A college friend visited recently, and I was looking for a way we could spend a Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia, taking into account our personal interests, the sites my friend had seen on previous visits, what I’ve experienced recently and timing.

Knowing we both like history and museums and given its proximity to a market we planned to visit, the brand-new Museum of the American Revolution, located at Third and Chestnuts streets in Philadelphia’s historic district, proved the perfect afternoon attraction. Since the museum just opened in April 2017, it’s busy; make sure you allow yourself enough time for the visit.

Admittedly, most of my knowledge about this important time in American history is limited to the bits and pieces I can remember from my high school history class. But not anymore. The beautiful building housing the museum fits the visually appealing layout of the galleries, taking you through the entire war and also through the mindsets of all the parties involved or affected, including Native Americans, British sympathizers, the commanders and more. It’s interactive information, dense but not overwhelming, and full of multimedia, including videos. The museum even touches on the ways we can keep the spirit of revolution alive today, what the ideals behind the fight truly mean and how, despite what may have been contradictory at the time of the American Revolution, we must continue the battle now.

The showpiece is George Washington’s original war tent — the one he used as he was on the battlefield alongside his soldiers, leading the charge for revolution. The presentation of the tent is a must-see moment and sets the perfect tone for the exploration of the rest of the museum.

Hands down, the museum should be on your to-do list for your next visit to Philadelphia.

— Kimberly Krol, editor in chief