Experience the Skills and Trades of 18th-Century Philadelphians at Makers of Revolutionary Philadelphia Living History Day, May 17

Visitors Can Enjoy Crafts, Activities, and Demonstrations with Over a Dozen Costumed Historical Tradespeople and Explore Daily Life in Revolutionary-era America Through Hands-On Learning

From seamstresses to sailmakers, potters to bakers, join costumed historical tradespeople at the Museum of the American Revolution on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. for Makers of Revolutionary Philadelphia Living History Day. Attendees will enjoy hands-on crafts and activities, see demonstrations of 18th-century skills and trades, and meet the diverse people who made the Revolution in 1770s Philadelphia. Visitors of all ages can see how to roll a cartridge, make pepper-pot soup, learn how corn was used to make corn husk dolls, and more. Don't forget to get your History Explorer passport stamped by all of the different makers to win a prize!

Living Historian Daniel Sieh

Sieh (pictured) will join the Museum for Makers of Revolutionary Philadelphia Living History Day, which falls during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, to help explore the lives of Asians in the United States in the 18th century. Through documents, activities, and objects, Daniel will unpack how global trade connected the lives of Asian sailors, soldiers, traders, and enslaved people as they navigated American society as strangers from a distant land.

Public Historian Kirsten Hammerstrom

Hammerstrom is a public historian specializing in women entrepreneurs and the textile trades in early America. She has interpreted a variety of businesswomen at the Museum from an apothecary to a tavern keeper. Kirsten stitched the British Ensign for the Museum’s True Colours Flag Project in April 2021. This summer, she looks forward to helping visitors learn about flag making and women flag makers in Revolutionary-era Philadelphia.

Sieh, Hammerstrom, and other living historians will join the Museum throughout the summer as part of our ongoing Meet the Revolution programming series. Find more information and dates here.

Make-and-Take Crafts & Activities

Visit the Museum’s family-friendly Revolution Place discovery center, now conveniently located on the first floor, to try cartridge rolling and make a tin-punch lantern activity to take home.

Makers of Revolutionary Philadelphia Living History Day programming is included with regular Museum admission. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Current special exhibit Banners of Liberty is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is included with regular Museum admission. 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 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.