July
4th is a celebration of America’s founding! Local historic sites of national significance provide places to celebrate Independence Day and enjoy the outdoors while learning more about the nation’s founding.
See
what historic sites are open locally on July 4th and July 5th and then check the Chamber’s business directory at MountVernonLeeChamber.org to know what stores and restaurants are ready to provide what you need for your celebration.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Celebrate “America's independence at Mount Vernon” with made-for-daytime
fireworks! At 11 a.m., observe a moving ceremony in which candidates from
across the world become U.S. citizens. Throughout the day, meet General
Washington, watch and learn about flying hot air balloons in the 18th century,
and hear 18th-century music from the Sons of Liberty. See activities for the
entire weekend at www.mountvernon.org/
Gunston Hall
Explore George Mason’s ideas, weigh his choices, and discover his actions in this new exhibition on “Revolutionary Rights.” Investigate the legacy of this essential founder of our country, through activities and ideas for the whole family. Start your visit at www.gunstonhall.org/visit
National Museum of the
United States Army
On July 2, 12:00 - 1:00 pm, join a Virtual Gallery Talk with The Chief Curator, "Founding The Nation.” In this virtual event, Chief Curator, Paul Morando, shares artifacts from the “Founding the Nation Gallery.” The Gallery showcases the Army’s history from the colonial period to the War of 1812. Learn more at www.thenmusa.org/events The museum is open July 4 and July 5 and
tickets may be reserved online.
Woodlawn
Pope-Leighey House
At
this historic site, The National Trust for Historic Preservation is dedicated
to preservingthe site's cultural heritage, especially the stories of the
enslaved, Freed Black communities and their descendants. The mansion, built in
1805, was gifted to Nelly Custis and Lawrence Lewis by George Washington. Also
on the site is the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Pope-Leighey. Woodlawn is open
July 4 and July 5. See www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org
Workhouse Arts Center
It wouldn’t be July 4th
without fireworks. Enjoy local fireworks on Friday, July 2, 5-10 pm with all
time favorite U.S. Navy Band and DJ
Nose! Arrive
early for other surprises between 5 and 6pm! The Drive-in
Tail Gate includes a visit from Uncle Sam, Julia the Balloon
Twister, art demos and a performance by the Great
Zucchini. More
details for this family-friendly event are at https://www.workhousearts.org/workhouse-events/workhouse-fireworks-2021/
Gum Springs Black History Museum
The Gum Springs Museum
is excited to showcase an interactive virtual tour of the museum with exhibits
about the founder of Gum Springs, West Ford. The interactive tour may be viewed
at http://gumspringsmuseum.blogspot.com/2020/12/virtual-tour-of-gum-springs-museum.html
In-person tours of the
museum are available by calling 703-799-1198. The museum is located at 8100
Fordson Road in the Gum Springs Community Center.
