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Pursue Happiness! Celebrate Independence Day at Poplar Forest -

“Let the love of our country soar above all minor passions…” - Thomas Jefferson

Saturday, July 4, 2009
11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Forest, VA - "That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."  These words from the Declaration of Independence are familiar to all Americans but what do they really mean? And what about the man who penned them?

Thomas Jefferson resolutely believed in celebrating America’s birthday on July 4, a day that he felt had given birth to “my countries liberties.” While the Fourth of July may have been Jefferson’s most special day, his retreat at Poplar Forest was one of his most special places, and it is where America’s third president retired to after departing the White House in 1809, exactly 200 years ago.

Jefferson’s beloved private retreat at Poplar Forest will come alive this July 4th with all the fun, festivities and historical significance of a birthday party for America.

Families around the country, history lovers, parents, grandparents and people of all ages are invited to his plantation retreat in Bedford County, Virginia on July 4th. Gates will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate America’s independence and the 200th Anniversary of Poplar Forest as the sights, sounds and stories from Jefferson’s time are recaptured like never before.

The signature Independence Day event is a stirring reading at 1:30 p.m. of the Declaration of Independence. The reading will take place on the back portico of Mr. Jefferson’s unique octagonal home, overlooking the retreat’s sprawling lawn. Other July 4 highlights include:

•      The Itinerant Band and Uncle Henry’s Favorites - These talented groups of musicians performs traditional musical entertainment before and after the reading of the Declaration.

•      Virginia Academy of Historic Dance – A troupe of dancers who research, choreograph and perform the social dances which were part of Virginia's early cultural heritage.

•      Otto and Tarot, the Sword Swallowers – Watch as they swallow real swords and consume fire before your very eyes in a thrilling show of comedy and courage.

•      Fife and Drum Corps – A costumed 18th-century fife and drum corps performs the marching music of Jefferson’s time before the reading of the Declaration of Independence.

•      “Thomas Jefferson’s Spirit of New London” – Delight in this hand-crafted reproduction of a Jefferson-era bateau that traveled the James River.

•      Signora Bella – This hilarious 19th-century Italian street performer amazes audiences with feats of balance, juggling, slack rope walking and more.

Children can to step back in time by trying on period clothing and participating in old-fashioned games like stick horse races, rolling hoops, and tug of war. Other children’s activities include interactive storytelling programs.

Additional July 4th festivities are flax dressing demonstrations, African American storytelling and basket weaving, Native American rope making, and pottery and blacksmithing demonstrations.

An entrance fee of $10 per car and $30 for buses will be charged at the gate. Food vendors will be on-site selling hot dogs, pizza, ice cream, SnoCones, BBQ, kettle corn and drinks. Interior tours of Jefferson’s house are available with a separate admission fee.
 

About Poplar Forest
Poplar Forest is Thomas Jefferson's secluded plantation and retreat home, now a National Historic Landmark and on the U.S. nomination list to become a World Heritage Site. Undergoing award-winning restoration and archaeology, Poplar Forest is open April through November, Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Call (434) 525-1806 or visit www.poplarforest.org for additional information.

July 4th festivities are generously supported by Boxley.

Poplar Forest is open to the public seven days a week, March 15 through December 15 (closed Thanksgiving Day). Group tours are available year-round by appointment.