This week brings two more events in the Rockbridge Historical Society’s month-long series, “Remembering Independence: 17761976-2026.”
Collectively, they build towards a 250th Birthday Party for the United States to be held on July 4. After the Children’s Bike Parade, area residents will be invited to Courthouse Square in Lexington at 11 a.m. to enjoy cupcakes, and an open mic to record community memories from decades past, as well as “birthday wishes” for future generations.
Today, June 24, at 6 p.m. at the Rockbridge Regional Library’s Piovano Room, the Declaration of Independence takes center stage for the ninth gathering of RHS’ monthly discussion series, “Revolutionary Books.”
Fittingly, June’s book of choice is Harvard scholar Danielle Allen’s bestselling “Our Declaration: In Defense of Equality.” Her careful reading of Jefferson’s words and its historical precedents is shaped by her years of concurrently teaching America’s foundational text with both undergraduates and working adults enrolled in night school.
As always, to help align those who’ve already read the book, or come interested for an introduction, the event will begin with short book trailers and author interviews to seed discussion, with a preview available at Tinyurl.com/MisUnderstandingTheDeclaration.
This Sunday, June 28, at 3 p.m. at the Lexington Community Center, 300 Diamond St., RHS Executive Director Eric Wilson will present a slideshow illustrating “The 1976 Bicentennial in Rockbridge.” His presentation – including comparisons to our current local and national commemorations – will be followed by an open conversation inviting attendees to share personal memories of that memorable year, and that hallmark 200th Independence Day, or to bring memorabilia and photographs demonstrating “The Spirit of ‘76.”
For more information, write [email protected].
