National Museum of American Jewish History Offering Free Admission Throughout February

Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.

Throughout the month of February, visitors to the National Museum of American Jewish History won’t have to pay a penny. Due to a large anonymous grant, the Museum is offering free admission during the month in celebration of a seven-year loan extension on a 1790 letter from George Washington to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island that the museum has on exhibition.

“We were so proud to be chosen as the custodians and interpreters of this historic document and we are thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to share it with the public for seven more years. In making the month of February free to all visitors, we celebrate the right to religious freedom while making this historic, rarely displayed letter accessible to a wider audience,” said Museum CEO and Director Ivy Barsky.

Guests will be able to take in two special exhibits during their free trip: Scattered Light, a technology-filled work that juxtaposes phrases from the Washington letter on pictures of museum visitors, and ‘Twas the Night Before Hanukkah, an exploration of both Hanukkah and Christmas music.

On Presidents Day, Monday, February 16, the Museum will feature an actor dressed as George Washington, plus the chance for visitors to write a letter using an actual quill pen.

For more information on the museum, visit their website.