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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Glenn Campbell, 410-990-4715, glenn.campbell@annapolis.org
DATE: Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Historic Annapolis Welcomes New Citizens on July 4th

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND, Tuesday, June 22, 2010—Approximately 40 immigrants will become American citizens at a naturalization ceremony held on Sunday, July 4, 2010 as part of Annapolis’s annual Independence Day festivities. The free ceremony, hosted by Historic Annapolis Foundation and conducted by officials with the Department of Homeland Security, will be held on the terrace of the William Paca House and Garden, home of one of Maryland’s signers of the Declaration of Independence, at 186 Prince George Street from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.

“This is always a very moving and inspiring event,” said Historic Annapolis Foundation’s President and CEO, John W. Guild, who will serve as host and master of ceremonies. “I can’t think of a better way to kick off the nation’s birthday than by welcoming new citizens into the American family.”

Historic Annapolis Foundation trustee John M. Belcher will be the main speaker for the event. Mr. Belcher, the Chairman and CEO of Annapolis-based ARINC, Inc., is a native of Canada and will talk about his own experiences becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States.

The Oath of Allegiance will be administered by an official with U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Services, and representatives of the League of Women Voters will assist new citizens in registering to vote. The All Children’s Chorus of Annapolis will sing the national anthem and a selection of patriotic songs under the direction of Julie Culotta.

Seating for the ceremony will be reserved for the new citizens and their invited guests, with some limited seating and standing room available for members of the public. Spectators will be admitted to the Paca terrace after officials have completed required pre-ceremony procedures with the prospective citizens.

Following the ceremony, free Fourth of July public activities will commence at the William Paca House and Garden, including tours of the colonial home, children’s patriotic craft-making, proclamations of the Declaration of Independence, encounters with costumed colonial re-enactors, demonstrations of Revolutionary War camp life, and musical performances by hammered dulcimer artist Maggie Sansone. The Paca site will be open free of charge from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Costumed interpreters will also welcome visitors to The Hogshead at 43 Pinkney Street between 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m.


Since 1952, Historic Annapolis Foundation has preserved the distinctive character of Maryland’s capital city through public advocacy and guidelines, purchase and renovation, original research, and educational programs. The Foundation manages historic Annapolis properties including the St. Clair Wright Center, William Paca House and Garden, Shiplap House, Museum Store, Waterfront Warehouse, and 43 Pinkney Street. For more information, go to www.annapolis.org.



Historic Annapolis Foundation
For reservations or more information about our events, call 410-267-8146 or visit www.annapolis.org.

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