The National Park Service Announces Free Family Activities for a Special Holiday
Independence Day was an important holiday for Theodore Roosevelt who often spoke at the festivities in Oyster Bay and then gathered his extended family and friends at Sagamore Hill for a day of celebration. Cousins and friends enjoyed the day here participating in flag-waving outdoor activities for all. The National Park Service and the Friends of Sagamore Hill invite you to bring your family and friends, dressed in your best patriotic attire, to join the afternoon outdoor festivities at Sagamore Hill on Tuesday, July 4th, all of which are free and open to the public.
In the morning, at 11:00 AM, there will be a special “Birds of Prey" Demonstration presented by the Theodore Roosevelt Audubon Sanctuary in the picnic area adjacent to the Visitor Center. Come and see close up raptors, including a hawk, owl, and falcon and hear about their natural history and how they have come to the Sanctuary. Learn to identify these birds and ask questions of the experts.
During the afternoon, beginning at 1:00 PM, an old-time red, white and blue 4th of July celebration will start with an equestrian demonstration by the "Rough Rider Re-enactors" in the meadow below the parking lot. The "Rough Rider" Cavalry Troop of the Nassau-Suffolk Horsemen's Association will offer demonstrations of riding techniques used by mounted soldiers of the Spanish American War at an authentic cavalry training camp. A period encampment will be set up as well.
A Band Concert at 2:00 PM with the Sagamore Hill Band, under the direction of Bandmaster Steve Walker, will feature music of the time of TR; speeches by local dignitaries; and an appearance by Theodore Roosevelt himself as portrayed by re-enactor, James Foote.
The Band will present works by Sousa, period campaign songs and popular selections of that day. The program will include Don Luckenbill's "Sagamore Hill March," written in 1953 for the opening of Sagamore Hill.
Seating for the audience is on the lawn, so bring a blanket or a lawn chair if you want seating other than turf and grass.
The Roosevelt Home is open by guided tour only. Tours are held on the hour at a cost of $5 per person and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours often sell out very early on holidays. Those wishing to enter the house should stop first at the Visitor Center to inquire about tickets.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
