ST. LOUIS — Celebrate our nation’s independence at Gateway Arch National Park! The Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse host special events on July 2, 4, 5 & 6, 2019. All events are free and open to all ages.

“We welcome our park friends and neighbors to celebrate our nation’s birthday with us by participating in unique storytelling events and living history programs,” said Erin Hilligoss-Volkmann, Director of Education for Gateway Arch National Park. “We also congratulate all of those who will become American citizens during the naturalization ceremony at the Old Courthouse.”

Naturalization Ceremony: Tuesday, July 2; 1 p.m.
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, will commemorate Independence Day with a public naturalization ceremony in the Old Courthouse rotunda. The ceremony will feature prospective citizens reciting the Oath of Allegiance and receiving official paperwork as demonstrations of American citizenship. Speakers and singers will lead the ceremony. The public is invited to attend.

An 1819 Fourth of July Celebration: Thursday, July 4; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Discover the story of Missouri statehood and experience how St. Louisans celebrated the Fourth of July in 1819. Living history volunteers will lead speeches and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Participants will enjoy period music and dancing from 12-4 p.m. Costumes are not required to participate. Program will take place on the mezzanine in the Arch Visitor Center.

Elizabeth Keckley Storytelling Program: Friday, July 5; 1-3 p.m.
Elizabeth Keckley was an African-American woman who came to St. Louis as a slave but left as a free woman, and eventually, she became Mary Todd Lincoln’s (Abraham Lincoln’s wife) seamstress. Artistic storyteller Marlene Rivero will portray this historic figure and share Elizabeth’s story through performance and song. This live performance is suitable for all ages and will take place in the Riverfront Era exhibit gallery in the Museum at the Gateway Arch.

Story Stitchers, Pick the City UP Tour: Saturday, July 6; 1-2 p.m.
The Pick the City UP 2019 Tour presents the Saint Louis Story Stitchers’ unique brand of urban storytelling, featuring live original St. Louis hip-hop, spoken word, dance and poetry on experiences of African Americans living in the City of St. Louis, with a focus on African-American history and an awareness and reduction of gun violence. This live performance is suitable for all ages and will take place on the mezzanine in the Arch Visitor Center.

Gateway Arch Visitor Reminders
Visitors to the Arch must enter the monument at the new glass west entrance, which faces the Old Courthouse. The Arch legs are exits only. Entrance to the Arch Visitor Center and the Museum at the Gateway Arch is free.

Gateway Arch National Park does not have designated on-site visitor parking. A list of parking locations near the park can be found at http://getaroundstl.com. Metered street parking is also available around the park.

The Tram Ride to the Top of the Arch sells out early and often. Visitors are strongly encouraged to purchase tram ride tickets in advance at gatewayarch.com/buytickets. Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled tram time. For more information, visit nps.gov/jeff or gatewayarch.com, or call 877-982-1410.