A lot of Philly spots are showcasing pride for the country’s semiqucenntinial in their own ways, and the National Liberty Museum is doing it by unveiling a new exhibit—complete with a VIP Preview Party this Thursday.
‘The Forgotten Freedom: America at 250’ is a fresh three-part exhibition “exploring the often-overlooked freedom of assembly in American history.” The main goal is to showcase how people gather — and it's done through artifacts from the nation’s founding, a look into events like Woodstock and Live Aid, along with people like Jackie Robinson and Michael Jordan, plus other contemporary artwork.
Artifact highlights include a chair from the First Continental Congress, the 1936 Olympic Torch, a Taylor Swift ‘Eras’ Tour fan jacket, game-worn jerseys from Jason and Travis Kelce, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and much more.
The official opening date is set for Friday, March 6, but some will get a chance to see this never-before-seen story of American history first with a ticketed VIP Preview Party on Thursday, March 5, from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
The party on Thursday will also feature food from 12th Street Catering, crafted cocktails from mixologist Sean Clarke, live music, a silent auction and a few suprise guests like Ron Jaworski, former Super Bowl quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles; Dave Schultz, Stanley Cup winner with the Philadelphia Flyers; Joe DeCamara, sports radio host on 94.1 WIP; and Valerie Still, Cherry Hill native and WNBA player with the Washington Mystics.
The Preview Party is also your only chance to see other significant historical items like a multi-signed framed letter regarding the making of peace between America and Britain featuring John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay; a November 12, 1776 hand-written, signed letter from George Washington to Colonel Daniel Hitchcock requesting to raise the new army; and a 1776 hand-written, signed letter from Benjamin Franklin discussing the American Revolution, scientific publications, and a new invention.
Tickets (starting at $125) for the Preview Party are currently on sale online. To learn more information about the National Liberty Museum (321 Chestnut St.) and its latest exhibit, visit libertymuseum.org
