Watch CBS News

Rare Collection Comes To Phila. Museum Of The American Revolution

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia's Museum of the American Revolution doesn't open until next spring, but the move-in date is fast approaching.

In just a couple of months, experts will transport thousands of artifacts to the institution's new space at 3rd and Chestnut Streets. But for now, the treasures are tucked away at a secret location.

It's a rare look at a collection of artifacts that some say has been in the works for more than two centuries.

The museum of the American Revolution takes you on a journey from the end of the French and Indian war to the days of the constitution and early republic. The not so average storage facility is located in the Delaware Valley.

Tucked away in the suburbs, Scott Stephenson and his team are hard at work.

They're logging and boxing artifacts for Philadelphia's new museum of the American Revolution.

The collection includes three thousand pieces from excavated artifacts and weaponry, to fine art and some of the most important documents in our nation's history.

In the collection, is a short article printed in Old City Philadelphia. Several days later the same paper became the first to print the Declaration of Independence.

Another thing the collection has are George Washington camp cups that were made by a Philadelphia silversmith.

"He actually worked at 2nd and Market Street right beside Christ Church. And these were made for General Washington during the American Revolution on August of 1777," Stephenson said. "If we had a radio to listen in on the conversations that those cups heard it would be absolutely fascinating."

In September the collection will move to 3rd and Chestnut Streets. During the museum's excavation experts actually found a ships bowl.

Soon it'll be home in a 118,000 square foot facility and its rightful place in America's most historic square mile.

"We're hoping we're not just encouraging historic tourism in Philadelphia. But we're raising all the boats and getting everyone excited about learning more about our founding history."

After the move-in the museum of the American Revolution is set to open on April 19, 2017 on the 242nd anniversary of the shot heard 'round the world.
Of course, that's what started the revolutionary war.

The rest is history.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.