Veterans Day 2026 at the Museum

This Veterans Day, join the Museum in honoring America’s first veterans as well as those who have served and continue to serve the nation today.

From Nov. 8–11, the Museum will offer free admission to those currently serving in the military, veterans, and Blue Star Families, courtesy of Comcast NBCUniversal (available for in-Museum purchase only).

Also special to Veterans Day, the Museum will give away challenge coins to the first 25 people who utilize the free admission offering for active military, veterans, and Blue Star Families on Nov. 11.

Meet the Revolution: Gregory Starace
Core Galleries | Nov. 10 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Living historian and retired U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel Gregory Starace returns to the Museum for the Marine Corps Birthday. Representing a Continental Marine, Starace will discuss the origins of the Marine Corps and their contributions, alongside sailors and state-organized Marines, to the Revolutionary War.

10-Minute Talk: Akiatonharónkwen/Louis Cook
Core Galleries | Nov. 11 at 12:30 p.m.
Join a Museum educator to hear more about the life of Akiatonharónkwen, also commonly known as Louis Cook, who was one of the highest-ranking Native American officers in the Continental forces during the Revolutionary War. Born to an African American father and Abenaki Indian mother, Akiatonharónkwen fought in the French and Indian War (1754-1763) as a young man. Discover the path he chose in the Revolutionary War as British and Revolutionary leaders courted him as an ally.

First-Person Performance: Meet Joseph Plumb Martin
Alan B. Miller Theater | Nov. 11 at 1:15 p.m. & 3:15 p.m.
Watch a 30-minute first-person theatrical performance portraying Continental Army soldier Joseph Plumb Martin, one of the thousands of teenaged soldiers in General George Washington's army. The performance stars Matt Morris as Joseph Plumb Martin.

Pension Project Discovery Cart
Rotunda | Nov. 11 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Explore a variety of replica objects and learn about the stories of Revolutionary War veterans, and watch clips from the Museum’s Pension Project video series, where modern-day veterans reflect on their own military experiences and make connections to the experiences of veterans from the Revolution.

The Declaration's Journey
Patriots Gallery | Daily
The Declaration's Journey, presented by Griffin Catalyst, explores the historical and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to today.

Unpack a Sea Chest
Onsite (Privateer Ship) | Daily, 2:30 p.m.
All hands on deck on the Museum’s replica sloop! Join a Museum educator for stories about what life was like at sea during the Revolutionary War for the Continental Navy, privateers, and prisoners of war, and learn about the different roles needed to operate Revolutionary-era ships.

Revolution Place
Onsite (First Floor) | Daily
Visit Revolution Place, the Museum’s family-friendly discovery center, which brings to life Old City’s lively, diverse neighborhood during the 1700s and invites visitors to learn through hands-on exploration. Kids of all ages can immerse themselves in three historical environments – a military encampment, a tavern, and a parlor – to experience the places where the American Revolution took root. 

Gallery Guide: Remembering Fallen Revolutionaries
Online & Onsite | Daily
Throughout the Museum we tell the stories of many of our nation’s first fallen soldiers and honor those whose names we don’t know. Use our Remembering Fallen Revolutionaries gallery guide to explore these stories and artifacts, including the sword of fallen Revolutionary General Hugh Mercer and the gravestone of Maryland Captain Michael Cresap, among many others.