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Annapolis, Maryland — Historic Annapolis will host an annual 4th of July event on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Each year, this Annapolis tradition draws hundreds of visitors to celebrate the birth of our nation at the home of William Paca, one of Maryland’s four signers of the Declaration of Independence. It is a unique opportunity to witness a Naturalization Ceremony, tour four of HA’s historic properties – the William Paca House & Garden, the Museum of Historic Annapolis, Hogshead, and the Waterfront Warehouse – and celebrate our nation’s founding in the historic heart of Maryland’s capital city.
The day’s events will commence with an inspirational Naturalization Ceremony at 9 am at the William Paca House & Garden. The moving ceremony will welcome 22 new United States citizens, hosted by Karen Brown, President & CEO of Historic Annapolis and officials from the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services. The ceremony will begin at 9 am on July 4, and is free and open to the public (seating is limited).
Following the ceremony, all are invited to spend a special day exploring our American story. Living history interpreters will bring the Paca House & Garden to life, and visitors will encounter Mr. Paca himself and his friends as they explore the historic home. Fun activities for the whole family will also be offered throughout the day.
Also at the Paca House, meet Frederick Douglass and hear an excerpt from his speech, “For What to a Slave is the Fourth of July?” Nathan Richardson, renowned Frederick Douglass reenactor, will speak to Douglass’s life and share his beliefs, recalling his travels and his books. Richardson will provide three presentations at 10:30 am (free and open to the public), 11:30 am (included with admission), and 12:30 pm (included with admission).
Take a stroll down Pinkney Street to Hogshead, where you’ll meet colonial tradespeople and learn how the signing of the Declaration might affect them, and wander into the Waterfront Warehouse to learn about Annapolis’s waterfront and history. Step inside the Museum of Historic Annapolis and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of those who contributed to building our community and nation across more than 400 years.
The living history programs will begin at 10:30 am and conclude at 2:30 pm on Thursday, July 4. Advance registration is recommended at annapolis.org/events. Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for members of Historic Annapolis and our military, and $5 for children, which includes entry at all four Historic Annapolis sites. The sites are located within walking distance of each other, just steps from City Dock. Visitors may begin their visit at any site. Visit annapolis.org/events for information about all of HA’s July 4th activities.