July 4, 2026, is just days away. It’s the semiquincentennial celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which marked the birth of our country 250 years ago.
In recent months, we have used a variety of blogs, documentaries, podcast episodes, and short videos to talk about why it’s important to mark this event and remember how North Carolina’s Founding Fathers helped bring about this new country and protect our God-given freedoms.
As folks remember and reflect on the importance of the upcoming holiday, I thought it would be nice to share some opportunities for anyone who wants to find a fun way to celebrate the Fourth this weekend.
This was one of the best sites I saw. It gives a clear lineup of celebrations in each region of the state, from daytime celebrations to nighttime fireworks and other entertainment opportunities.
If you want to head to Raleigh, consider attending the “Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest” put on by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The activities on the State Capitol grounds start around 10 a.m., preceded by a parade at 9:30 a.m. in downtown Raleigh. You can find more precise info here.
The North Carolina General Assembly’s semiquincentennial committee is helping sponsor a concert in High Point that should be excellent (see info here).
If you can’t get out this week to see or participate in some of these activities, you might consider watching (or binge-watching) some of the following movies and shows. I’m not saying they’re all historically accurate, but they may be a touchstone for encouraging a good conversation about the true history of the founding of our Republic.
- “Turn: Washington’s Spies” by AMC (2014)
- “John Adams” miniseries with Paul Giamatti (2002)
- “1776,” a movie based on a 1969 musical about the writing of the Declaration of Independence (1972)
- “Revolution” with Al Pacino and Donald Sutherland (1985)
- Disney’s “Johnny Tremain” (1957)
- “The Patriot” with Mel Gibson (2000)
- “The Crossing” with Jeff Daniels (2000)
- “John Paul Jones” with Robert Stack (1959)
- “Benedict Arnold: A Question of Honor” with Aidan Quinn (2003)
- “The Devil’s Disciple” with Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster (1959)
- “Drums Along the Mohawk” with Henry Fonda (1939)
- The History Channel’s “Sons of Liberty” (2015)
- “George Washington” with Barry Bostwick (1984)
Be safe, don’t touch used sparklers, and have a happy Fourth of July!
