Three Semiquincentennial events this week in Blacksburg/Christiansburg (July 2-4)
Hey r/Blacksburg (or wherever this is headed), wanted to share a few things happening this week as part of Historic Smithfield's 250th anniversary programming. One schedule change to note due to the heat.
July 2, 5:30 PM — "July 4 vs. July 2: Are We Celebrating the Wrong Independence Day?"
Montgomery Museum of Art & History, 4 E Main St, Christiansburg
Dr. Dan Thorp gives a talk on the historical case for July 2 as the "true" Independence Day. Snacks and refreshments provided. Should be a fun one if you're into the weird quirks of how history actually happened vs. how we remember it.
July 3, 4:30 PM — "Roots & Routes"
Now moved indoors to the Community Room at the Christiansburg Public Library due to this week's heat. Two talks on the Preston family's journey to the New River Valley: one on what brought them from Northern Ireland to settle the southwestern Virginia frontier, and one on Colonel William Preston's role navigating multiple conflicts during the Revolutionary Era. Speakers are Jef Graham (genealogist) and Michael Hudson (Executive Director of Historic Smithfield). Free and open to the public.
July 4, 10 AM-1 PM — Independence Day Celebration
Historic Smithfield, 1000 Merry Oak Way, Blacksburg
Living history demonstrations (blacksmithing, leatherworking, spinning, colonial militia), live music, Floyd Historical Dancers, a petting zoo, family crafts, food trucks, and readings including the Declaration of Independence.
Heads up: outdoor activities are wrapping up at 1 PM instead of the original time because of the high temps expected. Historic House Tours will still run until 3 PM if you want to keep exploring indoors out of the heat.
More info at historicsmithfield.org if you want details on any of these.