Celebrate with historic style the founding of our nation and the 248th anniversary of the document that declared the emergence of the American republic at Poplar Forest’s grand, family-friendly party hosted by Thomas Jefferson himself, as portrayed by Beau Robbins. Enjoy colonial-style entertainment; demonstrations by colonial artisans and craftspeople; archaeological displays; old-fashioned children’s activities; and more on Jefferson’s south lawn.

Bring the kids to meet Thomas Jefferson and learn about the Declaration of Independence. Take in performances of colonial music by Pete and Ellen Vigour, as well as Kim and Jimbo Cary’s Traveling Music Museum. Hear African American folktales, work songs and stories of the period performed by professional storyteller Dylan Pritchett at the Quarter Site. Watch as interpreter Robert Watson demonstrates the 18th-century art of basket making while weaving stories about the enslaved community. Play some of Handmade History’s colonial games. Or try quill pen writing and bucket making with Poplar Forest’s own Hands on History interpreters.

Meet a host of historic interpreters such as colonial woodworker and box maker Daniel Hrinko; Perrin Cottage Perfumery, maker of 17th-,18th- and 19th-century perfumes; loom weaver Elisa Perish; historic surveyor Paul Perish; and the members of the Fincastle Company, 18th century living history interpreters. Sample a variety of local libations and fare from A Heavenly Sandwich, Corny Kettlers, Hardman’s Smoke Stack and Kona Ice of Lynchburg.

Gather around the south portico for a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson himself at 1:30 p.m. with a singing of the national anthem and a Presentation of the Colors by Fincastle Company. Sheila Webb, Regent of the Blue Ridge National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) will lead the Pledge of Allegiance,

Grounds admission to the Independence Day Celebration is $12 for adults (ages 16+); children 15 and under are free. Add a guided tour of the octagonal villa during the 4th of July festivities; house tour tickets are $10 (ages 18+), $6 (ages 6-17) and free for children under age 6. House tour tickets are available for purchase day-of only.
Thursday, July 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.