Survive 1776

Bring the whole family and experience the American Revolution in action! At this interactive program, all ages won’t just hear about history—they’ll try it themselves.

Sign your name with a quill pen like a new recruit. Practice simple muster drills and marching commands. Learn to tie essential knots used by sailors and soldiers. Roll your own beeswax candle to take home. Write and decode secret spy messages. Then test your aim in our (safe and soft!) cannonball toss challenge.

Families will rotate through each station together, building skills, solving challenges, and discovering what everyday life was really like in Revolutionary America. Come ready to move, create, and have fun as you step into 1776!

This program is part of Dallas Public Library’s 250 Years of Us: Reading America’s Past, Writing Our Future, generously supported by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Dive into the past all year long as we host programs, exhibits, and book clubs exploring how our nation’s history has shaped American democracy today. Anyone can join our Amazing Race for Independence challenge and win Dallas Mavericks or Wings tickets, State Park passes, and more!