-Courtesy of the Museum of the American Revolution
Celebrate Women’s History Month at the Museum of the American Revolution in March to uncover a fuller, more inclusive history of the nation’s beginnings. Discover lesser-known stories of Revolutionary women through immersive seminars, in-gallery programming, extensive online resources, and more. Throughout Women’s History Month, be sure to explore Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington’s Tent to learn the diverse stories of the women who played critical roles in the tent’s journey, including Martha Washington, Hannah Archer Till, Mary Custis Lee, and Selina Gray. Witness to Revolution greatly expands the story told in the Museum’s award-winning Washington’s War Tent film and brings to life the stories of individuals from all walks of life who saved George Washington’s tent from being lost over the generations, and who ultimately fashioned this relic into a symbol of the fragile American republic.
Women’s History Month Highlights Include:
Member Morning: Witness to Revolution Special Exhibit Tour
Sunday, March 3, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.
Museum Members are invited to join Museum educator for this 60-minute guided tour of our new special exhibition, Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington’s Tent. Through inspiring works of art, rare documents, and historical objects, this special exhibition brings to life the stories of individuals from all walks of life who saved Washington’s tent from being lost over the generations and who ultimately fashioned this relic into a symbol of the fragile American republic.
AmRev Seminar: Everyday Life in the Revolutionary Era
Thursdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4, 2024, from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
When you think of the Revolutionary War, you might picture soldiers marching into battle. But for most people in the 1770s, everyday life in this extraordinary time was about less dramatic moments. For historians, investigating how people worked, socialized, and changed their minds about the world at large can be one of the most fascinating avenues of new research. This interactive, five-class seminar led by the Museum’s Senior Manager of Gallery Interpretation, Dr. Tyler Putman, will use readings, virtual talks and tours, and class discussion to examine what people ate, believed, wore, and did for fun. Tickets can be purchased here for general admission or here for Museum Members.
Make a Heart Pin Cushion in Revolution Place | Weekends from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
In the Museum’s family-friendly discovery center, Revolution Place, discover how 18th-century women would make similar pincushions and wear them tied to their waist. Then, grab a take-and-make craft bag to make a heart-shaped pincushion at home. No prior sewing experience is needed.
Pop-Up Talks, Discovery Carts, and More | Daily from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
In daily gallery pop-up talks, learn about the lives and legacies of Revolutionary women like Phillis Wheatley, Abigail Adams, Deborah Sampson, and more; in the Museum’s final gallery, join an educator as they discuss the little-known story of women and free people of color legally voting in New Jersey during the Revolutionary era, as well as the series of political conflicts that led to their voting rights being stripped away in 1807; and at a hands-on discovery cart, learn about the life of Ona Judge, who was enslaved by George and Martha Washington and escaped from the President’s House – located just a few blocks from the site of the Museum – while the Washingtons lived in Philadelphia.
Digital Resources | Available Online, Any Time
Explore the stories of Revolutionary women from the comfort of home with the Museum’s wide range of digital resources. In the Museum’s virtual exhibit, When Women Lost the Vote: A Revolutionary Story, 1776-1807, dive into the little-known history of the nation’s first women voters. At a poll interactive, explore nine poll lists, featuring 163 women voters who cast ballots across New Jersey from 1800 to 1807. Plus, view two 25-minute theatrical performance films, including “Meet Elizabeth Freeman” about an enslaved woman who sued for – and won – her freedom, and “Meet Rebecca VanDike” who was one of the first female voters in New Jersey.
For more information, visit www.AmRevMuseum.org
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