Celebrating America on its 250th Anniversary with R. Scott Stephenson

As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, join Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, President & CEO of Philadelphia’s Museum of the American Revolution, for an exciting exploration of the Museum’s award-winning exhibitions and programs from George Washington’s original Revolutionary War tent to the ongoing global impact of the Declaration of Independence!

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native Scott Stephenson holds a B.A. from Juniata College and an M.A. and Ph.D. in American History from the University of Virginia. His broad public history experience spans nearly three decades and has been marked by public and professional acclaim for his creative and innovative approaches to engaging audiences. He has developed and collaborated on exhibits, films, and interpretive programs for numerous historical sites and organizations including Colonial Williamsburg, the Smithsonian, the Canadian War Museum, the National Park Service, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the Heinz History Center, and the Museum of the Cherokee People.

From 2007-2018, Stephenson led the development of the Museum of the American Revolution’s award-winning exhibitions, multimedia experiences and educational programming, as well as overseeing the care and expansion of its rich collection of art and artifacts, first as Director of Collections and Interpretation and then as Vice President of Collections, Exhibitions, and Programming. He served as a key member of the senior leadership team that raised $173 million to build and open the Museum, surpassing the original capital campaign goal of $150 million.

The Museum opened in April 2017 to national and international acclaim, including rave reviews in the New York Times, Washington Post, and New York Review of Books. The core exhibition received many prestigious awards including the AAM 2018 Excellence in Exhibition Award for Special Achievement, AASLH Award of Merit, and the PA Museums Institutional Award. In November 2018, Stephenson was named President and CEO of the Museum.

Stephenson spent much time during his childhood in Meadville, Pennsylvania, where his grandparents resided.

• The RDL Family Foundation
• Allegheny College
• City of Meadville
• Crawford County Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Crawford County Historical Society
• Wesbury Methodist Retirement Community
• Northwestern Rural Electric Cooperative
• Howard Hanna Bainbridge Kaufman Real Estate
• Channellock
• ERIEBANK
• Seton Catholic School
• Highland Bed and Breakfast

Thank you for your generosity and support of our community’s history!

Info: Meet and greet reception with Scott for those purchasing reception add-on.

Also check out other Exhibitions in Meadville.