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Today’s destination was The Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. Not quite yet two years old it is a tour de force in what it means to be a interesting and exciting history museum. There was, of course, the standard auditorium based introductory film but the audio and visual presentations sprinkled among the galleries incorporated a variety of techniques that each in its own way informative and entertaining. The sound track, lighting, and backdrops employed in the presentation of Washington’s actual field tent left me with a lump in my throat.
Those of us who struggle mightily to present history in an engaging manner with very limited financial resources will appreciate my very real jealousy of the sheer magnitude of what one can do with adequate funding. The variety of techniques employed to present the information and artifacts ran the full gamut of possibilities. There were large interactive touch screen displays, life-sized dioramas (including horses), and all manner of audio, visual and sensory components masterfully used to engage the visitor. It worked on us.
Wonderful life-size dioramas
You may think you know everything about the American Revolution (especially those of us who live in Lexington, MA): guess again. Come here and learn a lot about the things they never taught us in school. About the role of the Native Americans. About how much slavery figured into the war. And how isolated Britain became as a result of the cleaver overtures by the Colonists to Britain's foes in Europe. And finally, the fact that after the British surrendered at Yorktown in October 1781, the there were many additional battles all the way until January 1783.
Slaves and Native Americans were part of the American Revolution
With one museum addressing the complete American Revolution, overarching and repeated themes and trends become more apparent. The Museum of the American Revolution is an excellent museum that you must see!
Despite our excitement about this museum, we will, however, admit to being a bit out of shape for the kind of intense touring that we will engage in over the next few weeks. Our first thought on returning to the hotel was “nap time”.
Despite our excitement about this museum, we will, however, admit to being a bit out of shape for the kind of intense touring that we will engage in over the next few weeks. Our first thought on returning to the hotel was “nap time”.