The Museum of the American Revolution cements its place in Revolutionary Philadelphia

The Museum of the American Revolution is one year old this week and has already made a name for itself as one of Philadelphia’s top attractions.

In their first year of operation, they’ve welcomed more than 300,000 people, 10% of whom were schoolchildren. The numbers become even more impressive when you consider the museum lies in the heart of revolutionary attractions in the city; within minutes of Independence Hall, Benjamin Franklin’s home and Carpenter’s Hall.

While the museum takes on the familiar story of the American Revolution, they’ve also won praise from visitors by making an effort to include previously untold stories from a number of diverse voices, including women, African-Americans and Native Americans.

To mark the occasion, the museum has announced some special events for the community. On 19 April, there will be free general admission from 3 to 8pm. As well as getting a chance to explore the exhibits, there will be games, trivia quizzes and special deals on food and drink at the cafe.

The anniversary events continue through the weekend when visitors can sign a Revolutionary muster roll which will become a temporary art installation before being stored in the museum archives. There will be musical performances over the entire weekend and on Saturday you could even grab a piece of birthday cake shaped like George Washington’s War Tent, one of the major artifacts in the museum.

In a statement Michael Quinn, former Museum CEO said it was a fantastic inaugural year. “We are gratified that visitors of all ages have been able to discover the exciting, real-life stories of ordinary people who changed the course of history, and have been challenged to consider their own role in carrying forward those Revolutionary ideals.”

The Museum of the American Revolution was chosen as one of Lonely Planet’s best new openings of 2017. You can find this year’s list here.