Thomas Jefferson held July 4th as “the only birthday I ever commemorate…” Bring your family and friends out to Poplar Forest, his Bedford County retreat, to celebrate the 249th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in historic style. Enjoy colonial-style entertainment, demonstrations by colonial artisans and craftspeople, archaeological displays, old-fashioned children’s activities, a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 1:30 p.m. and more!

Tickets are $15/person ages 16+, under 16 are free. House Tours available for a reduced rate of $10 ages 18+, $7/ages 6-17, and free under 6. House Tour tickets are available day-of only on a first come, first served basis. 

*Please note, there are no refunds for event tickets for any reason.

List of Interpreters and Vendors
• Beau Robbins – Meet Thomas Jefferson
• Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) – Flag Handout
• Hill City Master Gardener Association
• Twin J Ranch Petting Zoo
• Jonathan Austin- Colonial Magic and Juggling
• Kaitlin Orme, Author– Book Signing
• Perrin Cottage Perfumery- Colonial Perfumes
• Thomas Kilian- Pottery Demonstrations
• Matthew Hundley- Blacksmithing Demonstrations
• Paul Parish – Historic Surveying Demonstrations
• Elissa Parish – Loom Weaving Demonstrations
• Dawn Doss – Wool Spinning Demonstrations
• The Fincastle Company- Encampment of colonial militia, camp followers, and civilians
• David Gilmer- Colonial Displays and D-Day Memorial Information
• Monacan Indian Nation- Indigenous history and technology
• Jamar Jones- First- and third-person interpretation of the enslaved community at Poplar Forest
• Poplar Forest’s Hands on History – Quill Pen Writing, Colonial Games, & Brick Making Demonstrations
• Poplar Forest Archaeology Field School

Colonial Music:
• Pete & Ellen Vigour
• Kim & Jimbo Cary

Food Vendors:
• Kona Ice of Lynchburg
• Top Dawgs
• Hardman’s Smoke Stack
• Corny Kettler’s