Over 160 Philadelphia Area Catholic Schools to Visit American Revolution Museum

In a significant initiative marking the recent Catholic Schools Week from January 26-30, the Connelly Foundation has announced that over 160 Catholic schools in the Philadelphia area will receive complimentary visits to the Museum of the American Revolution. This initiative aims to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary by providing students from Archdiocese of Philadelphia schools, Independence Mission Schools, and private independent Catholic schools with an opportunity to connect with American history.

The program will allow one grade from each participating school to enjoy a fully funded trip to the museum, including travel expenses and admission fees. Students will have access to the museum’s permanent exhibits and the special exhibition titled “The Declaration’s Journey,” which focuses on the history and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from its inception in 1776 to the present day.

Tom Riley, president of the Connelly Foundation, expressed the importance of this initiative, stating, “Catholic Schools Week is about celebrating faith, learning, and the formation of young people, and there is no better place to do that than in Philadelphia, where our nation’s story began.” He emphasized that this program allows students to engage directly with the foundational ideals of the country, reinforcing their connection to the ongoing American narrative.

This initiative is part of the existing Connelly Access Program, which has been promoting cultural engagement among Catholic elementary school students for over 30 years. The program provides funding for field trips, assemblies, and workshops aimed at students in grades 4 to 8, with participation from 48 Catholic elementary schools and over 20 cultural organizations. The Museum of the American Revolution has been a partner in this program since 2018.

Jay DeFruscio, chief operating officer of Archdiocese of Philadelphia Secondary Schools, noted the transformative nature of these experiences. “This initiative brings classroom learning to life in a powerful and memorable way,” he said. “Thanks to the generosity of the Connelly Foundation, our students will be able to experience our nation’s history firsthand, deepening their understanding of civic responsibility, faith, and the values that continue to guide our schools and communities.”

R. Scott Stephenson, chief executive officer of the Museum of the American Revolution, welcomed the collaboration, stating, “We are honored to welcome students from Catholic schools across the region as they explore the people, ideas, and events that shaped our nation.” He highlighted the significance of the Declaration’s Journey exhibition in helping students connect historical events to contemporary issues.

The Connelly Foundation has been a long-time supporter of the museum since 2013, having also funded the Declaration’s Journey exhibition. As a key member of the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial, the foundation is actively involved in supporting programs that celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and enrich the educational experiences of students in the region.

Each participating school will have the flexibility to choose which grade will visit the museum, with trips scheduled to take place during 2026. Booking instructions will be provided to schools shortly.

For those interested in learning more about the Museum of the American Revolution, additional information can be found at their official website, www.amrevmuseum.org. The Connelly Foundation, established in 1955 by John and Josephine Connelly, has contributed over $500 million to educational, human services, arts, and civic life organizations in the Philadelphia area.

This initiative not only celebrates the rich history of the United States but also fosters a deeper understanding of civic engagement among young students, ensuring that the values and lessons of the past continue to resonate with future generations.