There's no better way to celebrate the quintessential American holiday, July 4, than at a state historic site or museum. The state observance is July 3, so most state historic sites and museums will be open July 4, as well as some July 3. This July 4 also kicks off "It's Revolutionary!," a two year long celebration of the birth of the nation. The 240th anniversary tribute focuses on North Carolina's significant role at colonial historic sites and will be observed July 4, 2015, through July 4, 2017.
Fourth of July events include:
East
Tryon Palace, New Bern. The Glorious Fourth. The newly formed Declaration of Independence will be read from the steps of the Royal Governor's palace; the Fife and Drum Corps will play; 18th century games, crafts, and free garden tours will be shared. At the North Carolina History Center, World War II will be brought to life by re-enactors, photographs and crafts. House tours are ticketed, events free. 10 a.m.
Historic Halifax, Halifax. Independence Day Celebration. Tour several historic buildings, enjoy period music and other entertainment at the site of the April 1776 Halifax Resolves, the first call by a colony for independence from England. The town of Halifax will sponsor activities and fireworks at the nearby courthouse grounds starting at 5:30 p.m. Historic Halifax events start at 9 a.m. Free.
Battleship North Carolina, Wilmington. Battleship Blast. Members of the Friends of Battleship North Carolina have access to watch the Wilmington city fireworks spectacular from the deck of the battleship. Friends only have access to enjoy the show from the ship. Memberships start at $35 and are available online (http://battleshipncfriends.org), at the gift shop or by calling (910) 251-5797.
N.C. Maritime Museum, Southport. Patriotic Fourth Scavenger Hunt. Museum visitors of all ages will enjoy a 1 p.m. scavenger hunt that is part of the Patriotic Series for youth that runs June 30-July 3, focusing on some aspect of Americana each day. The museum will have a refurbished 18-foot, 1958 Simmons Sea Skiff in Southport's North Carolina July 4 Festival parade. 10 a.m. Free.
CSS Neuse, Kinston. Costumed interpreters will showcase the state of the art exhibits about the ironclad gunboat and review the region's Civil War history. The Neuse is the only commissioned Confederate ironclad above the water. Admission charged.
Piedmont
State Capitol, Raleigh. Independence Day at the State Capitol. Bring the picnic and lawn chairs for this family tradition with musical performances, military displays, carriage or trolley rides and several hands-on and play activities for children to enjoy. For the fifth year, an outdoor naturalization ceremony for approximately 30 new citizens will take place at noon on the Capitol steps, followed by a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Food vendors will attend. 10 a.m. Free.
N.C. Museum of History, Raleigh.Independence Day! Enjoy all the festivities downtown, then come cool off in museum galleries. View the blockbuster "Starring North Carolina" exhibit for half price. 9 a.m. Free.
N. C. Symphony, Garner. Independence Day Concert - July 3. Enjoy patriotic favorites and high-spirited classics, followed by fireworks at Lake Benson Park. Gates open at 5 p.m. with children's inflatable games food for sale, local band Soulplay; concert 8:30 p.m. followed by fireworks. Free.
N.C. Symphony, Cary. Summerfest: Independence Day. Bring the kids, lawn chairs and relax under the pines. Enjoy patriotic favorites, high-spirited classics and fireworks as part of Cary's Independence Day celebration. Gates open at 3 p.m.; concert at 7:30. Free.
Alamance Battleground, Burlington. Fun 4th at the Battleground. Enjoy a special showing of David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize winning HBO series "John Adams" at 1700s period Alamance Battleground. 1-4 p.m. Free, donations appreciated.
West
Mountain Gateway Museum, Old Fort. Ice Cream Social. Enjoy an ice cream social with your favorite toppings as the bluegrass band Possum Creek entertains you. It's a prelude to the Old Fort July 4 celebration. 2-4 p.m. Free.