URGENT UPDATE: The Museum of the American Revolution is set to host a groundbreaking weekend from January 17-19, 2026, showcasing the profound connections between Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Declaration of Independence. This event coincides with the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration, making it an essential visit for history enthusiasts and advocates for social justice.
During this impactful weekend, attendees can immerse themselves in a series of talks, performances, and special programming aimed at exploring King’s legacy and his fight for equality. The centerpiece of the event is the special exhibition titled “The Declaration’s Journey,” which highlights how the Declaration has been interpreted and challenged throughout American history. Notably, this exhibition features significant artifacts, including the metal prison bench used by King while he was incarcerated in Birmingham in 1963 as he penned the iconic “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.”
In addition, the exhibit will showcase materials related to the historic March on Washington, including an early distribution copy of King’s legendary “I Have a Dream” speech. This is a rare opportunity to connect with pivotal moments in civil rights history.
Kicking off the weekend is the event “AmRev Presents: The Declaration’s Journey in Concert” on Friday, January 16, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This unique concert will combine music and storytelling to illuminate the leadership and civil rights movements that have shaped America. Tickets for this concert include a reception and access to the special exhibition, ensuring a comprehensive experience.
The museum will also offer a variety of other MLK Weekend activities, including gallery tours, short talks, and performances that draw connections from the Revolutionary era to contemporary struggles for freedom and equality. Notable highlights include a final opportunity to view Lemuel Haynes’ 1776 anti-slavery essay “Liberty Further Extended,” and daily talks centered on the transformative power of words in social change.
Additionally, visitors can engage with a first-person theatrical performance depicting Elizabeth Freeman, a formerly enslaved woman who successfully sued for her freedom. Educator-led gallery talks will delve into the experiences of people of African descent from the Revolutionary period through the Civil Rights Movement, while family-friendly activities encourage engagement with themes of protest, poetry, and civic action.
A special guided tour, “Black Voices of the Revolution,” will be available on both Saturday and Sunday at noon for an additional fee. All activities throughout MLK Weekend are included with regular museum admission, making it accessible for everyone to participate in this meaningful exploration of history.
The Museum of the American Revolution is located at 101 S 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106. The museum operates daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and children aged 5 and under enjoy free admission. All tickets are valid for two consecutive days, allowing visitors ample time to experience the powerful programming.
Don’t miss this chance to connect with the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the ongoing fight for justice and equality. Share this news with friends and family to ensure they too can participate in this vital exploration of American history.
