Innovative American Revolution Experience Arrives at President James Knox Polk State Historic Site
Jared Herr, jherr@battlefields.org
(Pineville, N.C.) — The American Battlefield Trust has joined with the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence DAR Chapter to bring the innovative American Revolution Experience to North Carolina. The unique and immersive exhibit arrived today at the President James K. Polk State Historic Site and will run through March 28, inspiring visitors with stories of American’s Revolutionary past.
“The spirit of the American Revolution wasn’t confined to halls of power where independence was declared — it lived in the Patriot soldiers and the everyday people whose courage shaped the America we know today.” said Trust President David Duncan. “Through this exhibit we hope to connect people in the Tar Heel State to those individuals whose sacrifices continue to shape our nation.”
The exhibit comes to Pineville after stops at over 70 venues across the nation. It includes 12 panels that spotlight individuals who were deeply touched by the Revolutionary War and is complemented by three digital kiosks containing contextual information about the broader conflict. Both online and on-site, the American Revolution Experience contains custom illustrations by artist Dale Watson.
“With the 250th anniversary of the Revolution upon us, there is no better time to educate the public about our founding conflict,” said Annette Imbrogno, Chapter Regent of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence DAR Chapter. “We are so proud to help provide this insightful and meaningful experience.”
“North Carolina is steeped in Revolutionary history, and the American Revolution Experience gives visitors a unique chance to engage with the history,” added Scott Warren, site manager at the President James K. Polk State Historic Site. “We are incredibly excited to host this innovative exhibit to our site.”
People across the country will get a chance to visit the American Revolution Experience as it continues travelling the United States throughout 2025, introducing visitors to a cast of diverse historical characters with differing experiences and roles they took on during the Revolutionary War. A longer-term installation of the exhibit will remain at the DAR’s national headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The American Revolution Experience first launched online in a digital-only iteration during the summer of 2022. Its success led to widespread recognition, the display winning the Bronze Award in the Education, Art, & Culture division at the second annual Anthem Awards, an initiative of the Webby Awards celebrating purpose and mission-driven work. It was also a finalist in the “People’s Choice” category of the Webby Awards, highlighting its impact among the public. Funding to transform the online product into a physical exhibit suitable for pop-up display at a wide variety of sites came from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and via a matching grant from the federal American Battlefield Protection Program.
About the Organizations
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in the 1890s to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With nearly 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations.
From a grassroots organization started by historians 30 years ago, the American Battlefield Trust has grown into one of the most successful private heritage land preservation organizations in the nation. The Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 58,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War, representing more than 160 sites in 25 states. Its 350,000 members and supporters believe in the power of place and the continued relevance of history as a means to fully understand our rights and responsibilities as Americans. Learn more at battlefields.org.
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