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.
An architect designed custom clocks for Pennsylvania’s Capitol a century ago. They’re still ticking
Visitors are drawn to the building's polished marble, intricate carvings — and 273 antique clocks that were part of the original design.
2 hours ago
‘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.
1 day 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