NPS Independence Day Events in and around New York City Our Coverage Sponsored by Maine Woolens
Maine Woolens is a weaver of blanket and throws located in Brunswick, Maine. We work primarily with natural fibers, like cottons and worsted wools and are committed to using renewable natural fibers from American growers whenever possible. We do piece dyeing and package dyeing in house and the combined experience of our excellent employees exceeds 300 years. Our wool and cotton blankets and throws are 100 percent machine washable, soft and luxurious to the touch, cozy warm and comfortably light. We have many styles to choose from. Our clients are very positive about our products and happy to support a Made in Maine, USA company. Jo Miller is a Mover and Shaker:
Visit our website at www.mainewoolens.com
We have been highly recommended by Whom You Know:
Maine Woolens, affordable luxury and tradition.
***
The National Parks of New York Harbor are gearing up for Independence Day celebrations, all of which are free and open to the public. Here’s a breakdown (geographically grouped) of these exciting events:
In Harlem, Hamilton Grange is reading the Declaration of Independence at noon, and offering tours of the Grange to the public. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/hagr or call 646-548-2310.
Also uptown, General Grant National Memorial will present a Civil War program at 1:00pm that focuses on the Vicksburg and Gettysburg campaigns of early July 1863. For more information, call 212-666-1640.
A little farther northeast, Saint Paul’s Church National Historic Site in Mt. Vernon, N.Y., has a day of family-friendly activates that include a reading of the Declaration of Independence, along with speeches, music, and refreshments. The church will toll its bells 13 times to honor the 13 colonies. For more information, call 914-667-4116
For folks who are downtown, there are events at three national parks.
Those visiting Castle Clinton National Monument in Battery Park can check out a parade and flag raising ceremony. A 50-round artillery salute to the Union will conclude that event. The parade begins at 10:00am. For more information, call 212-344-7220.
Federal Hall National Memorial is planning two days of activities. On July 3 and 4,, a George Washington re-enactor will interact with visitors in the rotunda, and will give talks about the American Revolution as well as France’s role in the war effort. The Declaration of Independence will also be read on the front steps of Federal Hall on July 4 at noon. Old Barracks Fifes and Drums will perform military music from the Revolution. The site’s celebration also honors the L’Hermione’s docking in New York City. L’Hermione is an exact replica of the ship of the same name that brought General Lafayette back to America with news of an official alliance with France and more aid for the American patriots. In commemoration, the replica is docking in New York City between July 1 and 4. Federal Hall staff will also give special talks about life on 18th-century warships and screen a looping video on L’Hermione for the public. For more information about activities at Federal Hall, visitwww.nps.gov/feha or call 212-825-6990.
If you are on Staten Island for the Fourth of July, join Gateway National Recreation Area at Fort Wadsworth to enjoy living history and fort tours. Children's activities include art and a scavenger hunt. In the evening, have a picnic, bring a blanket, and stay for the fireworks! Visit www.nps.gov/gate for times and additional information.
Feel like starting your Fourth of July observance a little early this year? On July 2, you can kick off the weekend with an evening beach campfire and a sing along at Gateway National Recreation Area’s Jacob Riis Park – Bay 14. Visit www.nps.gov/gate for more information.
About The National Parks of New York Harbor
The National Parks of New York Harbor helps coordinate 10 National Parks with 22 unique destinations in New York City and northern New Jersey. The National Parks of New York Harbor includes nearly 27,000 acres and welcomes more than 12 million visitors each year.
The parks offer year-round public programs, curriculum-based education, recreational opportunities, natural habitats, historic buildings and museum collections. There are also many opportunities to become involved in volunteer and stewardship activities.
