Where Freedom Was Forged

Imagine the United States as it was 250 years ago. At the time, a modest cluster of Colonies was on the brink of something incredible. Pressure was mounting in a proverbial powder keg as our Founding Fathers toyed with the idea of independence. They debated, they planned, and they fought. In the end, a new nation was born of their collective brilliance—one with its ideals rooted in democracy and the promise of indelible freedom.

As Alexander Hamilton famously said of the American Revolution (in a musical), “This is not a moment. It’s the movement.” That very movement ignited the sparks of war, set Colonial settlers on the path toward self-governance, and turned the world upside down—to once again reference Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton.”

While this year marks the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the conflict that started it all—the Revolutionary War—next year marks the catalytic event that truly defined America as a nation: the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

As this milestone year—also known as the U.S. Semiquincentennial—approaches, immerse your group in the history that shaped the country we live in today. From living history museums and Revolutionary battlefields to storied cities like Philadelphia and Boston, these iconic destinations will transport your tourgoers through time, bringing them on a journey that follows the birth of a nation unlike any other.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Where better to explore Revolutionary history than the Birthplace of America? Leading up to the war, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was an epicenter of the American Experiment. It is the city where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were written and signed. From 1790-1800, the city was even a temporary home to former presidents George Washington and John Adams. The President’s House where they both resided was demolished in 1832, but its foundations, now featuring exhibits on the deceased presidents and the slaves who worked there, remain visible and open to visitors.

The President’s House is of course only the beginning when it comes to historic attractions in Philadelphia. The city is home to America’s “most historic square mile,” the Independence National Historical Park. Here, tourgoers can explore Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the emblematic Liberty Bell, both of which are free to visit.

Other sites in the park include Congress Hall, the Benjamin Franklin Museum, Carpenters’ Hall, the Betsy Ross House, Elfreth’s Alley, and Christ Church & Burial Ground, where several signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried today. All these sites, plus more, offer guided tours. To learn more about America’s founding documents, visit the National Constitution Center, featuring interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, live theater, and more. The Museum of the American Revolution is a can’t-miss, with poignant exhibits like “The Road to Independence,” “The Darkest Hour,” and “A New Nation.” The museum offers audio, guided, private, and virtual group tours.

“Museums, historic sites, and attractions throughout Philadelphia are busy planning special exhibitions, programs, and events in celebration of the Semiquincentennial in 2026,” says Annie Jirapatnakul, global tourism sales and services manager for the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB). “In 2026, Philadelphia will also welcome a new museum. The historic First Bank of the United States, which has not been open to the public for 50 years, will transform into a museum showcasing the founding of the American economy through five exhibits on land, money, slavery, trade, and work.”

Dive deeper into the history of Philadelphia with one of several guided walking tours, including “The Black Journey: African American History Walking Tour of Philadelphia,” “Philly Ghosts,” or “Offbeat Philly.”

Or, visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), which was founded in celebration of the nation’s bicentennial in “AAMP is the first institution funded and built by a major municipality to preserve, interpret, and exhibit the heritage of African Americans,” says Jirapatnakul. “The museum tells the integral story of African Americans throughout U.S. history.”

Jirapatnakul says the PHLCVB makes it easy for group tour operators to plan their next visit to the City of Brotherly Love by sending RFPs to area hotels on their behalf, helping pinpoint the hotel that best serves their needs, and acting as a top-notch resource for connecting planners with attractions, guides, museums, restaurants, tours, and more.

In addition to several U.S. Semiquincentennial events and an amplified Fourth of July celebration, Philadelphia will also host six matches of the FIFA World Cup, as well as the MLB All-Star Game, PGA Championship, and NCAA men’s basketball first- and second-round national tournament games in 2026. “Between hosting some of world’s biggest sporting events and welcoming visitors looking to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, Philadelphia is anticipating an increase in visitors in 2026,” Jirapatnakul explains. “The City of Philadelphia, local tourism and hospitality industry, business community, and more are working together to ensure all visitors have a seamless experience in the city during the Semiquincentennial year.”

TRAVEL THROUGH TIME

Cultivate an experience that is both immersive and educational by bringing your group to a living history museum. It just so happens that the East Coast has some of the best.

Virginia’s Colonial Williamsburg, in fact, is the world’s largest living history museum, featuring restored 18th-century buildings, costumed interpreters, special programming, on-site art museums, and Bassett Hall. Colonial Williamsburg offers groups of 15 or more a variety of half-day, one-day, or two-day guided or self-guided tour packages tailored to their needs. Groups can even stay at one of the museum’s official Colonial Williamsburg hotels, just a short stroll away.

Also in Virginia, Yorktown Battlefield, a part of Colonial National Historical Park, marks the very place where the Revolutionary War essentially reached its end when Gen. Charles Lord Cornwallis surrendered to then-Gen. George Washington. Visitors to the park can experience artillery firing and periodic celebrations of historic fife and drum music performed by musicians in Revolutionary War uniforms.

In Pennsylvania, Valley Forge National Historical Park stands as a lasting testament to the endurance and dedication of America’s early troops. The site once served as an encampment for the Continental Army during the winter of 1777-78. Today, the 3,500-acre park features monuments commemorating the sacrifices and perseverance of those who fought for America’s independence. Visitors to the park can explore in a variety of ways, including via trolley tour, bicycle, vehicle, or foot.

Believe it or not, the Northeast isn’t the only region with ties to the American Revolution. In fact, Fort Lennox National Historic Site in Île aux Noix, Quebec, Canada, is a site that presents a different perspective on America’s war for independence. A few months into the war, the French fort was occupied by Gen. Philip Schuyler and his troops to be used as a base before Americans attacked and temporarily occupied Montreal. That occupation was short-lived, as the troops were forced to retreat to New York following a British victory in Quebec. The island then served as a defensive post for the British. Today, the site offers free guided tours that include a boat trip to the island.

Are you touring with a group farther south? No problem! The American Village, located in Montevallo, Alabama, is a museum, stage, theater, and classroom all rolled into one. Evocative of America’s founding, this Colonial-style attraction is modeled after an American Revolution-era town and features structures meant to educate visitors on the meaning of liberty, the Constitution, and the branches of the government. One key attraction is Washington Hall, inspired by George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate in Virginia.

MORE HISTORIC GREATS

There are more iconic cities to consider when exploring Revolutionary War history. In New York City, attractions like Federal Hall, Fort Wadsworth, and the Morris-Jumel Mansion all stand as lasting reminders of the city’s role in the war. The mansion, which served as Gen. Washington’s temporary headquarters in Manhattan, offers both a “Self-Guided Tour” and a “Guided Exterior Tour: Mansion & Grounds.” Federal Hall, now a museum and national memorial, is widely regarded as the “Birthplace of American Government.” It’s where Washington took his oath of office, and it is the home to the first Congress, Supreme Court, and Executive Branch offices.

In Boston, Massachusetts, follow the Freedom Trail with your group as you explore sites like Boston Common, America’s oldest park; the Old South Meeting House, where the Boston Tea Party began; the site of the Boston Massacre, a 1770 clash between Bostonians and Redcoats; the Paul Revere House (you know, “The British are coming!”); the USS Constitution, also known as “Old Ironsides,” the oldest commissioned warship still afloat; Bunker Hill Monument, where the first major battle of the war took place; and so much more. There are several guided tours offered, including “Walk into History,” “Lantern,” “Historic Holiday Stroll,” “Historic Pub Crawl Private Tour,” “African-American Patriots,”“Revolutionary Women,” and others.

In Concord, Massachusetts, Minute Man National Historical Park is home to the Lexington and Concord battlefields. It’s here where the infamous “shot heard ‘round the world” was fired on April 19, 1775, triggering the beginning of the Revolutionary War.

“Massachusetts is the birthplace of the American Revolution … and is the ultimate destination for groups seeking to immerse themselves in this rich history and commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding,” says Kate Fox, executive director at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “Visitors will not only find historical treasures but also engaging programs, knowledgeable historians and guides, and vibrant communities that bring these stories to life. Whether your group seeks a walking tour, interactive experiences, or moments of reflection, Massachusetts delivers a unique blend of education, inspiration, and celebration, making it a must-visit destination
for the Semiquincentennial.”

Of course, another key city to capture the spirit of America’s Semiquincentennial is Washington, D.C. The Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, Smithsonian Museum of American History, and National Archives are all quintessential D.C. experiences. Your tourgoers can even see the Founding Documents for themselves at the Archives. Popular tours of the city include DC by Foot’s “Washington Monument & National Mall Tour” and “Capitol & Library of Congress.”

It’s not the 18th century anymore, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look back at the people, places, and events that ignited the sparks of rebellion. As the U.S. Semiquincentennial nears, consider a visit to a Revolutionary War site, where your group can honor the legacy of those who gave their lives for the notion of a new nation—after all, to again paraphrase “Hamilton,” they planted seeds in a garden they never got to see.

By Madeline Fuerstenberg

Main Image: Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Credit: Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau