Visiting Philly's Museum of the American Revolution

 

A recent addition to the many historical and cultural museums 

in Philadelphia is the Museum of the American Revolution. 

Intriguing and educational, it was a worthwhile experience for our family!

We began our tour by watching the 15 minute orientation film called Revolution.

amrevmuseum.org

Beginnings of unrest, discontent, and rebellion in the colonies...

This mural is part of the War at Sea exhibit,

which includes a life-size replica of a privateer ship.

A Chain of States symbolism in the flooring design.

Interesting artifacts~

A very accurate map of the Continental Army's encampment

at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania is carved on this powder horn.

One of the wood canteens issued to soldiers in the Continental Army.

See an interesting film about General George Washington

and view his original field headquarters tent.

What a wonderful way to learn about the rich history of our country!
Check out these links for information:

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Presidents Day: Philadelphia's Washington Monument

In Philly, The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a recognizable building. 

Some know it as the place where Rocky Balboa famously ran up the steps. 

Many of us use it as a landmark to get our bearings around the city. 

Some may recall that directly in front of the Art Museum is a huge fountain;
what most don’t know is that the name of that fountain is the Washington Monument.
“She must be mistaken,” you’re thinking, “That’s the obelisk in Washington, D.C.”
You’d be correct, but in fact, Philadelphia, along with D.C., 
can boast of its own monument to honor our nation’s first president.

Designed by Rudolf Siemering, the majestic fountain was dedicated in 1897. 

The bronze and granite sculpture features General Washington astride his horse. 

An impression of Washington’s face was made and used to replicate his likeness.

The 44' high, 3-tiered monument depicts the man, his times, & his country.
The middle section represents Washington's place in US history:
the period leading up to the Revolutionary War, the victory, and the aftermath.
Two females allegorically represent America.
One is the rallying cry of battle, and the other, 
Liberty as she crushes the chains of oppression from Britain.

Additional sculpted plaques and emblems also depict the time period.

The base of the monument represents Washington's country.
There are four fountains, including statues of Native Americans, representing 
great rivers of the colonial US: the Delaware, Hudson, Potomac, and Mississippi.

(I was disappointed that the fountains were not filled and working at the time.)

Impressive, detailed sculptures of animals native to the US 

are on the sides of each fountain: buffalo, elk, moose, a bear and a bull.

I encourage you to stop by the Washington Monument and see it for yourself.
As is often the case, photos don't do it justice.
A great monument to a great man and US president,
located in the City of Brotherly Love.

Honoring our U.S. Presidents

"It is the duty of all nations 

to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, 

to obey His will, 

to be grateful for His benefits, 

and humbly implore His protection and favor."

—George Washington, 1789

President's Day Feature: Late Greats Dolls

As we celebrate President's Day, I'd like to spotlight a handcrafted artist

who creates dolls from the likenesses of well-known people which, 

along with United States Presidents,

include artists, activists, writers and musicians.

Chen Reichert illustrates each one, then sews up a "stuffy historical figure."

The one thing that they have in common is that they're all,

well...deceased. Hence the title of her business: Late Greats.

George Washington

Theodore Roosevelt

Abraham Lincoln

Susan B. Anthony

Mahatma Gandhi

Mark Twain

William Shakespeare

Frida Kahlo

Freddie Mercury

See lots more Late Greats here:

website

Facebook

Etsy

Images used with direct permission from Chen Reichert.

p.s. Frida Kahlo fans can visit THIS post

for lots more Frida!

Mount Vernon, Virginia

Being a fan of American history,
especially of the American Revolution,
and especially of George Washington,
I had always longed to visit George's Virginia home, Mount Vernon.
It was a real treat to tour the estate and to hear such interesting stories about his life there!

The original one and a half story farmhouse was built in 1735 by George's father. 
Over several decades, George enlarged it to a grand 21 room mansion.

Imagine sitting out on the piazza to enjoy this view of the Potomac River!

An enormous pecan tree beside the house!

(Plus my hubby waiting patiently while I take my pics.)

A long distance view of the front of the mansion.

Closer, showing one of the covered colonnades,
with a glimpse of the river behind it.

Although I enjoyed seeing the mansion's beautiful interior,
I was disappointed that photography wasn't permitted.

Here's one of the outbuildings - the kitchen house.

The marble cutting board and the mortar & pestle are originals.

The stone masonry walls of Mount Vernon are actually wood.

A faux treatment called "rustication" was used.

Pine boards are bevelled and painted, and then sand is thrown on the wet paint.

Pretty nifty for that time period, wasn't it?

George Washington was buried in the original family vault,
just a short walk from the main house.

In his will, Washington gave instructions to have a new vault built.

George's and Martha's remains, plus those of other family members,
were moved to the new tomb.

We had the fortunate timing to be present to watch a wreath-laying ceremony.

"...it is my will and desire that 

all the slaves which I hold in my own right 

shall receive their freedom."

-The Last Will and Testament of George Washington, 1799

Adjacent to the family tomb is a memorial

to the slaves at Mount Vernon.

Plan a trip of your own to

George Washington's Mount Vernon!