Winter break at the MoAR boasts plenty of family fun

Looking for something to do while in the holiday limbo period before New Year’s? Philadelphia families can spend their winter break at the Museum of the American Revolution, which will be hosting a variety of events and activations from Dec. 26 to 31.

Visitors of all ages can enjoy authentic 18th-century music, watch first-person theatrical performances, make festive crafts to take home, and more while exploring colonial life during the winter months, according to a news release.

Kicking off the break will be Baroque Folk with Robert Mouland at 11 a.m. (the activation will also be there on following days at the same time except for the 31st) and an ongoing craft activations happening in the museum’s family-friendly discovery center. While there, kids can make and take home festive crafts like tin-punch lanterns, cookie mold ornaments, paper snowflakes and “illuminations” inspired by artist Charles Willson Peale’s window displays, among other activities.

Other highlights include an in-gallery talk and a winter garments sewing demo. With the first event, Philadelphians can join a museum educator for a 20-minute talk at two wintery tableau scenes in the core galleries and with the latter, guests can join a museum staff member to learn more about the garments worn during the cold winter months of the American Revolution and watch as she sews a quilted petticoat.

Visitors at the MoAR this winter break will also be able to “meet” 72-year-old James Forten (who was the focus of the museum’s last exhibit, “Black Founders”) and Elizabeth Freeman, a Massachusetts woman who sued for her freedom from enslavement and won. As the Museum notes, James Forten stars Steve Crum and is best enjoyed by guests ages 9 and up, and Katelyn Appiah-Kubi stars in Freeman’s 20-minute first-person theatrical performance (suitable for all ages).

The Museum of the American Revolution also will host 10-minute in-gallery talks about children’s toys on loan to the museum from the New-York Historical Society. The toys were excavated from British Revolutionary War campsites around New York City.

The release also notes that there will be a way to help spread cheer to children in need by donating to their HomeFront Holiday Wishes toy drive. Visitors can contribute new or gently used toys to the donation bin in the Museum’s rotunda – no wrapping required. By doing this, Philadelphians will be assisting in HomeFront’s mission – to help families break the cycle of poverty by harnessing the care, resources, and expertise of our communities.

In addition to all of the activities set to take place (a full schedule can be found online), Winter Break also marks the anniversary of the “Ten Crucial Days” of 1776-1777, when General Washington and his army crossed the icy Delaware River and secured wins at the battles of Princeton and Trenton, a feat that many believe was crucial to winning the Revolutionary War.

All Winter Break activities are included with regular museum admission. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-253-6731, at AmRevMuseum.org, or at the front desk (note, Philadelphians can save $2 per adult ticket by purchasing online). Kids ages 5 and under are always free, and all tickets are valid for two consecutive days.