Honor the life, service, and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Museum, Saturday, Jan. 17 – Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, and discover the ongoing promise of the American Revolution and what it takes to change the world. The Declaration's Journey Onsite (Patriots Gallery) | Daily The Declaration's Journey, presented by Griffin Catalyst, explores the history and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to today and showcases how it has become one of the most influential political documents in modern history. The exhibition features several artifacts related to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy, including the prison bench he sat on while drafting his famous “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” and objects and multimedia related to the March on Washington in August of 1963, including an advanced distribution copy of King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. 10-Minute Talk: The Power of Words Onsite (Patriots Gallery) | Daily, 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Join a Museum educator to learn more about the power that words in print, in speeches, and on television have to create change in communities. 10-Minute Talk: Phillis Wheatley and the Ongoing Revolution Onsite (American Liberties: 1765-1775) | Daily, 12:30 p.m. Join a Museum educator as they discuss the life and work of Phillis Wheatley, the first published Black female poet in the Western world, and consider the impact her story has today. First-Person Performance: Meet Elizabeth Freeman Onsite (Alan B. Miller Theater) | Daily, 1:15 and 3:15 p.m. Watch a 30-minute 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. Gallery Talk: From Seeking Freedom to Civil Rights Onsite (Patriots Gallery) | Daily, 1:30 p.m. Explore the stories of people of African descent featured in The Declaration's Journey, from the Revolutionary era through the Civil Rights Movement. Unpack a Sea Chest Onsite (Privateer Ship) | Daily, 2:30 p.m. All hands on deck on the Museum’s replica sloop! Join a Museum educator for stories about what life was like at sea during the Revolutionary War for the Continental Navy, privateers, and prisoners of war, and learn about the different roles needed to operate a Revolutionary-era ships. Protest in Early America Discovery Cart Onsite (American Liberties: 1765-1775) | Daily Join a Museum educator at this discovery cart that uses images and replica objects to spark conversations. Examine how early Americans used boycotts, printed propaganda, violence, and public demonstrations to advocate for various causes and consider similarities and differences between the 18th century and today. Revolution Place Onsite (First Floor) | Daily The Museum’s family-friendly discovery center, Revolution Place, features three recreated historical environments from the Museum’s lively, diverse Old City neighborhood during the 1700s, including a military encampment, a tavern, and an 18th-century home. Don’t miss an activity based on poetry written by African American poet Phillis Wheatley, and color your own We Demand poster, inspired by the signs carried at the 1963 March on Washington. Talk-Back Wall Onsite (Robert A.M. Stern Rotunda) | Daily Consider the question "How would you create change in your community?" Stick your answer on the Museum's talk-back wall, read others' responses, and get inspired! Black Voices of the Revolution Gallery Tour Onsite | Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m. $10 Join a Museum educator for this 60-minute tour of the core exhibit galleries highlighting a diverse set of stories, experiences, and objects related to people of African descent during the American Revolution.
