Celebrate America’s Independence At Eight Iconic Battlefield Parks And Historic Destinations
(Washington, D.C.) — This July, Americans will celebrate the 243rd anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a momentous milestone in the creation of our nation and the freedoms we hold dear today. In honor of Independence Day, the American Battlefield Trust — a national nonprofit organization that preserves battlefields of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War — recommends these eight family-friendly events at historic destinations nationwide:
June 29 – July 7: Museum of the American Revolution Independence Day Celebration, Philadelphia, Pa.
Visit the Museum of the American Revolution for special exhibits, crafts, talks, educational programs and activities. Throughout the week of July 4, different ticket specials and activities will be offered. Learn more.
June 30: 5th Annual Patriots, Picnic & Pops, Camden, S.C.
In celebration of America’s independence, Historic Camden and the Camden Community Concert Band will host the 5th annual Patriots, Picnic & Pops on Sunday, June 30. This free family event will be held in the Kershaw-Cornwallis House garden. There will be English Country Dancers, a firing of a Grasshopper cannon, old-fashioned kids’ games, family picnics and concessions for sale, as well as a special patriotic program. Learn more.
July 1 – July 3: 156th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, Gettysburg, Pa.
The three-day Battle of Gettysburg marked a turning point not only in the course of the Civil War, but also for the future of the United States of America. Join Park Rangers and Licensed Battlefield Guides during the 156th Anniversary for a series of free guided walks and talks that discuss, explore, and reflect on this important chapter in our nation’s history. Learn more.
July 2: Second of July Celebration of the American-French Alliance, Washington, D.C.
Celebrate the Second of July, the day the Continental Congress voted for American independence, with music of the founding era at the historic Anderson House. David and Ginger Hildebrand of the Colonial Music Institute perform eighteenth-century songs — including ballads, marches and French-inspired songs — in costume with period instruments. Learn more.
July 4: Reading of the Declaration of Independence, Concord, Mass.
Celebrate the Fourth of July in the place where the first shot of the American Revolution rang out and catapulted America into war. There will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and tours of Minute Man National Historical Park will be offered. Learn more.
July 4: Independence Day Celebration, Rome, N.Y.
Visit Fort Stanwix for a myriad of patriotic events this July 4. Join talks on freedom, witness historical reenactments, listen to period music as well as a reading of the Declaration of Independence to help understand the role the fort played in the American Revolution. Learn more.
July 4: An 1800s Fourth of July, San Diego, Calif.
Celebrate a historic Independence Day with Old Town San Diego State Historic Park! With a parade around the Plaza, crafts & activities of early San Diego, visitors can experience a Fourth of July like it would have been in the 1800s. There will also be living history activities that are fun for the whole family. Learn more.
July 6: A Salute to Independence, Sharpsburg, Md.
Join the Maryland Symphony Orchestra at Antietam National Battlefield for a “Salute to Independence” concert and fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July! Blankets, chairs and picnics are welcome; food and drinks will be sold at the event. Learn more.
For more travel ideas, check the National Park Service events calendar at findyourpark.com, visit a state park website, search for museums and historic sites near you, or visit the American Battlefield Trust’s events calendar.
The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. To date, the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 51,000 acres of battlefield land associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.