URGENT UPDATE: The Museum of the American Revolution is set to host a groundbreaking weekend honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from January 17 through January 19, 2026. This event will delve into King’s profound connections to the Declaration of Independence, coinciding with the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The weekend’s highlight is the special exhibition titled “The Declaration’s Journey,” which explores the evolving interpretations of the Declaration of Independence. This exhibition features significant artifacts, including the metal prison bench used by King while incarcerated in Birmingham in 1963, as he penned his iconic “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” Visitors will also find early distribution copies of King’s legendary “I Have a Dream” speech, alongside materials from the historic March on Washington.
Kicking off the weekend, the museum will present “AmRev Presents: The Declaration’s Journey in Concert” on Friday, January 16, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This concert will weave together music and storytelling to highlight leadership and civil rights movements throughout American history. Tickets include a reception and access to the special exhibition, making this an unmissable opportunity.
Throughout the MLK Weekend, guests can participate in a variety of enriching programs, including short talks, gallery tours, and performances that link the Revolutionary era to contemporary struggles for freedom and equality. Notable highlights include a final viewing of Lemuel Haynes’ 1776 anti-slavery essay, “Liberty Further Extended,” and daily discussions focusing on the influential power of words in social change.
A unique theatrical performance featuring Elizabeth Freeman, a formerly enslaved woman who successfully sued for her freedom, will also be presented. Additionally, educator-led gallery talks will examine the experiences of people of African descent from the Revolutionary period through the Civil Rights Movement. Family-friendly activities will engage visitors with themes of protest, poetry, and civic action.
For those interested in a deeper exploration, a guided “Black Voices of the Revolution” gallery tour will be available on Saturday and Sunday at noon for an additional fee.
All activities during MLK Weekend are included with regular museum admission. The Museum of the American Revolution is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Children ages 5 and under can enter for free, and all tickets are valid for two consecutive days.
Don’t miss this opportunity to commemorate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy while connecting it to America’s foundational documents. Visit the Museum of the American Revolution located at 101 S 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106 for a transformative experience that resonates with today’s fight for equality and justice.
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