Naturalization Ceremony at the Courthouse

Date: September 18, 2006
Contact: Mardi Arce, [phone]
Contact: Bob Moore, [phone]

NEW CITIZENS WILL BE NATURALIZED
AT THE OLD COURTHOUSE IN COMMEMORATION OF CONSTITUTION DAY

WHERE:  Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, Old Courthouse (rotunda), 11 North Fourth Street, (Downtown) St. Louis, Missouri

WHEN:  Monday, September 18, 2006 – Beginning at 1:00 p.m.

WHAT: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, in cooperation with the National Park Service, will commemorate Constitution Day with a public naturalization ceremony inside the Old Courthouse. Approximately 75 prospective United States citizens will take the oath of citizenship during this official ceremony.

The public is invited to witness the naturalization ceremony at the historic Old Courthouse, a part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. The Old Courthouse is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and admission is free.        

WHY:  The National Park Service is pleased to host official naturalization ceremonies at the Old Courthouse in honor of Flag Day, Independence Day, and Constitution Day throughout the year. Historically, thousands of individuals recited the oath of citizenship inside this building during the 19^th century into the early part of the 20^thcentury.

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, established in 1935, is comprised of the Gateway Arch, Museum of Westward Expansion, and the Old Courthouse. This National Park Service area commemorates St. Louis’ role in the westward expansion of the United States during the 1800s and honors individuals such as Dred and Harriet Scott who sued for their freedom in the Old Courthouse. 

The Gateway Arch is open daily 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. during the summer). The Old Courthouse is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. year-round. All ranger-led and special museum programs are FREE of charge. Fees are charged for the tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch and for the films shown in the Gateway Arch visitor center. For additional information, call 314/655-1700 weekdays, or 7-1-1 Voice/TTY Telecommunications Relay Service. Visit us at www.nps.gov/jeff.