Date:
Contact: Carrie Kiewitt
Phone: 410.626.1033
Email: carrie.kiewitt@annapolis.org
Historic Annapolis (HA) is hosting its annual Fourth of July event at the William Paca House on Thursday, July 4, 2019. Each year, the event draws both locals and tourists to celebrate the birth of our nation at the home of William Paca, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a three-term Governor of Maryland. It is a unique opportunity for visitors to witness a Naturalization Ceremony, and tour two of HA’s historic properties – the William Paca House and Hogshead, and celebrate the Fourth in the heart of Annapolis.
The day’s events will commence with the Naturalization Ceremony at 9 am in the Paca Garden. The ceremony will be hosted by Robert Clark, President and CEO of Historic Annapolis. “It really is a very moving ceremony.” says Clark. “Each year I am reminded of how proud I am to be an American when I watch people take the Oath of Allegiance and become citizens. The fact that the ceremony takes place in William Paca’s Garden just adds to the emotion—it brings everything full circle.”
Officials from the US Citizen and Immigration Services will be present to give the Oath of Allegiance to the candidates. Additionally, Annapolis High School’s NROTC unit will provide a cadet color guard and the National Anthem will be sung by the All Children’s Chorus of Annapolis. Admission to the ceremony is free.
Following the ceremony, the Paca House will be open for visitors to tour. Along the way, a re-enactor portraying Mr. Paca himself will be greeting guests and explaining the importance of our nation’s independence. Visitors may interact with him and might even bump into other notable Annapolitans from history. Fun, family-friendly activities for kids will also be offered throughout the day.
The tradespeople of Annapolis are busy at Hogshead celebrating the Fourth of July. Guests can sew a star onto the John Shaw Flag, visit with a carpenter, learn how to cook with a beehive oven, and sign their own copy of the Declaration of Independence.
The William Paca House and Garden is located at 186 Prince George Street and Hogshead is located at 43 Pinkney Street. Both locations will be open from 10 am – 4 pm. Admission to the sites, and the 9 am Naturalization Ceremony, are free and no reservations are required.
About Historic Annapolis
Established in 1952, Historic Annapolis is the leading nonprofit preservation and history organization in Annapolis, Maryland. Our mission is to Preserve and Protect the historic places, objects, and stories of Maryland’s capital city, and provide engaging experiences that Connect people to the area’s diverse heritage. For more information or to get involved with Historic Annapolis, visit www.annapolis.org.