Occupied Philadelphia 2023 at the Museum of the American Revolution

In the fall of 1777, Philadelphia — the Revolutionary capital at the time — was seized by the British and occupied for nine long months, with Independence Hall serving as a prison for American prisoners-of-war. Join us as we recreate the dark days of the British occupation with Occupied Philadelphia, the Museum’s annual flagship living history event on Oct. 28-29, 2023.

Throughout the weekend, the Museum will offer guided walking tours, special programming, and family-friendly activities exploring what life was like in the city while British forces controlled it. Visitors will meet dozens of costumed historical interpreters portraying soldiers, civilians, and spies on the Museum’s outdoor plaza, free to the public. Guests can also complete a spy challenge to collect information on the British Army and watch street theater vignettes that bring to life dramatic moments from 1777.