The Museum of the American Revolution’s Revolution at the Library program returns next week to engage kids and families across the region in the dynamic, diverse stories of the American Revolution. In addition to its continued partnership with the Free Library of Philadelphia, the Museum is partnering with the Camden County Library System to expand this year’s program to libraries across both Philadelphia and Camden County, New Jersey.
Throughout the summer, museum educators will bring history to life at libraries across the region by presenting Revolutionary tales accompanied by engaging activities. These stories span a variety of topics and incorporate interactive elements, like replica artifacts and documents, that children are invited to examine and explore. Geared toward elementary school students and their families, Revolution at the Library aims to spark students’ curiosity and to encourage families to learn and develop skills together.
“It is such a privilege to offer Revolution at the Library for a third year and to take the museum’s programming outside of our walls and into our communities, both in Philadelphia and now in Camden County as well,” said Adrienne Whaley, the Museum’s Director of Education and Community Engagement, in a statement. “We love serving kids and families, and being able to bring them fascinating stories of the American Revolution.”
Programs are currently planned for the following Free Library of Philadelphia branches: Greater Olney, Wyoming, Chestnut Hill, Holmesburg, Northeast Regional, and Oak Lane. Camden County Library program locations include: William G. Rohrer Memorial Library-Haddon Township Branch, Gloucester Township Blackwood Rotary Public Library, M. Allan Vogelson Regional Branch, South County Regional Branch, Riletta L. Cream Ferry Avenue Branch, and The Nilsa I. Cruz-Perez Downtown Branch. A full list of program locations, dates, and times is available online.
Program topics vary and include “What’s Under the Museum,” which unearths the treasures found during the archaeological excavation of the Museum’s site prior to its construction; “Life at Sea,” which explores what life was like for sailors on privateer ships; “Thinking Like a Historian,” which encourages students to think critically about what replica objects can teach us about the past; “Spies,” which examines espionage in the Revolutionary era; and “Within These Walls,” which introduces students to Washington’s War Tent, the subject of the Museum’s current special exhibition, Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington’s Tent, and explores who and what it took to keep George Washington’s home away from home functioning.
To continue their exploration, participants and their families can register for a field trip to the Museum from their neighborhood on a select date. Participants will also be encouraged to make future Museum visits by taking advantage of opportunities to visit free of charge or at a reduced cost, including its Library Pass Program which allows patrons of more than 100 libraries to visit the Museum for free.
Revolution at the Library expands and enriches dedicated program offerings for children, young people, and their families as part of FLP’s LEAP program, a free drop-in program that provides homework assistance and activities for school-aged youth and their caregivers.
For more information, visit amrevmuseum.org
