Celebrate the Fourth of July with the Museum at the John Brown House

On this very historic July 4th, as America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the Rhode Island Historical Society’s Museum at the John Brown House will host a lineup of special experiences that feature Rhode Island history and the Declaration of Independence! 

During the museum’s open hours, from 10am-4pm, visitors can enjoy the following: 

Declare independence! Sign a letterpress copy of the Declaration of Independence at a selfie station complete with a quill pen. 

For one day only, two copies of the Declaration of Independence dating from July 1776 will be on display. 

Craft and create! Colonial-themed kids’ crafts will be available alongside grown-up coloring pages inspired by paintings in the RIHS collection. 

Play and learn! Historic games will be available on the Great Lawn, and a family-friendly scavenger hunt will be offered inside the museum. 

Timed programming includes: 

A reading of the Declaration of Independence with an actor from Barker’s Playhouse at 11am and again at 2pm.

At 11:30am, enjoy birthday cake celebrating 250 years of liberty courtesy of Gingersnaps Bakery.  

A 12pm screening of the Smithsonian documentary, A Star-Spangled Story: Battle for America, which explores the War of 1812, the British attack on Washington, D.C., and how Francis Scott Key’s poem evolved into the national anthem. 

Lawn tours exploring the history of the site will be available at 10:30am and 1:30pm.

How well do you know Rhode Island history? At 3pm, join a trivia challenge covering Roger Williams and the Narragansetts to the Washington Bridge.

This July 4th is also the perfect day to experience the Roots of Revolution walking tour, which will be presented at 11am. Beginning with the Gaspee Affair through the Act of Renunciation, discover how locals reacted to the “shot heard ’round the world” and how rebel actions led to our small state being the first to renounce the king. Comfortable shoes are a must during this 90-minute walk through the historic College Hill neighborhood—tricorn hats, though optional, are always encouraged and are available for purchase at the gift shop! 

Lemonade, courtesy of Munroe Dairy, and light refreshments will be available for visitors along with other history-inspired activities. Admission to the museum is free for RIHS members; general admission costs $10 per person, with discounts available. The film screening is included with admission, although seating is limited. Tickets for the Roots of Revolution tour cost $15 per person and $10 for RIHS members, which includes museum admission. Advance registration for the walking tour is strongly recommended as space is limited.