Salute the 239th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence during “Liberty Celebration” July 4-5 at the Yorktown Victory Center, a museum of the American Revolution.
From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days, visitors can observe tactical and artillery drills, take part in a variety of military exercises, and learn about the challenges that faced our nation’s founders, including those who signed the Declaration of Independence.
Visitors also can participate in a “Great American 4th of July Sing-Along,” featuring patriotic songs led by musician Carson Hudson of The Old Cigar Box Band, featuring a range of instruments including banjo, fiddle, harmonica, Jew’s harp, bones and other percussion. Sing-alongs will take place at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. on both days.
During “The Price of Liberty,” a daily program held at noon at the museum’s re-created Revolution-period farm, visitors will learn about the sacrifices of Americans who declared independence from Great Britain – from individuals who signed the Declaration to farmers, Loyalists, women and enslaved people.
At the re-created Continental Army encampment, visitors can learn about secret codes used during the Revolutionary War during a daily program on espionage at 10:30 a.m. Artillery demonstrations will take place at 11 a.m. and 3 and 5 p.m. At 1 p.m. each day, visitors can watch costumed historical interpreters take up arms for a tactical drill and then participate in a wooden musket drill.
At the re-created farm, visitors can see spinning and textile demonstrations at 9:30 a.m. each day and, at 4 p.m., learn about the transition from farmer to soldier as they train as a member of the citizen militia. Visitors can enjoy period music on viola and mandola at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and tour the 18th-century farm garden at 5:30 p.m.
For a $10 fee in addition to general admission, visitors can register for “Enlist!,” a one-hour program at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. both days that allows participants to sign enlistment papers, march and drill with wooden muskets, identify uniforms of officers, build living quarters and defensive earthworks, learn about espionage, roll and keep a musket cartridge, see artillery firing and receive advance “pay” and orders from General George Washington.
The Yorktown Victory Center’s “Liberty Celebration” daytime events complement the Yorktown Fourth of July Celebration taking place in historic Yorktown on the evening of July 4.
Hours, Directions & Parking
The Yorktown Victory Center, open daily as the site is transformed into the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, is located on Route 1020 near the Colonial Parkway in Yorktown. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through August 15, parking at the Yorktown Victory Center is free for museum visitors. A free shuttle service is available to historic Yorktown until 5 p.m. on the Yorktown Trolley.
Tickets & Packages
Residents of York County, James City County and the City of Williamsburg, including College of William and Mary students, receive complimentary admission with proof of residency.
Yorktown Victory Center admission is $9.75 for adults and $5.50 for youth ages 6 through 12. Children under age 6 receive complimentary admission. A value-priced combination ticket with Jamestown Settlement, a museum of 17th-century Virginia, is $21.00 for adults and $10.50 for ages 6-12.
For the same price as a one-time combination ticket, Virginia residents are eligible to purchase an annual pass – available only online – for visits throughout the year. Additional ticket and package options are available with other Williamsburg area attractions, including Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens.
For more information about “Liberty Celebration,” call (888) 593-4682 toll-free or (757) 253-4838 or visit http://www.historyisfun.org/yorktown-victory-center/liberty-celebration/.
