As America celebrates its 250th birthday on July 4, visitors to the Hayes Presidential Library and Museums in Fremont can learn about the men who signed the Declaration of Independence and life in colonial America during two special programs. There will also be youth activities, food trucks, tours and a concert.
The day’s July 4 activities are included with admission, which is deeply discounted for non-members to $2.50 for the semiquincentennial celebration and free to Hayes Presidential members.
Historian Josh Dubbert will present two talks about the Revolutionary War era on Independence Day in the museum history lab.
Dubbert will speak on “Life in Colonial America” from 10-10:30 a.m., and then from 10:30-11 a.m., he will discuss “Signers of the Declaration of Independence.” In 1776, 56 delegates representing each of the 13 colonies signed what would become one of the most daring, revolutionary and complex documents in human history.
Concert, children’s activities planned for the day
Other special America 250 events are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hayes Presidential is one of America 250-Ohio’s picnic sites, and guests are invited to bring a picnic or purchase food from on-site food trucks: Jimmy G’s aBrbecue, Frozen Paradice, Tim’s Bar and Grill Food Trailer and the Maumee Valley Heritage Corridor Traveling Root Beer Stand.
The USS Spiegel Grove Association, whose members are U.S. Navy sailors who served aboard the ship “USS Spiegel Grove,” will also dedicate a new exhibit area for the ship’s bell at 12:30 p.m. The ship was purposely sunk off Florida to create an artificial reef.
The day’s events will culminate with the annual Independence Day Concert, performed by the Toledo Concert Band from 2-3:30 p.m. on the verandah of the Historic Hayes Home. In a Fourth of July tradition, the “1812 Overture” will be punctuated with cannon fire.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be children’s activities throughout the grounds.
The museum also will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for self-guided tours. Hayes Home tours begin at 9:30 a.m., will last a half-hour and cover the first floor of the home only. The tours will include information about President Rutherford B. Hayes’ ancestors and their ties to colonial and Revolutionary War era history.
Admission tickets available in advance
The $2.50 site passes include admission to the museum and a timed Hayes Home tour. A limited number of admissions can be purchased in advance online at rbhayes.org/news/2026/06/03/general/celebrate-america-s-250th-birthday-with-a-day-of-events-annual-independence-day-concert-at-hayes-presidential/.
The rest will be sold to walk-ins the day of the event.
Those who wish to tour just the home or museum can choose to do just one, but the price is still $2.50. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums members are admitted for free.
All visitors touring the Hayes Home, including advance ticket holders, must check in at the museum front desk.
For additional information on the events and concert, visit https://www.rbhayes.org/news/2026/02/09/general/verandah-concert-series-brings-new-bands-returning-favorites-to-spiegel-grove/.
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Hayes museum shares July 4th lineup of activities
Reporting by USA Today Network / Fremont News-Messenger
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By USA Today Network | USA TODAY Network
