MuseumFest
For the first time, we are ending the AAM Annual Meeting & MusuemExpo with a public event across several host city museums. MuseumFest takes over Philadelphia’s Historic District with pop-up performances, living history, and free access to some of Philadelphia’s most iconic historic district museums.
Free, family-friendly, and designed for locals and AAM attendees to explore together. This event is made possible through the generous support of the William Penn Foundation. AAM 2026 attendees receive a complimentary ticket when registering.
Time & Date
May 23, 1 – 5 pm
Across Historic District museums:
- National Constitution Center
- African American Museum in Philadelphia
- Carpenters’ Hall
- Betsy Ross House
- Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Ticketing: Your badge serves as your ticket; guests are welcome. While the event is open to the public, some programming is exclusive to AAM attendees and their guests.
Getting there: Historic District is described as a half mile from the Pennsylvania Convention Center; no shuttles are provided for MuseumFest.
Passport: Grab a passport at any participating museum and collect all five stamps to earn a prize!
Show your conference badge for free and reduced admission to additional museums: Those near the Historic District include the American Philosophical Society, Arch Street Meeting House, Athenæum of Philadelphia, Christ Church and Christ Church Burial Ground, Independence Seaport Museum, Museum of the American Revolution, National Liberty Museum, Richard Allen Museums at Mother Bethel AME Church, and Science History Institute.
Schedule of Events
MuseumFest takes place across five museums in the historic district from 1 – 5 pm on May 23. Don’t miss these special programs:
1:00 – 1:30 pm: National Constitution Center
Opening remarks from AAM and the city of Philadelphia, plus a special musical treat!
1:00 – 5:00 pm: Carpenters’ Hall (AAM Attendees Only)
QR code survey looking for your feedback on exhibit layout, accessibility, and dialogue
1:00 – 4:30 pm: Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History: A Look inside of Eva’s Suitcase
A spinoff of the Weitzman’s flagship Traveling Suitcase program, visitors will get to look inside the suitcase of Eva Baen, a Jewish immigrant of the early twentieth century from Kyiv traveling to America for the promise of a better life. She’ll also be wandering the galleries, so stop by and say hi and hear her life story!
2:00 pm, 2:45 pm, and 3:30 pm: Betsy Ross House: Chocolate Making Demonstration
In partnership with Mars Heritage, experience a Revolutionary-era chocolate-making demonstration with some sampling!
2:00 pm: National Constitution Center: The Six Signers Tour
Come and meet the signers of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, who gathered in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787. Join us for a 15-minute tour and learn about the six men who helped draft two of our most cherished documents and their contributions towards Independence and the creation of a representative democracy for all
2:45 pm: National Constitution Center: Coffee and Conversation: Memorial Day – American Made and Re‑Made
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, a somber day to memorialize America’s Civil War dead, which resulted in both reconciliation and division. For many Americans, this holiday now signifies the “unofficial start of summer,” losing the holiday’s somber origins. Join Dr. Robert J. Kodosky for coffee and a conversation about the power of the past, the costs of liberty and the enduring struggle for civil liberties.
3:45 pm: National Constitution Center: Reeling in a New Government
Come learn about the first draft of the United States Constitution and the delegates on the Committee of Detail who prepared it. While they worked, discover how the rest of the Framers spent the summer recess, and see the tackle box that George Washington took on his fishing trip.
3:30 – 4:00 PM: African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAM Attendees Only)
Join us for a reception with light snacks and beverages before the Afrofuturism in Costume Design Lecture
4:00 – 4:45 pm: African American Museum in Philadelphia: Afrofuturism in Costume Design (AAM Attendees Only)
As part of MuseumFest: Historic District Philly, the African American Museum in Philadelphia presents Art Break at AAMP: Beyond the Fashion, a dynamic panel with Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design, curators Julia Long and Susan Fowler. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at costume design exhibitions and how they move beyond traditional fashion to bring film, storytelling, and cultural narrative into the museum space. From dressing mannequins to reimagining cinematic works for exhibition, this conversation offers rare insight into the specialized, hands-on work of curators in this field and explores non-traditional pathways into museum careers. Space is limited—register early to secure your spot!
“Drop-in‑” activities:
2:45 pm: National Constitution Center: Fourth Annual Reminder Day Pamphlet
On July 4, 1965, 40 members of the LGBTQ+ community—33 men and 7 women—used their right to assemble to call for freedoms and equality by marching outside Independence Hall. These efforts became known as the Annual Reminder Day demonstrations, a tradition which took place on Independence Day.
1:00 – 5:00 pm: Carpenters’ Hall: Family Activity Tables
Fun for the whole family!
1:00 – 5:00 pm: National Constitution Center: Family Fun Activities
Join us on the Front Lawn to play graces, hoop and stick, nine pin, and other games popular during the Revolutionary era!
1:00 – 5:00 pm: Franklin Square
Find a Storyteller to learn more about historic Philadelphia
Lead Support for MuseumFest: Historic District Philly is provided by
The American Alliance of Museums’ mission is to champion equitable and impactful museums by connecting people, fostering learning and community, and nurturing museum excellence.
