Frequently Asked Questions
Find out more about parking, transportation, bringing pets, and more to plan your day at Monticello.
On July 4, 2025, Monticello marked the 249th anniversary of the country with award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns as our keynote speaker. For over 60 years on Independence Day, Monticello's West Lawn has transformed into an outdoor courtroom, where dozens of new citizens take the Oath of Citizenship to become Americans. This one-of-a-kind event is free and features a morning filled with family activities, patriotic music, festive food options, and community partners showcasing their work.
Watch the livestream of the 2025 ceremony
New citizens gather on the steps of Monticello to take the Oath of Citizenship
Event Highlights
- Event entry is free, but reservations required
- Naturalization Ceremony begins at 9:00 a.m.
- Free root beer floats included after the ceremony, while supplies last
- Before and after the ceremony, guests can enjoy music, concessions, children's activities, and the Community Partner Tent
Meet the organizations making a difference in our community:
Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society
Albemarle County Office of Equity & Inclusion
Charlottesville Albemarle Offices of Voter Registration and Elections
Charlottesville Sister Cities Commission
Descendants of the Enslaved Community at UVA
International Rescue Committee
League of Women Voters of the Charlottesville Area
Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
Albemarle Chapter
Jack Jouett Chapter
Shadwell Chapter
University of Virginia Karsh Institute of Democracy
University of Virginia Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Monticello Departments and Projects
Archaeology
DAACS
Getting Word African American Oral History Project
Jefferson Library
Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies
The Papers of Thomas Jefferson: Retirement Series
Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants
How old is the United States?
Find out how old the United States of America is and exactly how long until we celebrate its 250th birthday at Monticello.
See previous July 4th ceremonies on our YouTube channel »
The Thomas Jefferson Foundation wishes to express its genuine appreciation to:
and
The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation
The Scripps Independence Day Endowment
for their generous support of our
Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony
Community Fireworks
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is proud to support Cville Spectacular 2025. Learn more about this community fireworks display here »