Morristown National Historical Park’s (NHP) will celebrate our declaration of independence with July 4th activities beginning at noon on the park’s Washington’s Headquarters grounds, 30 Washington Place, with a “Warm-Up for the Declaration.” The “Warm-Up” will feature a park ranger in period clothing entertaining the crowd and giving a “kids level” explanation of the Declaration. Stories, jokes, riddles, and an inspection of the troops will all be included.
At 1 p.m. the “Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence” will commence. Attendees will be given a copy of the Declaration, and encouraged to cheer along with park rangers and re-enactors as they denounce tyranny and praise liberty. At the conclusion of the reading, members of the 2nd New Jersey Regiment, Helms’ Company, a volunteer re-enactment group, will fire a feu de joie (musket salute).
Following the reading of the Declaration, the Ford Mansion will be open for tours with a number of re-enactors in period dress bringing life to the mansion once again.
Visitors are asked to bring water to drink and a chair or a blanket to sit on the ground, and are reminded to dress appropriately for the weather including wearing a hat and sunscreen. Due to limited parking, guests are encouraged to carpool or walk to the event.
All other areas of the park, including the Wick House and the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center will be open throughout the day.
Additional information and photos can be found at www.nps.gov/morr.
There is no admission fee on July 4th.
All July 4th events are scheduled “rain-or-shine.” Any updated information will be available on Sunday, July 4th after 9:00 a.m. by calling 973-539-2016 ext. 210.
General Public Contact: 973-539-2016 x 210 or 973-543-4030
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