Honor the Fourth of July and American Independence at Ten Battlefields and Historic Sites

(Washington, D.C.) — In Philadelphia, Pa., on July 4, 1776, delegates from the 13 American colonies agreed to the final text of the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain and enshrining unalienable rights for citizens. Now, Americans still gather to celebrate this date and the freedoms it represents. In honor of Independence — and with the Semiquincentennial just one year away — the American Battlefield Trust recommends the following ten events at historic locations around the nation. For even more events, explore calendars maintained by the National Park Service, as well as those of state parks and museums near you. 

July 1-3: 162nd Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, Gettysburg, Pa.  
Celebrate both the Fourth of July and the 162nd anniversary of the historic Battle of Gettysburg with special park programming. Join National Park Service staff for special hikes, guided tours, demonstrations, family programming and hands-on experiences throughout the three-day event. Read more.  

July 4: Sing the National Anthem at Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Md.
Raise the “Star-Spangled Banner” over Fort McHenry where our national anthem was written! Join the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine living history team to see how they celebrated Independence Day in the early Republic with live music, demonstrations and special readings of the Declaration. Read more.  

July 4: Monmouth Battlefield Special Battlefield Event, Manalapan, N.J.  
In 1778, one of the hottest battles of the Revolutionary War raged across the fields of what is now Monmouth Battlefield State Park. Join for full-size cannon firings and opportunities to take part in artillery and infantry drills. Read more about the park and the event.   

July 4: Fort Monroe’s Fourth at the Fort, Hampton, Va.  
Known as “Freedom’s Fortress,” Fort Monroe has been a pivotal site in American history, from the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in 1619 to the Civil War’s “Contraband of War” decision. Celebrate at this all-day event featuring exhibits, music and family-friendly activities nearly 250 years in the making. Read more. 

July 4: Flutes on the Fourth at Sackets Harbor, Sackets Harbor, N.Y.  
Bring a lawn chair out to the state park and enjoy a Revolutionary War-era sea chanty concert and patriotic flute music followed by a vibrant fireworks show. Plus, make sure to stop into the Union Hotel to take in the Trust’s traveling exhibit, the American Revolution Experience, running through July 9. Read more.  

July 4: Hands on History at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, Greensboro, N.C.  
The Battle of Guilford Courthouse helped shift the tide of the Revolutionary War in the South, despite the American defeat. Come learn how it led to victory in Yorktown, watch live cannon demonstrations and take part in hands-on activities all day. Read more.  

July 4: Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Celebration, Oahu, Hawaii 
Spend time at the USS Arizona Memorial and attend programs at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center with National Parks Service staff before heading to the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Celebration, complete with family-friendly activities, food and a fireworks display. Read more about the park and the event.  

July 4-6: Old Fashioned Independence Day at Pioneer Village, Mitchell, Ind.  
Bring the whole family for crafts, competitions and demonstrations at the Pioneer Village at Spring Mill State Park and learn about historic weaving on a 200-year-old loom. Read more.   

July 5: Headquarters of a Revolution, Cambridge, Mass.  
Step inside General George Washington’s first Revolutionary War headquarters, established 250 years ago. Through living history demonstrations, explore the people, ideas and pivotal decisions that shaped the early days of the American fight for independence. Read more.   

July 5: Cannon Firing Demonstrations at Fort Pulaski National Monument, Savannah, Ga.  
When Union artillery fired on Fort Pulaski with rifled guns, compelling its surrender in April 1862, it ushered in a revolution in military science  and design. Witness live cannon fire and learn more about the first bombardment of a classic masonry fortification. Read more.   

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. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 60,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War across 160 sites in 25 states. Learn more at www.battlefields.org. 

###