The Museum of the American Revolution to Unveil Newest Exhibition, “Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia”

Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia, the Museum of the American Revolution’s newest exhibition, will open to the public on February 11, 2023, and be on view until November 26, 2023.

According to the Museum of the American Revolution, the exhibition will introduce guests to James Forten and his descendants as they “navigated the American Revolution and cross-racial relationships in Philadelphia to become leaders in the abolition movement in the lead-up to the Civil War and the women’s suffrage movement.” The exhibition will also explore the Forten family’s roles in the American Revolution, business in Philadelphia, and abolition and voting rights from 1776 to 1786.

Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia will feature over 100 historical artifacts, works of art, and documents from 38 different lenders, including institutions and private collectors, as well as the Museum’s own collection. Rare artifacts from descendants of the Forten family will be on view for the first time in a public exhibit.    

Please visit the Museum of the American Revolution’s website for more information.