Museum of the American Revolution Breaks Ground in Philadelphia

by JMC
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From the Museum of the American Revolution, which broke ground on October 9th:

On October 9, 2014, we celebrated the beginning of construction of the Museum of the American Revolution with an official Groundbreaking Celebration.

National and local dignitaries joined supporters and Museum leadership to mark the occasion with the ceremonial dedication of “America’s Liberty Tree,” harkening the Museum’s goal of preserving the ideas and ideals of the American Revolution for future generations.

Thank you for your support, which made this momentous occasion possible! Enjoy these highlights from the event.

“America’s Liberty Tree”

Before the Revolution, Boston’s rebelling patriots often gathered under a mature elm that was quickly dubbed a “Liberty Tree.” Soon, Liberty Trees were designated throughout the colonies. None are still alive.

At our groundbreaking, we designated a young elm as “America’s Liberty Tree.” It was enriched with soil representing Revolutionary sites. It will stand in front of our Museum in honor of our Chairman H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest.

Speaker Videos

Highlights from the ceremony are now on our YouTube channel, including CEO Mike Quinn presenting a virtual tour of the Museum’s exhibit plans and Cokie Roberts’ keynote address about women’s contributions to the Revolution. Our speakers are shown at right (from left): H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest, Mike Quinn, Cokie Roberts, Admiral Tom Lynch, Senator Pat Toomey, Senator Bob Casey, and Governor Tom Corbett.
News Coverage

Local and national reporters shared our “big huzzah!” with their readers, including the Philadelphia Inquirer, CBS Philly, and the Associated Press. The evening after groundbreaking, MSNBC host Chris Matthews cheered our groundbreaking on his nightly news program, Hardball, calling it a “powerful tribute to our nation’s beginnings and to the courage that made it happen.”
Photo Gallery

Our photographer captured a number of special moments during the event, from the Presentation of Colors by students from the Valley Forge Military Academy to the enrichment of our Liberty Tree with soil gathered from battle sites and encampments from across the country. We posted some of our favorite shots to this online photo album.