The narrative of the American Revolution often highlights the actions of the Founding Fathers, yet the lives of merchants, farmers, servants, and women remain lesser-known facets of this period.
The new exhibition, Philadelphia, The Revolutionary City, hosted by the American Philosophical Society (APS), offers a compelling glimpse into the everyday experiences of those living in eighteenth-century Philadelphia.
This exhibition is a bridge from an online history portal to a tangible showcase of original documents, images, and personal artifacts from the time, providing a richer understanding of the era.
Visitors can examine what life was truly like in a city that was a hotbed of revolutionary activity.
Curated by Caroline O’Connell at APS, the exhibit features a vast array of materials sourced from significant institutions, including the Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP), Library Company of Philadelphia (LCP), the Museum of the American Revolution (MOAR), and the University of Pennsylvania’s Kislak and McNeil Centers for Early American Studies.
In a unique twist, this exhibition was inspired by TheRevolutionaryCity.org, a digital portal launched in 2023 that provides public access to thousands of period materials, all of which can be searched in one convenient location.
The digital portal is continuously being updated, with 46,000 manuscript pages made available by December 2024, ensuring that the history presented in the exhibition will reach a wider audience over time.
Among the intriguing items on display are personal notebooks and artifacts that give voice to individuals often overlooked in historical narratives.
For instance, Catharine Haines’s household notebook from 1776 reveals her methods for preparing remedies and preserving fruits, including a recipe for “tetter ointment” alongside tips for yellow peaches.
Additionally, the exhibit showcases a variety of artifacts that people from all walks of life made and used, such as furniture, art, and everyday currency.
One notable piece includes silk shoes worn by 20-year-old Hannah Marshall during her marriage in 1785, adding a personal connection to the broader historical context.
As Philadelphia was a hub of colonial power and commerce, the exhibition illustrates how the city’s economy thrived with skilled craftsmen.
Beautifully engraved trade cards, like those from cabinetmaker Benjamin Randolph and fishing-tackle-maker Edward Pole, highlight the interconnectedness of local artisans and consumers of their time.
The allure of the past is further emphasized by Edward Duffield’s walnut and mahogany grandmother clock, thought to adorn the library of Benjamin Franklin during his absence abroad, representing a vibrant local culture even as Franklin pursued diplomatic endeavors in England and France.
The exhibition also tackles the complex sentiments surrounding loyalty and political allegiance during the tumultuous years leading up to American independence.
Visitors will find artifacts reflecting varied perspectives—patriots, loyalists, and even pacifists expressed their views through their belongings.
The Quaker community, particularly vulnerable as pacifists, is represented through diaries of individuals like Sarah Logan Fisher and Elizabeth Sandwith Drinker, whose entries recount the arrest of their husbands for refusing military service.
Exemplifying the diverse attitudes found in Philadelphia, enlistment documents showcase the varying commitments towards the Revolutionary War, ranging from formal letters to discolored receipts pledging military service, which typically included bonuses for enlistment.
The exhibit also provides insight into the rich cultural tapestry of the city, illustrated by a broadside in German reflecting the Mennonite community’s stance on pacifism.
The German presence in Pennsylvania is notably commemorated through colorful fraktur documents, crafted to mark significant events such as marriages and baptisms.
As part of the immersive experience, the exhibition features stations where guests can listen to historical narratives— including a Lenape leader’s remarks to Congress in 1776—bringing a dynamic auditory element to the visual artifacts.
One station highlights an indenture agreement for John Francis, a free Black man who made his mark as an indication of his commitment, promising to work for Richard Walker to secure his wife’s freedom.
To support future educational endeavors, transcription of documents into printable text commenced in October 2023.
Collaborators within the portal development team are focused on ensuring the accessibility of digital materials for all users, with a keen emphasis on readability.
The portal blog outlines the mission behind The Revolutionary City initiative, which aims to digitally preserve all manuscript material related to Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War years.
Volunteer transcribers share valuable insights on methods for accurately reproducing the handwriting of the period, embracing original misspellings and idiosyncrasies for authenticity.
Additionally, efforts to incorporate machine learning into the transcription process will help streamline this work, providing a preliminary pass through cursive texts that are later verified by human researchers.
As we look toward the future, The Revolutionary City project anticipates the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, but its messages resonate loudly today.
The exhibition illustrates the ongoing relevance of the principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, particularly as current events challenge these ideals in contemporary society.
As in 1775, the future remains dependent on the collective actions of citizens, and it is vital that vigilance is maintained in the pursuit of a democratic society.
image source from：https://www.broadstreetreview.com/reviews/the-american-philosophical-society-presents-philadelphia-the-revolutionary-city
