Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia
February 11 - November 26, 2023

James Forten of Philadelphia lived through the Revolutionary War. He witnessed the Declaration of Independence read aloud for the first time in 1776 prior to him fighting for independence in 1781. Born a free man of African descent, Forten became a successful businessman, philanthropist, and stalwart abolitionist.

In this 2023 special exhibition Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia, the Museum of the American Revolution will introduce visitors to 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. Using objects, documents, and immersive environments, Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia will explore the Forten family’s roles in the Revolutionary War, business in Philadelphia, and abolition and voting rights from 1776 to 1876.

The unique journey and exceptional story of this family of Revolutionaries explores the legacy of the American Revolution, the history of the American experiment of liberty, equality, and self-government, and the ongoing work to improve the nation’s dedication to the principle that “all men are created equal.”