Museum of the American Revolution Prepares for Grand Opening

Philadelphia’s newest museum is now about three weeks away from its grand opening. The Museum of the American Revolution is situated just a few blocks away from Independence Hall at 101 S. Third Street. It promises to give visitors an in-depth look at the major players, minor details, and contributing factors of the American Revolution, the war that shaped America into what it is today.

The Museum of the American Revolution will open on April 19th.

Pomp and fanfare are in the cards for the museum’s opening on April 19th, which will be attended by several local and national luminaries. Speaking at the event will be former Vice President Joe Biden, historian and author David McCullough and NPR’s Cokie Roberts. The date of the opening is significant as it is the anniversary of when the first shot of the Revolution was fired in 1775.

Inside, visitors will find all sorts of artifacts and recreations related to the American Revolution. Chief among these treasures will be George Washington’s tent, which he used from mid-1778 until 1783 and shared with his African American slave, William Lee. It took historians over 500 hours of manpower to reconstruct the linen tent, which will be the centerpiece of a theater presentation telling its story.

The museum uses artifacts and recreations to tell the story of the war. This includes a display case of Revolution-era weapons used by both British and American soldiers, a newspaper containing the text of the Declaration of Independence, and a recreation of Boston’s famous Liberty Tree.

According to the Los Angeles Times, many voices are represented at the museum: “Visitors can “listen in” on debates by members of the Oneida Indian Nation about whether to support the revolutionary forces, a museum release says.”

Museum tickets are $19 for adults, $12 for children aged 6 and older, and free for kids 5 and under. Tickets can be bought online or by calling the museum directly. Hours will be from 9 a.m. under 5 p.m. daily with extended hours over the summer.