The Forten Family at The Museum of the American Revolution Download

Associate Curator Matthew Skic discussed their current exhibition, ‘Black Founders: The Forten Family at The Museum of the American Revolution.’   Running through November of 2023, it presents a collection of over 100 objects passed down through the family of James Forten (1766-1842) who was born free in Philadelphia and who heard the words of the Declaration of Independence read aloud for the first time on July 8, 1776.  Joining a privateer ship at the age of 14 to fight for American independence he was captured and held captive on a prison ship for seven months before being freed during a prisoner exchange. He later became a successful business owner, philanthropist, and abolitionist.  We discussed the influence of Forten and his friendship with some of the greatest names in the movement and his unique position as a Black businessmen man in Philadelphia.  Mathew also spoke of the school programs, lectures and panels that will be offered during the exhibit.   For more information go to AmRevMuseum.org