Museum of the American Revolution for Students

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Pivotal History Through Captivating Exhibits

Enjoy a journey through the remarkable story of America’s founding and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse people and ideals that gave birth to the nation at the Museum of the American Revolution. Through the Museum’s unmatched collection, immersive galleries and powerful theater experiences, visitors gain a greater appreciation for how this nation came to be and feel inspired to consider their role in ensuring that the promise of the American Revolution endures. Located just steps away from Independence Hall, the Museum serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging exploration.

Engrossing Educational Experiences

The American Revolution was dramatic, gritty and full of uncertainty—it was anything but dry and inevitable. During their visit, students and educators are invited to explore this rich and complicated era—and its connections to our world today. Through hands-on encounters with objects, documents and stories, students will experience the Revolution through the lens of real people of the Revolutionary era.

As they visit select galleries, students will consider questions such as:

Who are the people of the Revolution?
How did people become Revolutionaries?
What was it like to live during the Revolution?
How did the Revolution survive its darkest hour?
How revolutionary was the war?
What kind of nation did the Revolution create?

Through immersive exhibits, middle and high school students will learn about the early stages of colonists’ life and rebellion and get first-hand accounts from enslaved and free people of color to colonists and loyalists. Witness life-like Oneida Indian Nation figures weighing their options about siding with the Continental Army.

Gallery

Gallery Highlights

Washington’s War Tent film: Follow General Washington’s remarkable journey and sit in the presence of his original Revolutionary War headquarters tent.
Boston’s Liberty Tree: Stand beneath the branches and lanterns of a life-size reproduction of the Boston Liberty Tree.
Independence Gallery: Read the list of grievances leveled against the King from authentic printings of the Declaration of Independence.
Oneida Nation Gallery: Stand among life-size replicas of members of the Oneida Indian Nation and listen to the intense debate that led to their decision to break with the Iroquois Confederacy and join the American cause.
Battle of Brandywine Theater: Experience the fear and frenzy of the front lines as you are confronted by an all-out British infantry charge at the Battle of Brandywine.
The War at Sea Gallery: Climb aboard a replica privateer ship to experience the war at sea. A favorite of kids of all ages!
Finding Freedom Digital Interactive: Learn about the wartime reality that faced many freed and enslaved African Americans through interactive storytelling and explore the contradictions between the fight for American liberty and the persistence of American slavery.
The Revolution’s Veterans: Come face to face with the men, women, and children of the nation’s first Greatest Generation, many of whom lived into the age of photography.

Upcoming Special Exhibition

THE DECLARATION’S JOURNEY

October 18, 2025–January 3, 3027

How did a document created out of a colonial rebellion on the margins of the British empire become one of the most renowned statements of political rights in world history?

Explore the Declaration’s journey and its diverse meanings, adaptations, and interpretations in the U.S. and abroad. Discover the disappointments and contradictions, but also the inspiration, hope, and sense of purpose that the words of the Declaration have instilled in Americans and people around the world.

Schools can opt for a guided tour of this special exhibition in lieu of touring the core galleries.

Themed Programs

Add an engaging classroom activity to your visit!

THINKING LIKE A HISTORIAN (Grades 4-12)

Historians use objects, documents, and contextual knowledge to build an understanding of the past. In this experience, students will do the same, using their eyes, hands, and critical thinking skills to explore what objects and documents can uncover about history.

WHOSE LIBERTY? AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE REVOLUTION (Grades9-12)

For enslaved men, women, and children, the turbulent 1760s-1780s provided moments of both opportunity and danger. In this hands-on program, students will use artifacts, documents, and activities to discover how African Americans sought freedom for themselves and their families, whether that meant supporting the Revolutionaries…or the British.

INSIDE WASHINGTON’S ARMY: LEADERSHIP, SOLDIERS, AND SUPPORTERS (Grades 4-12)

What does it take to be a soldier in the Continental Army? Students will find out as they join General George Washington’s Commander-in-Chief Guard. In this interactive experience, students will learn about campaign life, meet the men and women in Washington’s inner circle, and examine how Washington’s tent became a symbol of his leadership throughout the war with a legacy that lasts into today.

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