Frequently Asked Questions
Find out more about parking, transportation, bringing pets, and more to plan your day at Monticello.
| For | Pricing | When |
|---|---|---|
| All Guests |
Free
Shuttles start at 7:30am
|
Shuttles start at 7:30am
|
Every July 4th, Monticello's West Portico becomes an outdoor courtroom where dozens of new citizens take the Oath of Citizenship to become Americans.
Join us in 2025 as we mark the 249th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns and an entire morning of family activities, music, community partners, and more!
New citizens gather on the steps of Monticello to take the Oath of Citizenship
Event Highlights
- Event entry is free, but reservations required
- Naturalization Ceremony begins at 9:00 a.m.
- Shuttles to the historic mountaintop will run from Piedmont Virginia Community College starting at 7:30 a.m.
- Before and after the ceremony, guests can enjoy music, concessions, children's activities, wine tastings, and the Community Partner Tent
- Musical performances include the Charlottesville Band, Charlottesville Opera, Old Line Fife and Drum Corps, and The Virginia Consort
- Free Monticello Root Beer floats after the ceremony
Couldn't attend the ceremony in person?
Watch the livestream recording on our Facebook page or YouTube channel.
Highlights from July 4, 2024 at Monticello featuring Misty Copeland
See previous July 4th ceremonies on our YouTube channel »
The Thomas Jefferson Foundation wishes to express its genuine appreciation to:
The Scripps Independence Day Endowment and The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation for their generous support of our Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony.