CELEBRATE JULY 4TH AT MONTICELLO

Enjoy patriotic music and experience the thrill of Independence Day on the historic West Lawn of Monticello.

Weather Alert!
Temperatures during the 2019 Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony may reach into the low 90s. Please dress comfortably for heat and sun. Free bottled water will available.

Live stream of the ceremony
If you can’t join us in person, please considering tuning into the live stream of the ceremony starting at 9 a.m. at http://www.monticello.org/july4.

Policies and Guidelines for Visiting Monticello on July 4th
Thank you for planning to spend Independence Day with us at Monticello. Your safety is our top priority.

Security Screening
All personal belongings are subject to security inspection before boarding Monticello shuttle buses. Monticello appreciates your patience and understanding of these procedures and the additional time that may be required.

Bags
Monticello will not allow visitors to bring bags to the property on July 4, including: backpacks of any size, shopping bags or duffel bags of any kind. Monticello reserves the right to refuse other items and is not responsible for items left in vehicles.

Wait Time
It is recommended that you allow ample time for security screening, boarding the shuttle bus, travel to the mountaintop, and to find seating.  Entertainment and free beverages will be provided on the West Lawn.

What You Cannot Do at the July 4 Ceremony Monticello

The safety of our guests and staff and the preservation of Monticello is our first priority. To that end, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation has developed a variety of safety and security measures:

  • All bags, purses, backpacks, diaper bags, waist packs, etc., will be examined. Bags and containers larger than 11” X 15” X 6” (28 X 38 X 15 CM) are prohibited beyond the Visitor Center and on the mountaintop. Please follow staff directions to prepare for bag checks and avoid delays.
  • Monticello will not allow visitors to bring in bags, including backpacks of any size, shopping bags or duffel bags of any kind before, during, or immediately following the ceremony.
  • LARGE packages, suitcases, carry-on luggage, and other large parcels will not be permitted.
  • Coolers, lawn furniture, animals, fireworks or firecrackers, tobacco products are prohibited.
  • All weapons, including firearms, knives or sharp objects are strictly prohibited. A security officer will assist you in securing these items if you are observed with them anywhere on the property.
  • Do not carry any of the types of items into the security screening area. If you are unsure about an item, please do not bring it.
  • Monticello and all of its grounds are a non-smoking facility. This includes electronic smoking products.
  • Photography or videography for non-personal use is prohibited without advance arrangement. For more information please see our Filming and Photography Guidelines.
  • Operating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) on Foundation property is strictly prohibited.
  • Eating, drinking and chewing gum are prohibited in the House.
  • Eating, drinking and flash photography are prohibited in the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Gallery exhibitions.
  • Guests may not display or carry placards, signs, or banners, including flags on poles that cannot be stowed in a small bag. Clothing that contains offensive or abusive language or symbols is not permitted.
  • Guests may not engage in disorderly conduct or participate in unauthorized assemblies. Solicitation or advertising is not permitted.

Safety Information

  • Inclement weather: in the event of sudden thunderstorms or threat of high winds, our security officers are authorized to suspend our regular operations until conditions allow for a safe resumption of tours and programs. If a tour or program is suspended due to inclement weather, we will ensure that every ticketed guest will have the opportunity to experience the reserved tour or program or receive a full refund.
  • Guests may be subject to other screening or security measures, including metal detection.
  • We use a variety of methods in keeping Monticello safe including uniformed security officers and various forms of video surveillance monitoring throughout our property.

Additional Considerations

  • Electronic devices must be turned off during tours of the House.
  • Small strollers are allowed in, and may be borrowed for use while in, the House.
  • As a courtesy, guests with active or restless young children are asked to take turns touring the House.
  • Pets: During the Ceremony, pets are not allowed on the grounds of Monticello, with the exception of certified service dogs. Following the ceremony, pets are allowed on the grounds of Monticello, if leashed.  With the exception of certified service dogs, pets are not allowed in any buildings, including the House, or on the shuttle buses.  
  • If you are considering a musical performance at Monticello, please consult our Musical Performance Policy.

Helpful Hints:

  • Carpooling to the event is recommended.
  • Dress comfortably for heat and sun.
  • Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance of your shuttle boarding time to allow time for parking and security screening.
  • Water in plastic bottles may be brought onto the grounds
  • Flash photography and video cameras are allowed outside of Monticello for personal use only.
  • Small strollers are allowed in, and may be borrowed for use while in, the House.
  • Some wheelchairs may be too large for use in the House. Approved-size wheelchairs are available from staff for use in the House.
  • Monticello Day Pass tickets may be purchased online or onsite for house tours on July 4th
  • Guests may be subject to other screening or security measures, including metal detection.
  • We use a variety of methods in keeping Monticello safe including uniformed security officers and various forms of video surveillance monitoring throughout our property.  

Filming and Photography Notice:

The Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony at Monticello is a very special occasion, and we want to share it with the world! The ceremony is covered by local and national media, and may also be recorded in video and still form for educational and promotional use by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation. Members of the audience may be included in some of the footage. By attending this event, you are consenting to allow your likeness to be used for the above purposes. If you do not wish to be part of the filming, please see a staff person and you will be directed to a part of the grounds that will not be included in the footage.  

To Report a Lost Person:

  • Contact a Monticello employee or volunteer. All lost persons will be taken to the Farm Shop in the North Wing of Monticello.

Thank you for your cooperation - safety is everyone's responsibility. If you SEE something—SAY something to a Monticello employee.