Celebrating Independence from 1776 Through Today
Festival Information:
Date: July 11, 2021
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Downtown Easton, PA
At noon on July 8, 1776, Easton was one of only three places where the Declaration of Independence was first read publicly. Ever since that monumental event, Easton has embraced the principles of freedom as a city where pioneering thoughts and diverse beliefs are welcome, where unique individuals can bring their dreams to life in word and action.
We celebrate both the original spirit of independence and its enduring legacy with Heritage Day: a free, full-day family festival. Heritage Day showcases local history and the heritage of many groups, with reenactment events, activities for kids, musical performances and a fireworks display over the Forks of the Delaware.
Join us for Heritage Day in Easton on July 11,2021, where we celebrate the fullness of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Music
Heritage Stage
Located in Centre Square
11:30 am: Edge of Revolution (The Bachmann Players)
Noon: History Parade to the Square, reading of the Declaration of Independence.
1 – 1:45 pm: The Swing Time Dolls
2 – 3 pm: “Understanding the Walking Purchase of 1737”- The presentation documents the dubious treaty that removed the Lenape people from the Lehigh Valley. Hear Benjamin Franklin, William Penn, and others relay their observations based on authentic observations and records. Chief Gentlemoon, of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, will read some of the original complaints against the walking purchase, at a treaty held in Easton’s Square in 1756, in the original language of the Lenape. This is a joint project between the Bachmann Players and The Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania. The walking purchase presentation will be followed by a drum circle by members of the Lenape Nation.
3:15 – 3:45 pm: Colonial Revelers
4 – 5 pm: The Jolly Tars
5:15 – 5:45 pm: 3rd Regiment United States Colored Troops Reenactors
Star Spangled Stage
Located on South Third Street
12:30 – 2 pm: Silas Powell Band
2:30 – 4 pm: Jack Adams Blues Band
4:30 – 6 pm: Zaire
7 – 9 pm: Joyous
Kids’ Activities
Located at the 200 block of Northampton Street
Join Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society this Heritage Day in the Kids’ Tent. Try your hand at games that settlers and Lenape played, get creative with craft activities, and bring the past to the present with a stop-motion movie making station.
All crafts and activities are free of charge. Be sure to check out all the games and activities on the 200 block of Northampton St. We can’t wait to see you there!
History Comes Alive in Downtown Easton
11:30 am: The day begins with The Bachmann Players presenting “Edge of Revolution”, a declaration pre-show featuring a reading of the King’s Declaration against treason and sedition, and Thomas Paine reading an excerpt from his pamphlet “Common Sense,” which convinced many to take up the cause of independence.
Noon: Easton’s own Christopher Black will take the stage as he portrays Robert Levers and reads aloud the Declaration of Independence in a moving performance.
Reenactors representing various military conflicts from the French and Indian War through the modern day will be represented.
- NJ Frontier Guardsmen (French and Indian War)
- 1st Pennsylvania Regiment (Revolutionary War)
- 153rd Pennsylvania (Civil War)
- Army Ground Forces Association (WWII)
- 27th Armored Infantry Battalion, 9th Armored Division (WWII)
- Northampton County Marine Corp (Korea)
- 1st Brigade 50th Armored Division (Cold War)
- Vietnam Vets
- 3rd Regiment United States Colored Troops (Civil War)
- 109th Infantry, 28th Division (WWII)
Also Joining Us:
- Benjamin Franklin
- Abraham Lincoln
- Ulysses S. Grant
- Matt Dodd (Songs of Canal Days)
- Fife and Drum
