URGENT UPDATE: This weekend, from January 17 to January 19, 2026, the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia will honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of powerful events that explore his deep ties to the Declaration of Independence. This weekend is pivotal as the museum gears up for the nation’s approaching 250th anniversary.
The highlight of the weekend is the special exhibition, “The Declaration’s Journey,” which investigates how the Declaration has been interpreted throughout history. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to view significant artifacts, including the actual metal prison bench used by King while he was incarcerated in Birmingham in 1963, where he penned his iconic “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.”
Additionally, the exhibition features a rare early distribution copy of King’s legendary “I Have a Dream” speech, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the civil rights movement’s historical context.
On Friday, January 16, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, the museum will kick off the weekend with “AmRev Presents: The Declaration’s Journey in Concert.” This engaging event combines music and storytelling to trace the evolution of leadership and civil rights movements throughout American history. Ticket holders will enjoy a reception and exclusive access to the special exhibition.
Throughout the weekend, attendees can participate in a rich array of programming, including short talks, gallery tours, and performances that connect the Revolutionary era to ongoing struggles for freedom and equality. Notable highlights include a final chance to view Lemuel Haynes’ 1776 anti-slavery essay, “Liberty Further Extended,” along with daily discussions centered on the transformative power of words in social change.
Visitors can also experience a compelling first-person theatrical performance about Elizabeth Freeman, a formerly enslaved woman known for successfully suing for her freedom. Educator-led gallery talks will illuminate the experiences of people of African descent, bridging the Revolutionary period with the Civil Rights Movement.
Family-friendly activities are designed to engage all ages, inviting participation in protest, poetry, and civic action. A guided “Black Voices of the Revolution” gallery tour is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at noon for an additional fee.
All activities during MLK Weekend are included with regular museum admission, which allows access to the events and exhibitions that resonate with King’s enduring legacy. The museum operates daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Children aged 5 and under can enter for free, and all tickets are valid for two consecutive days.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with history and reflect on the ongoing fight for equality and justice. For more details, visit the Museum of the American Revolution’s website.
