Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Hosts Naturalization Ceremony June 14

Date: June 13, 2017
Contact: Rhonda Schier, 314-655-1634
Contact: Jenna Todoroff, 636-530-1235

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, in cooperation with the National Park Service and Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, will commemorate Flag Day with a public naturalization ceremony on Wednesday, June 14 in the decorated rotunda of the Old Courthouse. Historically, thousands of individuals recited the oath of citizenship inside this building during the 19th century into the early part of the 20th century.

“Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which took place on June 14, 1777, by resolutionof the Second Continental Congress,” said Rhonda Schier, Chief of Museum Services and Interpretation. “It’s also a fitting day to recognize the national story as we honor new American citizens taking their Oath of Allegiance beneath the 40-foot garrison flag suspended overhead in the Old Courthouse Rotunda, among red, white and blue bunting on the circular balconies. Visitors are welcome to witness the significant ceremony in the historic surroundings.”

The naturalization ceremony features 27 prospective citizens reciting the Oath of Allegiance and receiving officialpaperwork as demonstrations of American citizenship. A flag presentation from Manchester Elks to the National Park Service will take place prior to the ceremony. The public is invited to attend.

The St. Louis Public Library will be on hand to help new citizens register for library cards and learn about St. Louis library resources and collections. Staff from the National Park Service resource library at the Old Courthouse and park partner Jefferson National Parks Association will showcase books of interest and provide literacy learning activities for children from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

WHEN: Wednesday, June 14, 2017

•  10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Sharing History and Supporting Literacy

o Features book exhibits for adults and reading activities for children by the St. Louis
Public Library, National Park Service Resource Library and the Old Courthouse Gift
Shop.

•  12:45 p.m.: Manchester Elks Flag Presentation
•  1:00-2:00 p.m.: Naturalization Ceremony

WHERE: Old Courthouse Rotunda
11 North Fourth Street
St. Louis, MO 63102

CONTACT: Call 1-877-982-1410 for more information

PARKING: A list of several downtown St. Louis parking locations within walking distance of the Old Courthouse and the Gateway Arch is available at http://getaroundstl.com. Metered street parking is also available in Downtown St. Louis. Visitors are encouraged to check www.gatewayarch.com/directions for up-to-date information on road detours and construction before their visit.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.gatewayarch.com, www.nps.gov/jeff, or
www.facebook.com/gatewayarchNPS; or call 877-982-1410. Reservations for free National Park Service
interpretive programs and events at the Old Courthouse are not required, but large groups should call 314-655-1614
to alert the Old Courthouse of their attendance.

ABOUT: 
The Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse are part of Jefferson National Expansion Memorial located on the riverfront in downtown St. Louis. The Gateway Arch, which features the Journey to the Top tram ride and the documentary film Monument to the Dream, is open daily during the winter from 9 am to 6 pm, and from 8 am to 10 pm Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The Old Courthouse, which features westward expansion exhibits, is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm in the winter, and from 7:30 am to 8 pm Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The Old Courthouse is located at 11 North Fourth Street, St. Louis, MO 63102. Most programs are FREE of charge and open to the public. Programs and events at the park are made possible by the generous support from our cooperating association, Jefferson National Parks Association, and Bi-State Development. To purchase Arch tickets, go online to www.gatewayarch.com, call 877-982-1410, or visit the Arch Ticketing & Visitor Center at the Old Courthouse.

NOTE: The Arch’s museum is currently closed for renovations.