Special exhibits at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia's Old City brings to life journey that sparked the American experiment in liberty, self-government and equality.
You can also see one of the first printings of the country's founding document: the Declaration of Independence.
Special exhibits at the Museum of the American Revolution brings to life journey that sparked the American experiment
On the night of July 4, 1776, our founding fathers tasked John Dunlap, a Philadelphia printer, to make the broadsides so they could be dispatched as an announcement to the world of the break with Great Britain.
He printed 200, but only 26 are believed to survive today.
One of those is now back in Philadelphia for the first time since 1776, at the Museum of the American Revolution. It's on loan from the UK National Archives and was originally Jonas Phillips' copy.
Phillips was a Jewish merchant in Philadelphia.
The museum showcases how the Declaration of Independence became one of the most important political documents in American history, serving as fuel and inspiration for the black and gay Civil Rights movements, and sparked revolutions in other countries.
The museum also has a number of interactive, fun activities for the whole family. If you come before 1:45 p.m., you can print your own one-word declaration.
At 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m., you can watch a 30-minute one-woman theatrical performance, portraying the life and experiences of Elizabeth Freeman, also known as Mumbet. She was a Massachusetts woman who sued for her freedom from enslavement and won.
Also throughout the day, you can hear from historians in costume.
The museum is open Saturday until 6 p.m.
