Mystic Seaport to Celebrate Independence Day 1876-style

Fourth of July activities to include patriotic ceremony and a children’s parade

Mystic Seaport will celebrate the Fourth of July with a special 1876 Independence Day Celebration, Sunday, July 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Patriotic ceremonies begin at 11 a.m. with the 27th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry re-enacting Civil War military exercises, a noontime picnic on the Village Green and a children’s parade at 1 p.m. An 1876 Independence Day ceremony and a concert by the Silver Cornet Band will immediately follow on the Village Green.

Additionally, visitors can play croquet with “Americans from the past,” take part in a wheelbarrow race and other 19th-century lawn games, watch live theatrical performances by the Mystic Seaport TaleMakers and churn ice cream. Children are also invited to test their skills in an old-fashioned spelling bee.

All activities are included in Museum admission.

Mystic Seaport is the nation’s leading maritime museum. Currently celebrating its 80th anniversary, the Museum is home to four National Historic Landmark vessels, including the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship in the world. Admission is $24 for adults, $15 for youth ages 6-17 and free for children ages 5 and under. Second-day admission is free upon ticket validation. For more information, visit www.mysticseaport.org.