Press Releases
Ring in the Historic New Year at the Museum of the American Revolution During Winter Break, Dec. 20 – Jan. 4
December 2, 2025
Explore The Declaration’s Journey Ahead of the Start to the Semiquincentennial in 2026
Celebrate the holidays and kick off the start to the 250th anniversary of our independence at the Museum of the American Revolution over Winter Break, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025 – Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. Learn about Revolutionary-era winters, fashion, and children’s toys through activities, special talks, and more during Winter Break.
The Museum’s current special exhibition, The Declaration’s Journey, which The Wall Street Journal called “a major contribution to Philadelphia’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence,” highlights its impact across the world over the course of 250 years. Visitors can learn more about the Haitian Declaration of Independence of Jan. 1, 1804, on loan from Duke University Rubenstein Library, and Haitian revolutionaries in the Museum’s Patriots Gallery.
Please note that the Museum is closed on Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025; New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, and Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. The Museum will be open from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24.
Winter Break at the Museum is sponsored by NJM Insurance Group.
Winter Break Highlights:
The Declaration's Journey | Daily from 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.
First-Person Performance: Meet Joseph Plumb Martin | Dec. 20-21, 28 at 1:15 and 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 Chris Roche as Joseph Plumb Martin and was written by Ryan Schwartz.
First-Person Performance: Meet Elizabeth Freeman | Dec. 27 at 1:15 and 3:15 p.m.
Watch a 30-minute first-person theatrical performance portraying the life and experiences of Elizabeth Freeman, also known as Mumbet, a Massachusetts woman who sued for her freedom from enslavement and won. The performance stars Katelyn E. Appiah-Kubi as Elizabeth Freeman and was written by Teresa Miller.
10-Minute Talk: Children’s Toys | Daily at 11:30 a.m.
Join a Museum educator to learn about what children played with, as well as the role of camp followers in the Revolutionary era!
10-Minute Talk: Independence for Haiti | Daily at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Join a Museum educator to learn more about the Haitian Declaration of Independence of Jan.1, 1804, which is featured in The Declaration’s Journey special exhibition.
Gallery Talk: Winter Scenes | Daily at 1:30 p.m.
Join a Museum educator in the core galleries to explore the Brawl in Harvard Yard and Winter Patriots tableaus, as well as a painting of the March to Valley Forge, and learn more about wintertime in the Revolutionary era.
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: Winter Garments | Daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
What did people wear during the cold winter months in the late 18th century? Stop by this discovery cart and learn about what life was like in the wintertime and how people kept warm in the 18th century.
Revolution Place | Daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Explore the Museum’s family-friendly discovery center, Revolution Place, which will transform into the winter of 1778! Walk through a scene of frost-covered windows, logs piled by the fire, and 18th-century coats and cloaks as you learn about what Philadelphia would have been like in the snowy winter months and how they celebrated the winter holidays. Sit in the parlor, where you can make your own revolutionary-themed decorations!
Holiday Shopping | Onsite and Online
It’s the season of giving! Let us help you find the perfect last-minute gift for your friends and family this holiday season. From gift memberships to unique gift options for all ages in the Museum Shop, the Museum has the perfect selection of meaningful gifts for the history buffs in your life. Check out our holiday gift guide here.
Museum Holiday Hours
Saturday, Dec. 20 – Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
MUSEUM CLOSED Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
Friday, Dec. 26 – Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
MUSEUM CLOSED Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Friday, Jan. 2 – Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
MUSEUM CLOSED Monday, Jan. 5, 2026
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.