Juneteenth 2025 at the Museum

Explore the continuing struggle for equality for all and join the Museum to celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. The date commemorates the day in 1865 when the abolition of slavery reached the deepest parts of the former Confederacy in Texas.

Banners of Liberty: An Exhibition of Revolutionary War Flags
Onsite (Patriots Gallery)
Our newest special exhibition features the largest gathering of rare and significant Revolutionary War flags in more than two centuries. Throughout the gallery, view more than a dozen original flags that were carried in military campaigns stretching from Northern New England to South Carolina. During a 10-Minute Talk in the gallery, learn more about the flag of the 2nd Spartan Regiment of Militia, whose militiamen reflected the diverse society of the South Carolina backcountry they came from.

10-Minute Talk: The Promise of Equality
Onsite
Join a Museum educator in the galleries to discover more about ideas of equality for all meant during the Revolutionary War and in the new nation.

First-Person Performance: Meet Elizabeth Freeman
Onsite (Lenfest Myer Theater) | 11:40 a.m. and 12:40 p.m.
Watch a 30-minute filmed 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 Tiffany Bacon as Elizabeth Freeman and was written by Teresa Miller.

Black Voices of the Revolution Highlights Tour
Onsite | Noon
Admission plus $10 non-members, $10 members
Join a Museum educator for this 60-minute tour of the core exhibit galleries highlighting a diverse set of stories, experiences, and objects related to people of African descent during the American Revolution. Along the way, you’ll see a first edition of Phillis Wheatley’s Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, learn about Elizabeth Freeman’s historic court case, consider what the engraving “No Slavery” on a Continental Army soldier’s musket meant, and discuss William Lee's role on campaign as Washington's enslaved valet.

Revolution Place
Onsite (first floor) | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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 the 1700s 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. Make your own cap inspired by those worn by the Rhode Island Regiment, which consisted primarily of Black and Native American troops.

Discovery Cart: Harry Washington
Onsite
Explore replica objects related to the life of Harry Washington, who was enslaved by the Washingtons and found freedom through service in the British army thanks to the Dunmore Proclamation.

Finding Freedom Gallery Guide
Onsite
For people of African descent in Revolutionary-era America, the Revolution offered promise and peril. Some chose the cause of independence and others sided with the British. Many used the ideological and social tumult of the Revolution to pursue freedom and justice. However, most people of African descent would not enjoy the most revolutionary legacies of this period – personal liberty, citizenship, the right to vote, and social equality — for generations. Use our Finding Freedom gallery guide to follow the stories of several people of African descent throughout our galleries.