Naturalization Ceremony to be Held at Charles Pinckney National Historic Site on September 16, 2016

Individuals being sworn in as new citizens of the United States

National Park Service

News Release Date: September 12, 2016

Contact: Dawn Davis, 843-883-3123, x213

 Charles Pinckney National Historic Site will host its 19th Naturalization Ceremony on Friday, September 16, 2016, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Approximately 120 individuals from countries all over the world will be sworn in as America's newest citizens. This annual event marks National Citizenship Day and kicks off National Constitution Week. The event is free and open to the public. 

The National Park Service and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services are working together to enhance citizenship ceremonies by holding them in national parks throughout the county. Since 1997, these ceremonies have been held annually on the grounds of historic Snee Farm. "This is a most appropriate site to welcome new citizens into this country and reflect on the meaning and responsibilities of citizenship," said Superintendent Tim Stone. "It is because of Charles Pinckney's role in framing the U.S. Constitution and the initiative of local citizens that this treasured place is a part of the National Park Service."

Several organizations will contribute to making the event a unique and unforgettable experience. The Citadel Color Guard will present and retire the colors, Wando High School men's choir will sing patriotic songs, and a 5th grader will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Also on hand to help with the event will be the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, American Red Cross, Charleston County Board of Elections, and U.S. Passport Services.

This year, the National Park Service is celebrating its 100th birthday. More than 100 nationalization ceremonies have taken place in national park sites across the country during the centennial. National park sites preserve the histories, ideas, and landscapes that help define us as Americans. 413 national park sites have been created to date. From Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, to Stonewall National Monument, created in 2016, the number of national park sites has grown to better reflect the diversity of our nation's natural and cultural heritage. As the National Park Service celebrates its centennial throughout 2016 and looks forward to the next century, visitors are encourages to come out and discover these special places and find their parks.

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site is a 28-acre remnant of Charles Pinckney's Snee Farm plantation. Gorgeous grounds boast ornamental gardens, live oaks, Spanish moss, and a half-mile loop trail. An 1828 low country cottage serves as the park's visitor center and museum. Exhibits and a film tell the story of Charles Pinckney's role as a drafter and signer of the U.S. Constitution, and his leading roll in the early development of South Carolina. Park entrance is free.

For more information, please visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/chpi, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PinckneyNPS, or call [phone]. You can share your experience with others by posting on social media with the hashtag #FindYourPark.