PROFESSOR THADDEUS LOWE
EVENTS AND REUNIONS
Genesee Country Village and Museum - July 4, 2012
Independence Day
Wednesday, July 4, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The rousing traditions that, early on, turned July 4 into America’s
greatest national holiday, still flourish in this year’s grand
celebration of Independence Day at Genesee Country Village & Museum.
Parade and pomp, music and merriment, and games galore are all part of
the day’s July 4 festivities, highlighted by the swearing in of new
American citizens. This rousing and emotional Naturalization Ceremony
is presided over by the Honorable Judge Michael A Telesca. Watch as he
swears in nearly 50 brand new Americans on the steps of the Town Hall.
Ceremony begins at 11am.
Throughout
the day, see how Americans celebrated July 4th differently over the
years with visits to Independence Day in different settings around the
historical village. The two highlighted time periods are the Jubilee of
1826 and the Centennial of 1876. Ceremony times are 11:30am and 1:15pm
respectively.
Cheer on the grand parade beginning at 1pm, enjoy an afternoon
patriotic concert by the Geneseo Cornet Band, and participate in games
and contests throughout the day.
At the red schoolhouse, compete in these fun-filled games and contests:
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Egg Toss – Noon and 2pm
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Sack Races – 12:30pm and 2:30pm
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Pea Shooter Contest – 1:30pm and 3pm
Special demonstrations:
§
A live anvil shooting – the first ever at GCV&M! See a 90lb anvil
blown into the air with black powder! Noon across from the Land Office
§
Miniature balloon ascension – to commemorate the launch of the museum’s
new exhibit, the Intrepid Civil War balloon, we will launch a set of
miniature tissue-paper balloons across from the Land Office at noon.
Two of our villagers have entered into a heated debate and there’s only
one way to decide the outcome: a duel has been scheduled for 2:30pm on
the village square! What will the outcome be?
Join in a game of town ball on the meadow, sign up for the Union army
and drill with the soldiers of the 140th New York Volunteer Infantry,
and play a wide variety of 19th games like wooden walking stilts and
the old-time version of bowling called skittles.
July
4 is also the opening day for the museum’s newest exhibit: The Intrepid
– a replica Civil War era military balloon that was used by the Union
army to survey the movements of Confederate troops. This exhibit is
located in the South Field and weather permitting (no high winds),
rides will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for an
additional fee. The maximum number of passengers is no more than 4 and
is weight-dependent. Tickets can be purchased at the gift shop.
As part of the launch of this very special exhibit, author and
historian, Gail Jarrow, author of Lincoln’s Flying Spies: Thaddeus Lowe
and the Civil War Balloon Corps will be on site from 1pm to 5pm for a
book signing.
Balloon Inflation at Genesee Country Village and Museum
Balloon Inflation at Genesee Country Village and Museum
Balloon Inflation at Genesee Country Village and Museum
Balloon Inflation at Genesee Country Village and Museum
LINKS TO OTHER THADDEUS LOWE WEBSITES