All active-duty military personnel, veterans and their immediate family members present with them at the time of ticket purchase at the Discovery Park ticket counter will receive free admission.

Spend July 4th celebrating America’s independence at Discovery Park of America.

Interact with living historians, be part of the Boston Tea Party, participate in the “Ringing of the Bell” ceremony with the reading of the Declaration of Independence and enjoy other activities throughout the park.

Water and fans will be provided to keep guests cool on this warm day.

Schedule of Events

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.   |   Dino Hall

Historical Interpreter Jeff Talley 

Talley, dressed in period clothing, will discuss mid-1700s printing and bookbinding.

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.   |   Tennessee Room

“Science Lessons of 1776”

Guests can experience a lesson with Discovery Park’s education team on the science of 1776 vs facts about how the scientific world has changed nearly 250 years after the Revolutionary times.

Coloring the American Flag

A table with a giant coloring page of the American Flag will be available for guests of all ages to help us fill in the appropriate colors.

Whirligigs

Guests can make period-accurate whirligigs  (known today as pinwheels).

1:15 p.m.   |   Lower Level Military Gallery

Community Singing of Patriotic Songs 

Guests can participate in a spirited Patriotic sing-along featuring beloved patriotic songs.

Reading of the Declaration of Independence 

Attend a compelling reading of the Declaration of Independence by Jeff Talley. This session offers a profound insight into the document that ignited the American Revolution. 

2 p.m.   |   Liberty Hall

Ringing of the Liberty Bell

Join us at Liberty Hall for the ceremonial ringing of the Liberty Bell, followed by the Boston Tea Party reenactment. This bell is rung only once a year, making this a unique and memorable occasion.

The bell is rung at 2 p.m. 13 times nationwide as part of the “Let Freedom Ring” Bell Ringing Ceremony. It pays tribute to the 13 founding states symbolized by the signers of the Declaration of Independence. This tradition is the sole Independence Day observance mandated by the federal government.

2:15 p.m.   |   Covered Bridge by Liberty Hall

Boston Tea Party Reenactment located at Covered Bridge by Liberty Hall

Witness a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party, the pivotal act of defiance that significantly influenced American history.

2:30-5 p.m.   |   Liberty Hall Tent

Historical Interpreter Jeff Talley 

Talley, dressed in period clothing, will discuss mid-1700s printing and bookbinding.

All Day (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

• Scavenger Hunt – There’s a spy in our midst. Follow the clues to aid The Revolution. Redeem your completed Scavenger Hunt for a free ice cream. Pick up your scavenger hunt form at the ticket counter.
• Blacksmith Demonstrations at the Smithy – Observe skilled local blacksmiths at work in our fully operational smithy.
• J.C. Stahlman’s The Living Historians on the South Side of Grounds – Explore the lives of soldiers in the Revolutionary War with this group of historians who will be camping out on Discovery Park grounds.
• Traditional Skills and Crafts in the Wade Cabin – Mike Ramsey, a historian at Discovery Park, will present live demonstrations of traditional skills and crafts, including candle and soap making. as well as spinning and weaving.
• Characters dressed in period clothing are available to take photos with guests.

The Chapel is currently closed for renovation. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Reenactment Groups