Did you know that May 18 is International Museum Day? Since 1977, this day has raised awareness about museums’ roles in our society. They help us build communities, share our different cultures, and educate one another.
Since this year marks the 250th anniversary of the USA, we wanted to share a list of museums and sites that bring the nation’s history to life.
California
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, Botanical Gardens (San Marino, CA): Known for its collection of early American manuscripts, this museum holds letters from George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Check out its upcoming exhibit “This Land is…” to see two rare, annotated July 1776 printings of the Declaration of Independence.
Green Dragon Tavern & Museum (Carlsbad, CA): Looking for a revolutionary experience on the West Coast? This restaurant was built in the style of an 18th-century tavern. Grab a meal and explore the free museum with artifacts from the Revolutionary era.
Illinois
American Writers Museum (Chicago, IL): Starting on June 18, you can visit the special pop-up exhibit “Declarations: 250 Years of Writing Toward Independence.” View a print of the Declaration of Independence and a first edition of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense.
Louisiana
Louisiana State Museums, the Cabildo (New Orleans, LA): Visit the historic site where the Louisiana Purchase transfer took place and see exhibits covering Louisiana’s history.
Massachusetts
Freedom Trail (Boston, MA): Walk this 2.5-mile path that connects 16 significant locations, including the Old North Church and the Bunker Hill Monument.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum (Boston, MA): Take part in an interactive experience where you can throw tea overboard and explore recreated 18th-century ships.
Paul Revere’s House (Boston, MA): Step inside the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston, which served as the home for the famous patriot, Paul Revere, during the Revolution.
Paul Revere's House. Photo credit: National Park Service.
Adams National Historic Park (Quincy, MA): Explore the birthplaces of two US presidents and the "Old House" that was home to four generations of the influential Adams family.
Concord Museum (Concord, MA): View unique artifacts, including the 1775 signal lantern from the Old North Church and personal relics from the early days of the Revolution.
New Jersey
Old Barracks Museum (Trenton, NJ): Check out a historic site that housed soldiers during the American Revolution and was at the center of the Battle of Trenton.
New York
Fort Ticonderoga (Ticonderoga, NY): Explore this restored fort to learn about 18th-century military life and the famous 1775 capture by the Green Mountain Boys.
Federal Hall National Memorial (New York, NY): Visit the nation’s first Capitol and the site where George Washington was inaugurated as the first US president.
North Carolina
Guilford Courthouse (Greensboro, NC): Visit the battle site that changed the course of the Southern Campaign of the Revolution.
Oregon
Mt. Hood Territory Heritage (Southeast of Portland, OR): To celebrate America’s 250th, the Mt. Hood Territory has put together an itinerary to explore the historic Oregon Trail. Check out the Oregon Trail Museum, Museum of Oregon Territory, and several historic homes.
Pennsylvania
Museum of the American Revolution (Philadelphia, PA): Discover the diverse stories of the Revolution through immersive galleries and the original war tent used by George Washington.
Independence National Historical Park (Philadelphia, PA): Explore the historic sites of Philadelphia, including the Benjamin Franklin Museum, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell.
Independence Hall. Photo credit: National Park Service.
Native North America Gallery at the Penn Museum (Philadelphia, PA): Developed in partnership with Indigenous consulting curators, this new interactive exhibit explores the histories and cultures of Native peoples across North America.
Fort Mifflin (Philadelphia, PA): Check out one of the most preserved forts from the American Revolution.
Valley Forge National Historical Park (King of Prussia, PA): Once a revolutionary encampment, the park is now home to a museum, George Washington’s former headquarters, and trails that link to other historic monuments.
Harriton House (Bryn Mawr, PA): Visit the home of the Founding Father, Charles Thomson, and his wife, Hannah Harrison Thomson. But before you go, you can learn more about this home from one of our young historians!
South Carolina
Heyward-Washington House (Charleston, SC): Tour the townhome of Thomas Heyward, Jr., one of four South Carolina signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Fort Moultrie (Sullivan’s Island, SC): Learn about the historic 1776 victory where the fort’s palmetto log walls famously absorbed British cannonballs.
South Dakota
Mount Rushmore. Photo credit: National Park Service
Vermont
Virginia
George Washington’s Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon, VA): Explore George Washington’s home to learn what life was like for America’s first president and the people who lived and worked on his estate.
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (Yorktown, VA): Experience colonial life in a recreated Continental Army encampment and Revolutionary-era farm.
Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg, VA): Take a journey back in time to Colonial Williamsburg, where you can experience Virginia’s former capital and the largest living museum in the world.
Horse and carriage at Colonial Williamsburg. Image by Dwatsonfam, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Washington, D.C.
Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian: Explore the rich histories and cultures of Indigenous peoples, including their pivotal roles in the shaping of early America.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture: Discover exhibits highlighting African Americans' roles during the American Revolution.
National Archives Museum: Get a peek at the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights.
Smithsonian National Museum of American History: View the original Star-Spangled Banner and explore exhibits that chronicle the American journey from the Revolution to the present day.
Library of Congress: Check out the famous Thomas Jefferson Library and early drafts of the nation's founding documents.
The Main Reading Room at the Library of Congress. Photo credit: The Library of Congress.
Coming to a city near you!
American Revolution Experience Traveling Exhibit: From May to August, this revolutionary exhibit will be stopping by Tennessee, New Jersey, California, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maryland, North Dakota, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
Planning to visit any of these sites? Send us a message letting us know what you learned! See if your local museum has any upcoming events to celebrate America250. And don't forget to check out our newest issue of our kids' magazine, Issue 32 | Building America.