The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is an interesting museum that details the events that occurred and the lifestyle lived during the American Revolution.
The Museum consists of indoor galleries and an outdoor immersive living history experience.
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown galleries are best enjoyed by adults or older teenagers, but the outdoor Living History area of the museum is a great way to introduce younger children to what life was like during this time period.
The ideal ages for the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is probably ages 7 and up, though younger children can definitely enjoy going through the outdoor area.
There is parking at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, or if you prefer, you can park down at one of Yorktown’s public parking areas and take the free Yorktown shuttle.
On the ride, you’ll be able to see the Yorktown Beach, check out the shopping and dining area called the Riverwalk Landing, and stop by the Yorktown Welcome Center.
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown Galleries
The Museum has indoor galleries where art and artifacts from the American Revolution are displayed. The vast galleries allow museum goers to explore at their own pace. The displays are both interactive and immersive.
In addition, there are several films with seating areas interspersed throughout the galleries. These films provide brief and interesting overviews of various events of the American Revolutionary War.
The galleries can take as much or as little time as you like. Linger in each section and spend hours absorbing all there is to see in the galleries at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Or, if you prefer, step on outside for a visit to the Living History area.
As a note, the galleries at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown are quiet areas. It is not a place where young children can run and be loud (I mean, it is called a gallery, after all). We had a two year old with us, and decided that our time would be better spent in the outdoor area. I’m sure the other gallery visitors with us that day agreed!
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown Living History Area
The Living History area at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is really a neat place to check out. This outdoor area has museum staff dressed in costume depicting life how it was during the time of the American Revolution.
To begin, check out the Continental Army encampment. Here, you’ll see what life as a soldier was like. From the small sleeping quarters to the food options available at that time, you’ll be amazed at what you learn.
The medical treatment area was one of my favorite stops at the American Revolution Museum. There, you will learn all about the medical care that Continental Army soldiers had access to. Feel free to ask questions – the knowledgeable staff is eager to answer!
You can also watch a live demonstration of a flintlock musket being fired. My kids loved being able to hold the musket, feeling how heavy it was.
From there, walk down to the where you can visit the house, kitchen, tobacco house, crops, and gardens. In each location, there are staff members dressed in American Revolution period specific clothing, performing tasks that would have been done during that time.
We saw one woman spinning wool on her spinning wheel, while another woman made lunch (and shooed the live pesky chickens out of the kitchen, where they shouldn’t have been).
The Living History area of the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is really the crowned jewel here. It brings history alive and really completes this immersive experience.
How long does it take to tour the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown?
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown takes between two and three hours to enjoy. If you’re a huge history buff and want to see and experience everything, you may want to stay for around four hours or so, but most people will probably be ready to be done at The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown in about 2 hours.
How much is the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown?
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown costs $18.00 for adults and $9.00 for children.
Because they American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and the Jamestown Settlement are owned by the same group, they offer discounts if you buy a dual ticket. If you’re planning on going to Jamestown as well, its definitely worth getting the combined ticket, because you’ll get into both museums for $30 per adult and $15 per child.
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown has a number of other offers you can check out, such as multi-day tickets and special pricing for Virigina residents who are interested in an annual pass. Check out the pricing for these programs here.
Final Thoughts on the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
If you are looking to learn more about the American Revolution, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is the place to go.
You can spend the day discovering how people in that time frame lived, what they ate, how they dressed, and more. Additionally, you’ll leave with a much better understanding of the events that occurred during the war.
There are so many amazing historical sites in Virginia’s Historic Triangle, and the American Revolution Museum of Yorktown makes the list.
Other places to consider visiting while you are in the area are Colonial Williamsburg and the Jamestown Settlement.
