Join us this Independence Day as Pamplin Historical Park will offer multiple programs throughout the day.

Families will enjoy the chance to meet founding father Patrick Henry portrayed by Charles Wissinger and hear his famous “Liberty or Death” speech, listen the the Harken Back String Band, participate in a period baseball demonstration and enjoy other period games. Living historians portraying Revolutionary War and Civil War soldiers will share why they fought and explain the equipment and life of the men during the War for Independence and the American Civil War. Visitors can also take part in a special ceremony with color guard, pledge of allegiance and a musket fire salute.

All visitors will have the opportunity to tour the Breakthrough Battlefield which on April 2, 1865, resulted in the evacuation of both Petersburg and Richmond. A mere seven days later, the surrender at Appomattox helped to secure the Union and began healing a nation.

All event activities and programs are included with regular daily paid admission.

10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Revolutionary War & Civil War Soldiers
What freedom means to each soldier, Weapons demonstrations, and camp life
Freedom Garden & Military Encampment

11:15 – 11:30 a.m.
Independence Day Celebration
Ft. Lee Color Guard, Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem, Gun Salute
Fortification Exhibit

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
“Liberty or Death”
Hear Patrick Henry deliver his freedom speech
Demonstration Area

1:45 – 2:30 p.m.
Harken Back String Band
Live band playing 19th century music
National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, Rotunda

2:45 – 3:15 p.m.
Baseball: Beginnings & the Civil War
Talk on 19th century baseball
Education Center

3:20- 3:50 pm
The Breakthrough Nine
Join in a period baseball game
Freedom Garden

4:00- 4:45 p.m.
Breakthrough Battlefield Tour
Please meet at the Battlefield Center Lobby

Ongoing throughout the day:

Independence Day Celebration & Games
Tudor Hall Yard

American Independence: Why they fought
18th century American Soldiers
Freedom Garden

Civil War: Why they fought
19th century Soldiers
Military Encampment