James Forten heard the words of the Declaration of Independence read aloud in Philadelphia in 1776 before setting sail to fight for independence in 1781. Born a free person of African descent, Forten built upon his coming-of-age in a revolutionary city and his wartime experience, becoming a successful businessman, philanthropist, and stalwart abolitionist. Using objects, documents, and immersive environments, the exhibit explores the Forten family’s roles in the Revolutionary War, business in Philadelphia, and abolition and voting rights from 1776 to 1876.