As Americans celebrate Independence Day and mark the nation’s 250th anniversary, Central Virginia offers plenty of opportunities to connect with the people, ideas and events that shaped the United States.
From printing your own copy of the Declaration of Independence to exploring Thomas Jefferson’s mountaintop home and ending the day with fireworks, here are a few ways to celebrate.
UVA alumnus Josef Beery stands with a copy of the Declaration of Independence printed on a replica Franklin press. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
Step into 1776 at UVA
The University of Virginia is bringing the founding era to life with Revolutionary Printing, a free event at the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library.
Visitors can print their own copy of the Declaration of Independence on a replica Franklin press, watch demonstrations of Revolutionary-era papermaking and iron gall ink-making, try writing with a quill and take home handmade paper samples while supplies last.
Beyond the printing demonstrations, visitors can create silhouette portraits, explore beadwork, practice historical sewing and print commemorative bags. Live Revolutionary-era music will accompany hands-on activities, including making a printer’s hat and signing a giant Declaration of Independence.
“Self-Evident: The Ideas and Events that Shaped the Declaration of Independence” at UVA’s Small Special Collections Library examines the ideas and events that influenced Thomas Jefferson and the Continental Congress as they drafted the Declaration. (Contributed illustration)
Explore America’s founding on Grounds
While you’re on Grounds, make time for two special exhibitions that explore the ideas, events and communication networks that shaped the nation’s founding.
At the Small Special Collections Library, “Self-Evident: The Ideas and Events that Shaped the Declaration of Independence” examines the philosophers, writers and revolutionary events that influenced Jefferson and the Continental Congress as they drafted the Declaration.
At the Rotunda, “Declaring Independence: News of a New Nation” traces how news of the Declaration spread through the colonies, across the Atlantic and beyond, through newspapers, pamphlets, letters and word of mouth, helping transform a revolution into a nation.
Both exhibitions are free and open to the public.
Monticello welcomes visitors for Independence Day with its annual naturalization ceremony, family activities and hands-on history experiences. (Photo by Erin Edgerton, University Communications)
Celebrate Independence Day at Monticello
Jefferson’s mountaintop home will once again serve as a focal point for Independence Day celebrations.
The day begins with Monticello’s annual naturalization ceremony, one of the longest-running events of its kind in the country, as new Americans take the oath of citizenship. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities, hands-on history experiences and special Civic Season programming exploring the nation’s founding and the responsibilities of citizenship.
The event is part of Civic Season, a nationwide initiative that runs from Juneteenth through July 4 and encourages people to connect history with civic engagement.
The VA250 Mobile Museum Experience brings Virginia’s history to life through interactive exhibits inside its traveling museum. (Contributed photo)
Visit the VA250 mobile museum
America’s 250th anniversary is rolling into Charlottesville.
The VA250 Mobile Museum Experience, an interactive museum on wheels, brings Virginia’s history to life through immersive exhibits and hands-on activities.
Housed in an expandable tractor trailer, the traveling exhibit, “Out of Many, One,” highlights the people, places and events that shaped both Virginia and the nation.
Launched in 2025 as part of the America 250 commemoration, the museum proved so popular that organizers added a second mobile unit to help bring history to communities across the commonwealth.
The museum will be open July 4 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall.
Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall marks its 50th anniversary on Friday, celebrating five decades as one of the nation’s most successful pedestrian malls. (Contributed photo)
Celebrate the Downtown Mall’s 50th anniversary
The Downtown Mall is celebrating a milestone of its own this summer: its 50th anniversary. If you’re downtown, take a moment to appreciate one of the nation’s most successful pedestrian malls and the vibrant community it helped create.
The Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society will host a guided tour, “Then & Now: Charlottesville in the 1970s,” at noon on July 3 and again July 17. The 60-minute tour uses historic photographs, newspaper articles and other archival materials to explore how civic leadership, social activism and community engagement shaped the decade.
Fireworks will light up the sky above Carter Mountain Orchard during the annual “Happy Birthday America” celebration. (Contributed photo)
End the day at Carter Mountain
Cap off the holiday with “Happy Birthday America” at Carter Mountain Orchard.
The annual celebration features live music, food, drinks and one of the area’s best views of the Charlottesville skyline before the evening’s fireworks begin. Guests can enjoy the festivities from the mountaintop while taking in panoramic views of the Blue Ridge.
The evening concludes with the C’ville Spectacular fireworks display, launched shortly after 9 p.m. from Carter Mountain as part of Charlottesville’s America 250 commemoration. Weather permitting, it will be visible from many locations in Charlottesville, particularly on the southern and eastern sides of town.
