Banners of Liberty Features More Than a Dozen Original Revolutionary War Flags, Pays Tribute to 250th Anniversary of the Army
Visit the Museum of the American Revolution over Flag Day Weekend, on Flag Day, Saturday, June 14 and Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15, to view the largest gathering of rare and significant Revolutionary War flags in more than two centuries and partake in flag-themed crafts and gallery talks, living history interpretation, a special display in the Museum Rotunda, and more.
There’s no better way to celebrate the history of Flag Day and the anniversary of the Flag Act, as well as the 250th anniversary of the United States Army, than with the Museum of the American Revolution’s current special exhibition, Banners of Liberty: An Exhibition of Original Revolutionary War Flags. Working with institutional and private lenders, the Museum has assembled and displayed more than a dozen original flags that were carried in the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) by the Continental Army and American militia – and bear some of the first-known uses of the stars and stripes that the Flag Act went on to outline as the official signifier of a new nation.
Throughout the weekend, guests will receive a free handheld version of George Washington’s Headquarters Flag based on the flag in the Museum’s collection and currently on display in Banners of Liberty that is said to have marked Washington’s presence throughout the Revolutionary War. Visitors to Banners of Liberty over Flag Day Weekend can also hear a 10-minute gallery talk from a Museum educator about their personal favorite banner on display in the exhibition.
Other Flag Day Highlights:
On Display: True Colours Flag Project | Daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Museum’s handsewn, replica “suit of colours” is back on display in the Museum Rotunda for Flag Day. Learn more about the process of recreating — and the history behind — these huge flags flown by 18th-century ships at sea during the Revolutionary War. Sponsorship for the project was provided by The Color Guard of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution.
Meet the Revolution: Kirsten Hammerstrom | Daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Kirsten 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.
Meet Joseph Plumb Martin Performances | Daily at 1:15 and 3:15
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.
Pop-Up Gallery Talks: 1st Pennsylvania Battalion flag and Revolutionary Toys | Daily
Enjoy a 10-minute pop-up talk with a Museum educator to examine our replicas of the 1st Pennsylvania Battalion flag. Additionally, in honor of Father’s Day, imagine if your father was a British soldier serving in New York. What would you be playing with?
Create Your Own Flag in Revolution Place | Daily
Explore Revolution Place, the Museum’s family-friendly discovery center now located on the first floor, which brings to life Old City’s lively, diverse neighborhood during the1700s 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. Don’t miss a chance to create your own flag with your own colors and symbols to take home with you.
Rebecca Flower Young Discovery Cart | Daily
Flag-maker Rebecca Flower Young advertised “all kinds of colours” for the Revolutionary cause from her shop here in Philadelphia. Meet a Museum educator to view replica objects and learn more about Young’s work as a military contractor making flags and drum cases for the Continental Army.
All Flag Day and Father’s Day Weekend activities are included with regular Museum admission. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Special exhibit Banners of Liberty is open 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.
