The American Revolution Experience Exhibit
June 16 - July 18, 2026
The American Revolution Experience traveling exhibit highlights the diverse perspectives and daily lives of ordinary people during the Revolutionary War, offering an immersive way to understand the human side of America’s fight for independence.
Join us this Thursday, June 18, at 6 PM, for The American Revolution Experience Exhibit Grand Opening, featuring acclaimed author and speaker Michael Nolden Henderson.
Henderson’s ancestor fought under General Gálvez, and Gálvez himself personally signed the freedom papers for Henderson’s 4th-generation great-grandmother in 1779! This incredible discovery (featured on PBS!) led Henderson to become the first African American inducted into the Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution.
Come explore the brand-new interactive exhibit of The American Revolution Experience, meet the Sons of the American Revolution Freedom Chapter, singalong with actress Kijana Wiseman, and hear a master storyteller, Henderson, bring local and national history to life. Appetizers and beverage served.
Overview of the Experience
The American Revolution Experience is a collaborative initiative by the American Battlefield Trust and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) that brings history to life through interactive exhibits, storytelling, and primary accounts. Rather than focusing solely on generals or political leaders, the experience emphasizes the contributions and challenges faced by ordinary people, including Patriots, Loyalists, women, African Americans, Native Americans, and international allies. Visitors are encouraged to consider the difficult choices individuals faced, such as pledging loyalty to the Patriot cause or remaining loyal to the British Crown.
The experience highlights the human impact of the Revolution, showing how ordinary people endured hardships, fought for liberty, and navigated complex social dynamics. Examples include:
Women and families coping with the uncertainties of war and supporting the Patriot cause.
African Americans and enslaved individuals who sought freedom or were caught between Loyalist and Patriot forces.
Loyalists and former British soldiers who adapted to new lives in the colonies.
International allies who contributed to the war effort and shaped the outcome of key battles.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
American Revolution Experience Traveling Exhibit Opens in Houston
Pop‑up at The Heritage Society brings 12 panels, 3 interactive kiosks, and immersive stories of ordinary people to local audiences
Houston, TX, June 16, 2026 — From an award‑winning website to an in‑demand traveling exhibition, the American Revolution Experience, a collaborative project of the American Battlefield Trust and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), arrives in Houston this summer. The pop‑up exhibit will be on view at The Heritage Society, 1100 Bagby St, from June 16–July 18, 2026. Check the host venue for daily hours and visitor information.
The traveling exhibit translates the Trust’s industry‑leading digital interpretation and DAR’s archival collections into a compact, visitor‑friendly format. The touring installation features 12 interpretive panels and three interactive kiosks that connect visitors to full digital biographies, documentary context, and guidance for visiting the historic places tied to each story. Custom illustrations by South Carolina artist Dale Watson bring the figures and scenes to life both online and on site.
“The American Revolution was decided not only by generals but by thousands of ordinary people whose choices shaped the nation,” said David Duncan, President of the American Battlefield Trust. “Together with DAR, we’re showing how those decisions played out across landscapes and communities — and how those places still matter today.”
The project was launched online in 2022 and received national recognition, including a Bronze Award in the Education, Art & Culture division of the Anthem Awards and a Webby finalist nod in the People’s Choice category. The National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program provided $200,000 in matching funds through its inaugural Battlefield Interpretation Grants; those funds were matched dollar‑for‑dollar by DAR and further supported by individual Trust donors.
“DAR is honored to collaborate with the American Battlefield Trust to highlight the diverse experiences of Patriots and their communities,” said Pamela Rouse Wright, President General of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. “This exhibit helps communities across the country connect with the personal stories behind our nation’s founding.”
The traveling exhibit emphasizes the human choices and consequences of the 1770s: the decisions of Patriots and Loyalists, the experiences of women, the lives of Black and Native peoples, and the roles of international allies. Rather than focusing solely on famous leaders, the installation introduces visitors to drummer boys, military mapmakers, and other individuals whose lives were shaped by global events.
Venue: The Heritage Society, 1100 Bagby St, Houston, TX
Dates: June 16–July 18, 2026
Hours: Tuesdays - Saturdays, 10 AM - 4 PM
Admission: $5 includes entry to two other exhibits (online tickets available in advance; walk‑ins welcome)
Parking: Free parking is available at 212 Dallas Street
PROGRAMS
The grand opening for the American Revolution Experience in Houston will be held June 18 at 6:00 PM and will feature a ceremonial opening by the Sons of the American Revolution, a patriotic song by Kijana Wiseman, a presentation by author Michael Henderson, a guided preview of the exhibit, and a reception with light refreshments. This is a free program for members and tickets are $15 for non-members.
Patriot Family Day on July 1 will feature living‑history demonstrations, children’s storytelling, lunch and learn, and educational presentations, hot dogs (for purchase), and more. This is a free program from 10 AM - 4 PM, for families. Food and drinks are for purchase.
History on Tap on July 9 led by Professor Hank Deslaurier will connect Revolutionary‑era themes to the Gulf Coast. This free program will be held at New Magnolia Brewery at 6:30 PM.
To learn more and /or buy tickets, go here - 250th Anniversary of USA — The Heritage Society
About the American Battlefield Trust
From a grassroots organization started by historians nearly 40 years ago, the American Battlefield Trust has grown into one of the most successful land preservation and education organizations in the nation. The Trust has protected more than 57,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War, representing more than 155 sites in 25 states from Massachusetts to New Mexico. Its 350,000 members and supporters believe in the power of place and the continued relevance of our shared history to modern American society. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.
About the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Its members are descended from the Patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With nearly 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations. Learn more at www.dar.org.
