘The Year of Free Speech’, and locals can check out a new exhibition based on the theme starting Feb. 7.
“Word Powered: Exploring Free Speech Through Art” is the NLM’s second pop-up associated with their year-long campaign, and it covers the relationship between censorship, freedom of expression, and diverse perspectives. Philadelphians will be able to see artwork from 15 different artists, and can even celebrate the opening on Feb. 8 with a Community Open House (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) featuring creative hands-on activities for all ages and pay-what-you-wish admission.
On display in the venue’s second-floor gallery until this fall (Sept. 7), the works on display invite audiences across the political and cultural divide to engage with the potency of words, demonstrating how art can spark vital conversations and illuminate our collective voice, a release notes.
The NLM will also keep its first exhibit from the initiative, “Free Speech: Our Right, Our Responsibility” on display in its lower level gallery until this summer (July 28). With the latter, visitors can immerse themselves in this “cornerstone of American society” while the exhibit traces the roots of free speech.
On top of the exhibits, the Museum is offering special programming and events to encourage the public to engage in conversations and build greater civic knowledge during “The Year of Free Speech” as well.
On Thursday, Jan. 23 (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.), a workshop titled “From Classroom to Ballot: Educating the Next Generation of Voters” will be in full swing followed by “Voices and Votes: The State of Free Speech After the Election” (6 to 7:30 p.m.), a panel moderated by Mike Pesca, radio journalist and host of the daily news podcast “The Gist.”
The workshop is free and open to educators, teachers and school faculty, and aims to equip participants with the tools and strategies to foster civic engagement and voter literacy through interactive discussions and nonpartisan lesson activities. The panel ($25 for general admission, $10 for NLM or World Affairs Council members, $5 for students, teachers,
or school faculty) will reflect on recent free speech controversies and the course and results of the 2024 presidential election, and look into the future.
A bit later on in March, locals can head back to the NLM for “Free Speech and the Press: Balancing Power and Responsibility” (6 to 7:30 p.m., $25 for general, $10 for NLM or World Affairs Council members, $5 for students, teachers or school faculty.) Bringing together journalists, media experts, and free speech advocates, the panel will explore topics surrounding free speech, political pressures and the media.
Within “The Year of Free Speech”, the NLM will also offer a new event series titled “Third Thursdays.” With this annual activation (taking place the third Thursday of every month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.) visitors will be able to sip on cocktails or mocktails, indulge in live music and performance art, plus gain exclusive access to the Museum’s galleries. Price-wise, this event is $15 for general admission and free for NLM members (admission includes 1 complimentary drink ticket.)
“Pay-What-You-Wish Second Sundays at the National Liberty Museum” is another way to explore the venue. Taking place the second Sunday of every month (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), this pay-what-you-wish event is new in 2025 and is meant to welcome visitors to explore the galleries and “immerse themselves in the transformative power of liberty at a price that fits their budget.”
To learn more about the National Liberty Museum (321 Chestnut St.) and their year-long initiative “The Year of Free Speech”, visit libertymuseum.org
