America’s most historical square mile is the destination for a Marine Corps Birthday focused on 250 years of history. On November 10, The Tun Legacy Foundation is hosting the Marine Corps 250 Birthday Ball at the Museum of the American Revolution. Located in Philadelphia’s Old City District, just a few blocks from Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Independence National Historical Park, Penn’s Landing and the Delaware River waterfront, the museum is at the center of telling the story of the American Revolution. Fittingly, it is also just a few blocks from the original site of the historic Tun, birthplace of the Marines, and around the corner from the future site of The Tun®.

“The Marine Corps 250 Birthday Ball will return to the roots of the founding of the Continental Marines in Philadelphia in 1775,” said Ken Hopper, board member of The Tun Legacy Foundation and organizer of the Foundation’s November 7-11 Marine Corps birthday celebration in Philadelphia. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the 250th birthday of the Corps in the place where it all started, and toast efforts to rebuild the historic tavern where the Corps was born.”

On Monday, November 10, from 6 -11 p.m., guests will have five hours to take it all in.

Museum of the American Revolution

Photo courtesy of Museum of the American Revolution

“Entering the museum’s grand rotunda, reenactors portraying Continental Marines and sailors will help you step back in time,” Hopper said. “And you will meet representatives from the six organizations with a history at the historic Tun – emphasizing the importance of preserving the history of the Tun for future generations.”

The elegant evening begins with a cocktail hour from 6 – 7 p.m. featuring a full open bar (which will be available throughout the event), and passed canapés. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m.

“The highlight of the evening will of course be the Birthday Ball ceremony and cake cutting,” Hopper said. “A live stream will connect us to the 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball presented by Homecoming 250® at the Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia, site of the first Marine Corps Ball a century ago. You will hear remarks from Medal of Honor Recipient Major General James E. Livingston, USMC (Ret.), watch the Posting of the Colors by a USMC Color Guard, hear the Birthday Message from General John A. Lejeune, and witness the birthday cake ceremony. Together, we will share a prosecco toast to the Corps, and enjoy a very special scarlet and gold birthday cake.”

George Washington’s War Tent

Photo courtesy of Museum of the American Revolution

Once the ceremony is completed, a DJ will provide music for dancing. You will also have the opportunity to wander all seven exhibit halls to explore the museum’s remarkable collection of objects from the period of the American Revolution, which includes works of art, manuscripts, the first newspaper printing of the Declaration of Independence, and George Washington’s War Tent. Click here to read more about the museum.

Each guest will be presented with commemorative keepsakes designed especially for the occasion. There will be a photographer to take professional Birthday Ball guest photos, and the museum gift shop will even be open during the cocktail hour so you can take a piece of Philadelphia history back home.

“Generous sponsors have subsidized the ball allowing us to offer tickets for $250, below cost. You can purchase up to four tickets for the event, and make a request to be seated with friends or your group,” Hopper said. “If you haven’t purchased your ball ticket yet, now is the time,” he said. “Guests from 38 states have already signed up to honor the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps during the Nov. 7-11 events. The Nov. 10 Marine Corps 250 Birthday Ball at the Museum of the American Revolution will be a highlight. And it’s predicted to be a sellout.”

Attire for the special occasion for civilians is business suit or cocktail attire; for military personnel it is Service Dress “B” or cocktail attire. Any event questions, please email samuel.nicholas@thetun.org.

“We can’t wait to celebrate with you in the birthplace of the Marine Corps,” said Hopper.

Ship

Photo courtesy of Museum of the American Revolution