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The 4th of July: Living History Museum Prepares for Independence Celebration

BOONE, NC – As Independence Day draws near, the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum is preparing for a celebration of Colonial proportions. On Saturday, July 1, prior to the Horn in the West outdoor drama, the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum will put on its annual Burning in Effigy of King George III, a colonial celebration of independence. “This is a High Country tradition,” says Carson Sailor, Executive Director of the Southern Appalachian Historical Association. “The museum looks forward to putting this on every year. We want to give a glimpse into what independence meant for those living in North Carolina in the 1700s.”

The festivities begin at 5:30 in the museum. Audience members will have to opportunity to participate in the reading aloud of the Declaration of Independence. Guests will be given apple cider to toast with, reminiscent of the Toasts of Halifax in 1789. Guests will also hear a eulogy for King George III while his dummy is burned in effigy. A firing of thirteen volleys from black powder rifles will salute the new nation. “This is one of the most exciting events we put on in the museum,” says museum director Grayson Butler. “It is a staple of the museum’s programming and truly gets the community involved in history.”

 

Admission to the Burning of King George in Effigy is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children.

The festivities begin at 5:30 and guests are encouraged to tour the museum after the celebration before the Horn in the West outdoor drama at 8:00.

 

The Southern Appalachian Historical Association oversees both Horn in the West and the Hickory Ridge Living History museum. The association keeps the history of the High Country alive with accurate representations of 18th century Appalachia. The Hickory Ridge Living History Museum is open Tuesday – Sunday with tours at 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. Horn in the West runs from June 23 – August 5. The show runs every night except Monday. For ticket information visit www.horninthewest.com or call (828) 264-2120.