Museum+of+the+American+Revolution

**//SUPPORT THE MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION//** December 7, 2009 Dear Friend:It is hard to believe that America's War of Independence ended 226 years ago, yet there is still no national museum that tells the epic struggle that forged our Nation. I'm sure you will agree that such a museum is long overdue.Together, we have the extraordinary opportunity to build the first national museum to tell the entire story of the American Revolution and its enduring legacy. This museum—The Museum of the American Revolution—will be a living memorial to those who sacrificed so that we might be free.Located in historic Philadelphia, just steps away from Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the First and Second Banks of the United States, Carpenters Hall and Christ Church, the Museum will house The American Revolution Center's distinguished collection of Revolutionary-era objects, artifacts, art, manuscripts and rare books. These authentic witnesses to our Nation's birth will bring the extraordinary stories of the entire Revolutionary generation to life in engaging, accessible and interactive exhibits and educational programs.We are inviting you to be part of this historic cause which will honor our Revolutionary forbearers.A gift to The American Revolution Center will support planning for the new Museum as well as our ongoing activities, some of which are described in this newsletter. You may be particularly interested in the article about our recent national survey of adult Americans and their interest in and knowledge of the American Revolution and its enduring legacy. The results demonstrate that __the need is great and the time is now for The Museum of the American Revolution.__ / Together, we can ensure that rising generations will be inspired to pass on the torch of liberty that was first lit over two and a quarter centuries ago.Sincerely,
 * [|http://www.americanrevolutioncenter.org]**

Back in the 1990's a plan was developed, to create a museum dedicated to the American Revolution. This museum was going to be built as a reminder of the Revolution and it's lasting legacy. The original plan was to build this museum on land dedicated at Valley Forge National Park, but in 2009, a decision was made to exchange the plot of land at Valley Forge for land in Center City Philadelphia, just steps away from Independence Hall and Carpenter's Hall, two of the most important buildings that led to our independence in the 1770's. With the struggling economy, funding for the non-profit museum has dwindled and the museum has had difficulty in its organization and planning, which must occur before the physical building can begin. Your task, along with your group, is to help the museum by submitting a plan of your own. This plan must have several key features in it:

1) Artifacts and other primary sources that must be S.O.A.P. ed up

 These artifacts will be collected via museumbox and allows for you to organize these primary sources for the museum.



2) Map(s) containing the key moments of the American Revolution

 These artifacts can be created by hand and scanned or photographed, or created digitally using google earth/maps



3) Timeline of the American Revolution

 These artifacts will be created by using TimeToast and then embedded on your team's page



4) Layout of the Museum

 This can be created by hand and scanned or photographed, or created digitally online using a tool like google sketchup.



5) Digital Documentaries

 Each member of the group must complete one individual digital documentary which must include images and narration to a key moment of the American Revolution. This will be completed using any number of tools like voicethread.

After several weeks of research and creation, your group will present their museum proposals and digital documentaries to the class and there will be a vote for the winning proposal. Prizes have yet to be determined for the winning museum proposal.