July 4th

There is no more inspirational place to celebrate the Fourth of July than Monticello, the home of the author of the Declaration of Independence. Since 1963, more than 3,000 people from every corner of the globe have taken the oath of citizenship at the annual Monticello Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony. It is the oldest continuous naturalization ceremony in the United States outside of a courtroom.

The ceremony starts at 9 a.m.; gates open at 7 a.m. Please plan to arrive at least an hour in advance to allow time for parking, travel to the mountaintop and to find seating. Parking is at the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center. Music will be performed by the  Charlottesville Municipal Band and the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums.

See the expanded July 4th at Monticello page for more information about this exciting annual event.

Take a look back at 50 years of Independence Day Celebrations and Naturalization ceremonies at Monticello including photos and speeches From President Truman to architect I. M. Pei.