Press Releases
MONTPELIER — On July 4, the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation invites visitors to readings of the Declaration of Independence at State Historic Sites.
At the President Chester A. Arthur, President Calvin Coolidge, Chimney Point, Hubbardton Battlefield, and Mount Independence State Historic Sites, readings will commence at 11:30 a.m. The Bennington Battle Monument State Historic Site will host a reading at noon.
Also on July 4, the President Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth Notch will offer free admission for the day to celebrate the birthday of America’s 30th president and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. A U.S. Air Force Aerial F-35 Flyover honoring the events of the day is scheduled for the morning as well as a Naturalization Ceremony.
The day before, on July 3 at 6 p.m., bring a picnic and lawn chair to the site and listen to patriotic tunes presented by the 26-piece John Masko’s Orchestra, presented at no charge. The Civil War Hemlocks will be there with their cannon to accompany the 1812 Overture. Living historians from the group will be available for conversation before the concert. More information on these events can be found at HistoricSites.Vermont.gov.
A reading of the Declaration of Independence will take place on the porch of the Old Constitution House State Historic Site on July 8 at 6 p.m. This reading commemorates the first public reading of America’s founding document by Colonel John Nixon on the Statehouse Yard in Philadelphia. The occasion also marks the 249th anniversary of Vermont adopting its own constitution — formalizing a government for the independent republic. The reading will be one of thousands taking place on the same day and time across the U.S. A reading will also take place at the Bennington Battle Monument at 6 p.m., following a concert by the Army’s Marching Band at 4 p.m.
On July 11 and 12, the Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site will transport visitors back to July 1777, when colonial forces faced off against the British in one of the most successful rearguard actions in American military history. Reenactors will demonstrate military tactics, including a large demonstration of the battle on Sunday, July 12 at 8 a.m. More information can be found at HistoricSites.Vermont.gov.
As we conclude celebrations marking the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Vermont Department of Historic Preservation invites everyone to take impactful action. The Bennington Battle Monument is facing critical structural conservation needs, and we need the community’s voice to determine how to best restore, operate, and maintain Vermont’s tallest historic landmark. Please take five minutes to share your thoughts on the tower’s long-term future. Public input gathered online this summer will directly shape the final technical plans presented during our upcoming state review session. Visit HistoricSites.Vermont.gov to access the official survey.
