45-foot ship to tell story of the American Revolution
The latest iteration of the Museum of the American Revolution
Visitors to Philadelphia can soon climb aboard a replica Revolutionary era privateer ship in the heart of the city’s historic district, while staying firmly planted on land.
The Museum of the American Revolution will feature one-half of a life-sized privateer ship as a primary immersive exhibit when it opens next year, blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Visitors will walk a ramp onto the boat and learn stories about the lesser known parts of the American Revolution, including the story of 14-year-old James Forten.
Forten was a free African-American boy who served the war effort at sea on a similar privateer ship. Historian R. Scott Stephenson says he “represents a founding generation” that spanned ethnicities, backgrounds and ages. Forten became a wealthy Philadelphia businessman.
The museum is set to open in April.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
‘We have not forgotten’: Philly’s Mexican, Latino communities celebrate Las Posadas
In Mexico, Guatemala and other parts of Latin America, Las Posadas are nightly celebrations in the nine days leading up to Christmas Day.
20 hours ago
U.S. civil rights probe faults Philadelphia School District over handling of antisemitism reports
Federal investigators cited complaints about allegedly antisemitic social media posts by a school board member, an assistant superintendent and four teachers.
2 days ago
Last year, one neighbor resorted to making signs that read, "Only a real jabroni would honk at the Miracle" and "Honking makes the baby Jesus cry."
2 days ago