There’s a lot in store this winter at Philly’s own Museum of the American Revolution.
On top of November being Native American Heritage Month, this weekend also holds a special Veterans Day list of activities for the venue, and later on this season, locals can also participate in the museum’s first-ever immersive Tavern Night.
Kicking it off, the MoAR will dive into explorations of Native American history, culture, and their role in the American Revolution with a new exhibit, daily programs, in-gallery/online resources, and more over the course of the next few weeks.
‘The Declarations Journey’ exhibition gives visitors an inside look at how Native American nations were the first foreign powers to formally acknowledge the independence of the United States, becoming allies with the U.S. during the Revolutionary War.
As a release notes, rare objects will be on view in this showcase, including a copy of the ‘Treaty of Watertown’ (on loan from the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University) and a letter written to President Abraham Lincoln by Chief John Ross of the Cherokee Nation explaining the political division in the tribe during the American Civil War (on loan from The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History).
There’s also a few daily activities visitors can check out, including 10 Minute Gallery Talks to learn about Akiatonharónkwen (Louis Cook), one of the highest-ranking Native American officers in the Continental forces (12:30 p.m.) and showings of the film, ‘The People of the Standing Stone’ which shows the history of Native American people who chose to commit themselves to the Revolutionary cause (3:30 p.m.)
This weekend also holds a few special events for Veterans Day, with activities scheduled from Nov. 8 to 11. The MoAR will also be offering free admission to veterans, military, and Blue Star families during that time.
Highlights include a film screening and conversation this Saturday, Nov. 8, from 2 to 3 p.m. featuring United States Army Reserve Veteran Kirby Smith and United States Marine Corps Veteran Jaz Ritz; performances with Joseph Plumb Martin, one of the thousands of teenage soldiers in General George Washington's army; a daily Hands-on-History Discovery Cart pop-up; and other activities that shine a light on those who have served and continue to serve the US.
To close out the special November programming, the Museum will also host its first Tavern Night on Nov. 21. From 5:15 to 8:30 p.m, the evening will feature a cocktail reception, full access to 'The Declaration’s Journey' exhibit, and live talks with Dan Wheeler, owner of the Revolutionary-era bar, A Man Full of Trouble, and historian Dr. Brooke Barbier, who also authored the book ‘King Hancock’ and co-founded Ye Olde Tavern Tours.
Tickets for the 21+ Tavern Night run for $35 for general admission and $30 for Museum members, and can be purchased online. All tickets include the themed happy hour with light refreshments prior to the program and the special exhibition access.
To learn more about all of the events at the MoAR (101 S 3rd St.), visit amrevmuseum.org
