Bear Witness to Our Nation’s Legacy of Leadership During Presidents Day Weekend at the Museum, Feb. 14-16

Special Exhibition The Declaration’s Journey Includes Objects Highlighting Jefferson, Lincoln’s Connections to the Declaration of Independence 

Celebrate, Reflect on George Washington’s Leadership Through Objects, Multimedia, and Interactive Elements 

Spend Presidents Day Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution, Saturday, Feb. 14 – Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, learning about the impact of some of our nation’s most consequential presidents and their contributions to securing and maintaining independence over the last 250 years.

Though they were from different generations, Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson are connected by both the United States presidency and the Declaration of Independence. Our current special exhibition, The Declaration’s Journey, presented by Griffin Catalyst, explores how both were dedicated to upholding the Declaration’s ideals in different ways and different periods of American history.  

Objects on display include an 1863 printing of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and “House Divided” notes from his 1858 Illinois Republican Party nomination to the United States Senate acceptance speech, on loan from The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Lincoln’s scrapbook of newspaper clippings and notes, some related to the Declaration of Independence, which he kept during his debates with Stephen A. Douglas, also on view, on loan from the Library of Congress. On Feb. 22, 1861, Lincoln visited Independence Hall as then President-elect and delivered a speech reflecting upon how the Declaration of Independence inspired him politically.  

Thomas Jefferson’s Windsor chair, which he is believed to have used while in Philadelphia working on the draft of the Declaration of Independence, on loan from the American Philosophical Society, and a printing of his last public letter,  on loan from John Gately, are on display in the exhibition. Additionally, visitors can view the Confederate uniform of Jefferson’s grandson, George Wythe Randolph, who met with Lincoln the same day the first shots of the American Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter, South Carolina, on April 12, 1861, on loan from the American Civil War Museum. 

As part of the Museum’s core gallery offerings, visitors can also celebrate George Washington and the origins of Presidents Day by viewing our Washington’s War Tent film, participating in talk-back engagement, hands-on craft activities, and more. 

Other Presidents Day Weekend Events: 

The Declaration's Journey | Daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

The Declaration's Journey, presented by Griffin Catalyst, explores the history and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to today and showcases how it has become one of the most influential political documents in modern history. 

10-Minute Talk: The "Electric Cord" of the Declaration | Daily, 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. 

Discover how President Lincoln used the words and ideals presented in the Declaration of Independence to connect Americans across time, and why its promise of equality proved so vital during the Civil War. 

10-Minute Talk: The Two Georges | Daily at 12:30 p.m. 

Join a Museum educator to explore the leadership of both King George III and George Washington in the Revolutionary era. 

Gallery Talk: Seeking Freedom to Civil Rights | Daily at 1:30 p.m. 

Join a Museum educator in The Declaration's Journey to discover the stories of people of African descent from the Revolutionary era through the Civil Rights Movement. 

Presidents Day Junior Ranger Program | Feb. 16, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Celebrate the leadership and legacy of George Washington with the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail. Learn the leadership lessons Washington demonstrated during the Revolutionary War, explore how those values remain relevant today, and earn a special Presidents Day Junior Ranger badge, while supplies last. 

Unpack a Sea Chest | Daily at 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 a Revolutionary-era ship. 

Discovery Cart: What Does It Mean to Be a Leader? | Daily from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Join a Museum educator at this discovery cart that uses images and replica objects to explore the way various presidents and leaders featured in The Declaration's Journey used their voices to make change in the world. 

Revolution Place | Daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

The Museum’s family-friendly discovery center, Revolution Place, features three recreated historical environments from the Museum’s lively, diverse Old City neighborhood during the 1700s, including a military encampment, a tavern, and an 18th-century home. While you're there, color your own inaugural button, inspired by those created for George Washington's campaign. 

Talk-Back Wall: Choosing the First President | Daily from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

What qualities do you think the first President of the United States needed to have to be successful? Choose your top three, see what other visitors selected, and discuss with a Museum educator. 

Washington's War Tent Film | Daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Do not miss our signature experience, Washington’s War Tent, a dramatic presentation of the linen field tent that served as Washington’s command center during the Revolutionary War. The tent is a stirring testament to his leadership and to the diverse people like William Lee and Selina Gray who were critical to the tent’s endurance through the years. One of the most iconic surviving artifacts of the Revolution, the tent remains a powerful symbol of the survival of our fragile republic. 

Virtual Tour of Washington’s Field Headquarters | Online 

Can’t make it to the Museum? With our Virtual Tour of Washington’s Field Headquarters, immerse yourself in 360-degree panoramic images of a recreated Revolutionary War encampment, including the Museum’s handsewn, full-scale replicas of Washington’s sleeping marquee, dining tent, baggage tent, and common tents. Plus, virtually step inside Washington’s sleeping marquee, view high-resolution images of replica artifacts and wartime equipment, watch a timelapse of the encampment set-up, and learn more about Washington’s mobile headquarters while on campaign with the Continental Army. 

All Presidents Day Weekend activities are included with regular Museum admission unless otherwise noted. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets to the Museum can be purchased by calling 215.253.6731, at AmRevMuseum.org, or at the front desk. Save $2 per adult ticket by purchasing online. Kids ages 5 and under are always free. All tickets are valid for two consecutive days.  

About the Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Trail 

The Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail (WARO) is a 680-mile National Historic Trail administered by the National Park Service, which includes the land and water corridors that follow the routes taken by American and French armies under the commands of General Washington and Comte de Rochambeau to and from the siege of Yorktown, Virginia, a pivotal event in the American Revolutionary War. The trail traverses nine states: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, plus the District of Columbia. For more information visit: www.nps.gov/waro. 

About Museum of the American Revolution 

The Museum of the American Revolution uncovers and shares compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government. Through the Museum’s unmatched collection, immersive galleries, powerful theater experiences, and interactive elements, visitors gain a deeper 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. The Museum, which opened on April 19, 2017, is an independent, non-profit, and non-partisan organization. For more information, visit www.AmRevMuseum.org or call 877.740.1776.