LINCOLN – The celebration of Independence Day at an 1820s military post will be depicted at Living History Weekend at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park (SHP) on July 5-6.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, volunteer interpreters will celebrate in much the same way as the soldiers did 195 years ago. There will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence, as well as firing of a cannon and shoulder arms. Several period trades will be demonstrated, including blacksmithing, carpentry, tinsmithing and coopering, as well as crafts such as quilting, spinning and weaving.
Fort Atkinson SHP, the first military post west of the Missouri River, is seven blocks east of U.S. Highway 75 near Fort Calhoun. A park entry permit is required and may be purchased at the park.
Contact the park for more information at 402-465-5611 or ngpc.fort.atkinson@nebraska.gov. The schedule is posted on the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Metro Parks page on Facebook and on the Friends of Fort Atkinson website at fortatkinsononline.org.