Celebrate our nation's birth!
Join us for our annual Independence Day Celebration at GCV&M – the perfect opportunity to gather with friends and family. Plus, kids 12 and under can join us for FREE!
Enjoy a chicken BBQ while listening to patriotic tunes, catch a women’s vintage base ball game on the Great Meadow, experience a recitation of the Declaration of Independence (ASL Interpreted), watch a 19th-century style Grand Parade, enter into a pie-eating contest, play hands-on games and activities, and so much more.
Save $2 when you buy tickets online in advance!
Event sponsor:
Witness a moving Naturalization Ceremony
11 A.M. on the Village Square - ASL interpretation provided
Help us welcome new American citizens! GCV&M is thrilled to host a Naturalization Ceremony right here on Museum grounds on Independence Day at 11 a.m. Individuals from countries all around the world will take their oath and be sworn in as new citizens by United States Judge Honorable Mark W. Pedersen. Join them as they begin their exciting new journey!
Afterwards, join us at the Schoolhouse throughout the day for competitive civics trivia! All questions are based on the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services exam administered for naturalization.
Watch a 19th-century style parade
1:30 P.M. around the Village Square
Gather around the Village Square for a fan favorite – our 19th-century-style Independence Day Parade! Cheer on the parade as they make their way around the Square with music, festivities – sometimes even furry friends!
Rock the Vote #talkback
Community voice shapes our story, so tell us what you think! Cast your ballot in to help name the Nature Center’s new queen bee, choose a new sweet treat to be featured during August’ Kids Free Days, and select an object from our archives for display at the John L. Wehle Gallery. Your participation makes history here! Can’t make it to campus? Visit us on Facebook before Independence Day to take the poll!
You can also share your political passion. Join our talkback board near the Tinsmith shop to share what drives you to exercise your right to vote!
Come hungry!
You’ll certainly build up an appetite during this annual favorite!
- Join us for a Chicken BBQ (served out of the Carport, across from the Depot Restaurant)
- Enjoy a Hosmer’s Inn Taproom experience (refreshing beverages and hand pies)
- Savor a meal in The Depot Restaurant overlooking the Great Meadow
- Grab a historical craft beer, glass of wine, or Hard Cider at the Freight House Pub (also serving Sparkling Watermelon Sangria, sweet & savory hand pies, pretzels, and and mini breads loaves)
- Cool down with an ice cream, beverage, or bite to eat at the Pavilion Garden Restaurant
Enjoy patriotic tunes
Get in the 19th-century spirit with live musical performances by the Excelsior Bridgade Fife and Drum group of WNY, as well as the Geneseo Cornet Band!
Participate in a Pie-Eating Contest
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. (sign up at Brooks Grove Church)
On your mark, get set, GO! Participate in our annual pie-eating contest! We have one contest for the little ones (kids 12 and under), and another for the little ones at heart! Will you be the 2024 pie-eating champion?
Ticket Information
Museum Members: FREE
Kids 12 and Under: FREE
Adults: $23
Seniors (62+): $20
Students (18): $20
GCV&M Member admission is FREE and guaranteed for this weekend. Click here to learn more about joining the Museum as a Member!
FAQs
Parking is free and plentiful! Park in any of the main lots at the front of the Museum. Please leave the first two bays available for handicapped parking.
Please have your ticket(s) either printed out OR pulled up on your phone screen and ready for scanning for quick and easy check-in. Pro-tip: take a screenshot of each of your tickets to have ready and pulled up on your phone screen! Please note: Wifi can sometimes be spotty at the front of the Museum.
Yes! This event is rain or shine. The Museum will only cancel in case of a severe weather emergency.
There are lots of park benches and picnic tables around the Museum Grounds. Feel free to bring a chair or blanket to sit on to watch the goings-on around the Great Meadow and Village Square!
Please dress accordingly for the predicted weather conditions.
We recommend wearing a good pair of walking shoes – there is a lot to see and do, and surfaces in the Historic Village (brick paths, cobblestone, grass), can be uneven.
Yes! Leashed service animals are welcome with proper identification.
We’re sorry to hear that you’re not able to attend! Tickets may be refunded only up to 7 days prior to the event date and are strictly non-transferable by date, entry time, or program.
