4th of July at Sagamore Hill

Celebrate the 4th of July at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site!

The National Park Service invites you to join us on July 4th from 12pm-4pm for our Independence Day Events! Renowned Theodore Roosevelt reenactor Joe Wiegand will be spending the afternoon at Sagamore Hill meeting visitors, reading the Declaration of Independence, walking the grounds, and posing for photos and selfies at the "Presidential Photo Booth". The event also features free tours of the Roosevelt Home, the Calliope Brass Band, a special Junior Ranger Program, assorted lawn games and crafts for kids, historical exhibits at the Old Orchard Museum, as well as a variety of walking and self-guided touring options throughout the park.

Come spend the afternoon in your local national park and enjoy Sagamore Hill as the Roosevelts would have over a century ago! All activities are free and open to the public – reservations are not required. Parking is first come, first serve at the park and we recommend utilizing the free parking and shuttle to-from the East Woods school, see details further below.

Holiday weekend festivities also include 'Teddy’s Homecoming Jubilee’ on July 3rd hosted by The Friends of Sagamore Hill and the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, in partnership with the Town of Oyster Bay. Gather at the Oyster Bay Bandstand on Sunday, July 3rd at 2 p.m. to see President Roosevelt, who will be portrayed by famed Reprisor Joe Wiegand, come into town in an antique car and deliver a famous speech!

Activities at Sagamore Hill include:

Theodore Roosevelt, as portrayed by Joe Wiegand

Joe Wiegand is the world's premiere Theodore Roosevelt reprisor. As an actor and historian, Joe's portrayals of Theodore Roosevelt make people wonder if TR has come back to life.

Free Tours of the Roosevelt Home

The free tours of the Roosevelt Home will begin at 12pm, with the first floor available for viewing. Last entry at 3:45pm.

Children's Activities and Games

An activity tent for kids will be set up, along with lawn games to which families can help themselves and experience outdoor leisure in the style of the Roosevelts.

Calliope Brass Band

Bands traditionally accompanied Theodore Roosevelt’s 4th of July festivities. Calliope Brass is a New York area ensemble, playing a program that incorporates non-standard repertoire and creative arrangements of crowd favorites.

Junior Ranger Program

Junior Ranger activity books and badges will be available to all visitors at the Information Tent. A special Junior Ranger Program will be offered in the afternoon for young visitors who want to earn an additional Junior Ranger award.

Explore the Old Orchard Museum

Occupying the home of Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt, Jr, the Old Orchard Museum offers several exhibit rooms chronicling the life of Theodore Roosevelt. Visitors can also find restrooms, water refilling stations (water fountains), and the park’s bookstore.

Presidential Photo Booth

Step right up and get your photo taken with President Theodore Roosevelt.

Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Hear from Theodore Roosevelt reenactor Joe Wiegand, Park Superintendent Jonathan Parker, and representatives from the Theodore Roosevelt Association and the Friends of Sagamore Hill.

Follow in the Roosevelts’ Footsteps – Self-Touring Options

Self-Guided touring options include exploring the grounds using our interpretive waysides, downloading the NPS App and experiencing our audio walking tour, or taking the Nature Trail down to Eel Creek. Ask a Ranger at the Information Tent for more information.

Visit the Information Tent upon your arrival to learn about additional activities and ways to enjoy the day. For a program of events, click here.

Parking and Shuttle Service

Due to anticipated high visitation on July 4th, Sagamore Hill is implementing a free satellite parking system on the day of the event. Satellite parking will be available at the East Woods School located at 31 Yellow Cote Road, Oyster Bay, NY 11771. Free, handicap accessible shuttle service will be provided continuously throughout the day starting at approximately 12:00PM and running through 4:30PM. It is a short, five-minute shuttle ride from the East Woods School to Sagamore Hill. 

Tour Information

The free tours of the Roosevelt Home will begin at 12pm, with the first floor available for viewing. No bags, backpacks, or strollers will be permitted in the historic home during the tours. Plan to leave bags and backpacks in your vehicle. Cellphone photography is permitted in the home.

Masks will be required inside Theodore Roosevelt’s home and the Old Orchard Museum if Nassau County’s Covid-19 Community Level is High.

Come Prepared

We recommend bringing snacks and refillable water bottles. Water filling stations are available at the Old Orchard Museum and by the picnic area, but food will not be available at Sagamore Hill. Feel free to bring a blanket and lounge on our lawns. Remember to wear sunscreen and bug spray, and consider wearing a hat to keep the sun off you.

Come spend the afternoon in the park and enjoy Sagamore Hill as the Roosevelts would have over a century ago!

Acknowledgements
This event is supported by our park partners and cooperators, specifically the Friends of Sagamore Hill, Eastern National, The Theodore Roosevelt Association, and our numerous park volunteers. We thank them for helping us make this commemorative day possible.