FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CROWNSVILLE, MD — The nationally acclaimed American Revolution Experience exhibit is coming to the Historic Rising Sun Inn in Crownsville, MD, running from June 1–13, 2026 (closed June 3). This free, innovative exhibition is part of the state and national build-up to the 2026 Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of the nation’s founding.
The pop-up exhibition, presented by the Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Battlefield Trust, uses innovative display panels and interactive digital kiosks to immerse visitors in the difficult choices faced by ordinary citizens during the revolutionary generation.
“Independence may have been declared in Philadelphia by the Declaration’s 56 signers, but it was hard-won on the battlefields we protect by the thousands of Patriot soldiers from whom today’s Daughters trace descent,” said David Duncan, President of the American Battlefield Trust. “Together, our organizations bear witness to the fact that we are not so far removed from those impactful events, that there are meaningful ways to bridge those 250 years.”
The exhibit is accompanied by a series of special events and lectures, with registration available at WWW.RISINGSUNINN.ORG. Events include a talk on Anne Arundel County’s only Revolutionary War land engagement (June 5), an appearance by Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County’s “BE REVOLUTIONARY” campaign (June 5), a “250 Voices” community storytelling project (June 6), a Genealogy ‘how-to’ session with DAR/SAR experts (June 7), and lectures on Colonial Architecture (June 11) and Revolutionary War attire and Chesapeake Taverns (June 12).
The American Revolution Experience invites visitors to consider the choice faced by members of the revolutionary generation as tensions mounted in the 1770s: Would these ordinary citizens risk their lives and livelihoods in pursuit of liberty? Or would they remain loyal subjects of the British crown, coming into conflict with neighbors and family? The exhibit surfaces diverse viewpoints and experiences, touching on the journeys – both literal and figurative – of Patriots and Loyalists, men and women, Black and Native populations and even international allies. Rather than focusing only on generals and famous statesmen, it introduces audiences to drummer boys, military mapmakers and other ordinary people who were impacted by global events.
The event is sponsored by Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area, with support from Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, the Annapolis 250 Commission, and the MD Two Fifty State Commmission. The Rising Sun Inn is owned by the Ann Arundel Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The Friends of the Rising Sun Inn, Inc., is dedicated to restoring, preserving, maintaining, and promoting the Inn and property as an historical site and museum, and providing educational programs that explore the history and culture of Anne Arundel County.
Media Contact:
Kris Jenkins
kris@risingsuninn.org
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