“Revolution at the Library” Summer Program Brings History to Life Through Storytelling, Museum’s Content Into Local Communities

The Museum of the American Revolution’s Revolution at the Library returns Monday, June 16, 2025, to captivate children and their families with compelling Revolutionary narratives. The Museum is continuing its partnership with the Free Library of Philadelphia (FLP) and the Camden County Library System to increase the program's outreach to libraries across Philadelphia and Camden County, New Jersey.  

Elementary school students and their families can visit their local libraries to hear impactful Revolutionary-era stories from Museum educators while engaging in hands-on activities to spark curiosity and further historical empathy and knowledge. Stories feature a range of topics and contain interactive elements, like replica artifacts and documents, that children can examine and explore. Programs are free to attend and do not require advance registration. 

"It’s exciting to bring these stories to life for kids in our area,” said Rebecca Franco, Family Programs Manager for the Museum. “The Revolution at the Library program gets us out into our city and community and gives kids a chance to learn about lesser-known stories of the Revolution. Our hope is that this exposure instills a knowledge and excitement in our youth about the upcoming events to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.” 

Participating Free Library of Philadelphia branches include Chestnut Hill, Holmesburg, Greater Olney, Northeast Regional, Oak Lane, and Wyoming. Camden County Library program locations include Gloucester Township Blackwood Rotary Library, Merchantville Library, and William G. Rohrer Memorial Library. The full list of program locations, dates, and times can be found here.  

Revolution at the Library  topics include: “What’s Under the Museum,” which unearths the treasures found during the archaeological excavation of the Museum’s site before its construction; “Life at Sea,” which explores what life was like for sailors on privateer ships; “Thinking Like a Historian,” which encourages students to think critically about what replica objects can teach us about the past; “Spies,” which examines espionage in the Revolutionary era. 

Additionally, participants and their families can sign up for a field trip to the Museum from their neighborhood on a select date. Participants can also make future Museum visits by taking advantage of the Library Pass Program, which allows visitors of over 100 libraries to visit the Museum for free.  

Revolution at the Library expands and enriches dedicated program offerings for children, young people, and their families as part of FLP’s LEAP program, a free drop-in program that provides homework assistance and activities for school-aged youth and their caregivers. 

2025 Revolution at the Library is supported by the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation. 

About the Camden County Library System  

Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Camden, Bellmawr, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees Township. The library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Commissioners and the Camden County Library Commission. For more information about the Camden County Library System, visit www.camdencountylibrary.org or call (856) 772-1636.  

About the Free Library of Philadelphia  

The Free Library of Philadelphia system, with 54 locations advances literacy, guides learning, and inspires curiosity with millions of digital and physical materials; 31,000 yearly programs and workshops; free public computers and extensive Wi-Fi; and rich special collections, including those at the Parkway Central Library. With more than five million in-person visits and five million more online annually, the Free Library is one of the largest public library systems in the United States. For more information, visit www.freelibrary.org. 

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.