The American Revolution Center (the "Center") is a non-partisan, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to engaging the public in the history and enduring legacy of the American Revolution. The Center owns a distinguished collection of paintings and sculpture, textiles and weapons, manuscripts and rare books, highlights of which can be seen on its website and in special exhibitions. The Center is working to establish a living memorial to the American Revolution through the development of The Museum of the American Revolution where it will display its collection.
The Center's collection includes items owned and used by General George Washington during the War of Independence, including his sleeping and office tent[1], silver camp cups from his field equipment, wartime correspondence and books from his library, as well as the thirteen-star flag known as the Commander-in-Chief's Standard. The Center’s extensive collection of historic firearms and edged weapons includes the fowling piece carried by Captain David Brown, leader of a company of minutemen from Concord, Massachusetts, and a British military musket carried by a soldier of the 4th, or King’s Own Regiment, both of whom participated in the first battle of the War of Independence, April 19, 1775. The collection also includes important art, from Xavier della Gatta’s paintings of the Battle of Paoli and Germantown to William B. T. Trego’s iconic 1883 painting “The March to Valley Forge. " Important manuscripts and rare books include soldiers’ letters and orderly books as well as volumes owned by George Washington, Patrick Henry, George Mason and other founders.
Much of the collection is in storage awaiting display in the Museum of the American Revolution. Some items have been displayed at George Washington's Mount Vernon, the National Constitution Center, the Winterthur Museum, the Senator John Heinz History Center and the North Carolina Museum of History.
The Center owns property in the historic area of Philadelphia, 101 S. Third Street, on which it plans to build the museum.[2] The site is across the street from the First Bank of the United States and two blocks from Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, Second Bank of the United States, American Philosophical Society, Carpenters' Hall, and the Liberty Bell.
President and CEO[3] is Dr. Bruce Cole and Philadelphia area media entrepreneur and philanthropist H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors.