Memorial Day events kick off around the city this weekend

Museum of the American Revolution

Museum of the American Revolution

There are a few reasons to head to the Museum of the American Revolution this Memorial Day weekend. Firstly, admission to the Old City cultural institution is free for vets, military and blue star families, but the MOAR also has a few surprises up its sleeve. Those who visit will also be able to check out pop-up talks about the Revolutionary Generation, a commemorative ribbon craft, a virtual “walking” tour exploring the story of Polish military officer Thaddeus Kosciuszko, discovery carts and more.

Philadelphians will also be to kick off the Museum’s Revolutionary Summer with them, which spans from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. The Museum’s special events and exhibits offer visitors of all ages the opportunity to explore the American Revolution’s ongoing relevance, and visitors will be encouraged to consider how to work to fulfill the Revolution’s promises of liberty and equality for all during the summer season.

101 S. 3rd St., amrevmuseum.org

Morgan’s Barbecue

There is one tasty reason to head to King of Prussia this weekend to celebrate Memorial Day. According to a release, launched by restaurateur Mathew Glazier of GlazierWorks (Monkey Bar, Strip House, Michael Jordan’s The Steakhouse) and helmed by Pitmaster and Executive Chef Cenobio Canalizo, Morgan’s KoP will build on the legacy of its Brooklyn flagship with high-quality slow-smoked meats via an on-site smoker, a deep well of craft beer and bourbon within an inviting, indoor/outdoor feel. Reminiscent of the festive outdoor dining available in front of the Brooklyn flagship, the King of Prussia location boasts a large, 80-seat outdoor patio.

Those who head to the new eatery will be able to sink their teeth into their Ginormous Beef Rib (an outsize 8-hour-smoked bone-in beef plate rib) as well as the best-selling “Holy Trinity” (house-smoked sausage, brisket and pork ribs) offering Morgan’s greatest hits within one value combo, plus other highlights that span from Smoky Queso with housemade tortilla chips, Frito Chili Pie, a Chopped Brisket Sandwich, Morgan’s Cheddar Burger, a Fried Chicken Sandwich, Mexican Street Corn, Collard Greens, Morgan’s Wedge Salad, Smoked Tacos (catfish, pulled pork, brisket and vegetarian soyrizo) and six varieties of specialty macaroni and cheese. On top of food, diners can also sip on a variety of lobations from the full bar, which includes beers, wine and specialty cocktails. 

160 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia, morgansbrooklynbarbecue.com

Yuengling’s Military Appreciation Day

On Thursday, May 27, Yuengling will be holding its Military Appreciation Day at their Pottsville location. On that date, the brewery will be donating $1 of proceeds for every pint sold that day to military partners Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB). Then later that day at 3 p.m. in the taproom, Yuengling 6th Generation leaders Jennifer and Debbie Yuengling will also be presenting a $50,000 check on behalf of the brewery to TAPS to benefit the organization’s health and wellness programs, which create opportunities for military survivors as part of their grief journey. The release states that the donation will be presented to TAPS Director of Strategic Operations Matt Mabe and TAPS Survivor Melinda Kane, who has benefitted directly from TAPS programs after losing her eldest son Jeremy who served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Afghanistan in January 2010. Melinda is also a Peer Mentor Manager at TAPS.

The Holy TrinityFood & City

420 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, yuengling.com

Independence Seaport Museum

To kick off Memorial Day Weekend right, why not do something unique for the whole family? Families will be able to head down to the Delaware River Waterfront to try out the Independence Seaport Museum’s (ISM) Paddle Penn’s Landing, which officially opens this Friday, May 28. Those who head there will be able to paddle their way around the Penn’s Landing basin in a kayak, rowboat, swan, or dragon boat to check out sites of the city and beyond like never before. Summer hours are Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to dusk, and Saturday and Sunday noon to dusk through Labor Day, Sept. 6.

Independence Seaport Museum

On top of the outdoor aquatic activities, the Independence Seaport Museum is also debuting a special exhibit this weekend on Cruiser Olympia that “tells the story of the ship’s transportation of the Unknown Soldier across the Atlantic Ocean.” Those who head to the Olympia will also be able to check out the reopening of the Quarterdeck on the ship’s main deck on May 28—which hasn’t been open to the public in over two decades.

Then this Monday, May 31, at 10 a.m., ISM will host its annual Memorial Day Ceremony. According to the release, the private ceremony will be streamed live via the museum’s Facebook page and will include remarks from museum staff and guest speakers. During the ceremony, the ISM will unveil a permanent historical marker on the ship to commemorate the Unknown Soldier and memorialize his story for future visitors.

Lastly, at exactly 10:55 a.m., the marker will be unveiled by a team of former Tomb Guards who will represent the Society of the Honor Guard and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the dedication. Following the ceremony, historian Kara Newcomer will lead an in-person presentation inside the museum on the Marines and their relationship with the Unknown Soldier at 1 p.m.

Independence Seaport Museum

 211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., phillyseaport.org