PHILADELPHIA, April 24, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Museum of the American Revolution today announced a gift of $1.5 million from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With this gift, the Museum has secured more than $100 million toward its $150 million goal to build and endow the Museum of the American Revolution, set to open in late 2016.

At a ceremony held in Philadelphia's City Hall, the Church was honored as the newest Founder-level supporter ($500,000 and above) of the Museum, which is starting construction in the historic heart of Philadelphia.

"There is no better place to tell the story of America's beginnings than here in Philadelphia. The addition of the Museum of the American Revolution will strengthen Philadelphia's position as the leading historical destination," said Mayor Nutter. "I would like to thank the many donors who contributed to this project for their generous support. The museum will attract more visitors to enjoy the rich heritage, diverse cultural and artistic attractions, as well as the exciting nightlife that make Philadelphia a must-see global destination."

"The story of America's founding is one of faith, family, and religious freedom," said Dennis C. Brimhall, President and CEO of FamilySearch International, an affiliate of the Church. "The Church is pleased to be a partner in the ongoing efforts to engage people in their heritage in inspiring, immersive, and interactive ways."  

Major and Founder-level gifts have been made to date by H.F. "Gerry" Lenfest, the Oneida Indian Nation, Rupert and MaryEllie Johnson, Arthur Powell, Richard Gilder and Lois Chiles, Dorrance Hill Hamilton, Otto Haas Charitable Trust, Jack and Pina Templeton, Lewis Katz, The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, A. Bruce and Margaret Mainwaring, James Maguire and Richard Vague.

The Museum is receiving support from donors in Philadelphia and from across the nation. "We have many donors to thank for their generosity and commitment to the Museum and want to particularly thank our LDS friends for this gift, which has gotten us to such a milestone," said Michael Quinn, President and CEO of the Museum. "We are gratified that the importance of this Museum is drawing support from every sector of our nation. Americans are truly united by the ideas and achievements that are our legacy from the founding generation." 

The Museum also announced its Board of Directors has elected three new members: the Honorable Andrew Card, Mr. John Harvey and Dr. Marion T. Lane. "These new Board members will further our mission to engage a broad public in the understanding of the American Revolution and its ongoing legacy," said H.F. "Gerry" Lenfest, Chairman.

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About the Museum of the American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution (MoAR) will tell the complete story of the American Revolution (1760 – 1783) using its distinguished collection of objects, artifacts, artwork, and manuscripts. Permanent and special exhibition galleries, theaters, and large-scale tableaux will bring to life the original "greatest generation," and engage people in the history and continuing relevance of the American Revolution.

Conceptual plans have been approved and site preparation is now underway for the new Museum that will be built steps away from Independence Hall, Carpenter's Hall, Franklin Court, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution. It will serve as a portal to the nation's many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context and encouraging explorations that begin at the Museum's doorstep.

MoAR is a private, non-profit organization.  For more information, visit www.AmRevMuseum.org or call toll free, 877-740-1776. 

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SOURCE Museum of the American Revolution