Join us over Presidents' Day Weekend at the Museum, to explore the life, leadership, and legacy of our nation's first president, George Washington, and the diverse range of people with whom he interacted. Through hands-on demonstrations, discovery carts, pop-up talks, crafts, and more, discover lesser-known stories from Washington's 18th-century world.

Schedule of Events

11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Meet the Revolution: Leslie Bramlett

Living historian Leslie Bramlett will join the Museum to explore the lives of two women of African descent connected to the Revolutionary era: Hannah Archer Till and Ona Judge. Bramlett will share stories about the roles and responsibilities of both women, their connections to George Washington, and how they found their freedom on different paths.

11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Meet the Author: John Rees at Rotunda (first floor)

Stop by the Museum's rotunda on Sunday, Feb. 16, for a chance to meet John Rees, coauthor of the upcoming book, Don Troiani's Black Soldiers in America's Wars: 1754-1865, which combines Don Troiani's art with Rees's narrative and forty-three artwork captions covering the four wars the book spans. Using many primary sources, Rees provides a picture of Black soldiers' service in America's military over 111 years, with discussions of integration, segregation, and exclusion during that period. That service is contrasted with the story of the Black men who fought in North America with the armies of Britain, France, Germany, and Spain. Previously, Troiani's paintings were the subject of the Museum's special exhibit, Liberty: Don Troiani's Paintings of the Revolutionary War.

1:15 p.m. & 3:15 p.m.: "Meet Elizabeth Freeman" Performances at Onsite (Alan B. Miller Theater)

Watch a first-person theatrical performance portraying the life and experiences of Elizabeth Freeman, also known as Mumbet, a Massachusetts woman who sued for her freedom from enslavement and won. The performance stars Katelyn E. Appiah-Kubi as Elizabeth Freeman and was written by Teresa Miller.

12 p.m.: Gallery Highlights Tour: Black Voices of the Revolution at Core Exhibition (second floor)

Join a Museum educator for our 60-minute tour of the core exhibit galleries, which highlights a diverse set of stories, experiences, and objects related to people of African descent during the American Revolution. An additional ticket is required for this tour and can be purchased here.

11:30 a.m.: In-Gallery Talk: Peaceful Transition of Power at Core Exhibition (second floor)

What does it take to be a leader? Learn from a Museum educator about Washington's time as president and how his decision to not seek a third term helped set the two-term precedent in place today.

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Discovery Cart: Harry Washington at Rotunda (first floor)

Explore replica objects related to the life of Harry Washington, who was enslaved by the Washingtons but found freedom through service in the British army after hearing of Dunmore's Proclamation.

11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Color-Your-Own Inaugural Button Craft at Revolution Place (lower level)

Check out original inaugural buttons from Washington's campaign in The Constitution gallery in our core exhibition before heading on down to Revolution Place, the Museum's family-friendly discovery center, to make and take home your own inaugural button.

Daily: Washington's War Tent Film at Alan B. Miller Theater (second floor)

Do not miss our signature experience, Washington's War Tent, a dramatic presentation of the linen field tent that served as Washington's command center during the Revolutionary War. The tent is a stirring testament to his leadership and to the diverse people like William Lee and Selina Gray who were critical to the tent's endurance through the years. One of the most iconic surviving artifacts of the Revolution, the tent remains a powerful symbol of the survival of our fragile republic.

Online, Any Time

Virtual Tour of Washington's Field Headquarters

Can't make it to the Museum? With our Virtual Tour of Washington's Field Headquarters, immerse yourself in 360-degree panoramic images of a recreated Revolutionary War encampment, including the Museum's handsewn, full-scale replicas of Washington's sleeping marquee, dining tent, baggage tent, and common tents. Plus, virtually step inside Washington's sleeping marquee, view high-resolution images of replica artifacts and wartime equipment, watch a timelapse of the encampment set-up, and learn more about Washington's mobile headquarters while on campaign with the Continental Army.

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