U.S. Naturalization Ceremony

July 4, 2025, 10-11:30 AM

Strawbery Banke Museum in partnership with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is excited to celebrate Independence Day by welcoming new citizens in a naturalization ceremony on Friday, July 4. The ceremony occurs rain or shine under a large tent on Museum grounds and is free and open to the public. Additionally, visitors may also tour Strawbery Banke’s historic houses and gardens at no charge.

Citizenship connects people to civic ideals and a belief in the rights and freedom guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. This momentous occasion spotlights the profound significance of citizenship in connecting individuals to the civic values, rights and liberties at the heart of the American identity.

Strawbery Banke Museum has hosted the naturalization ceremony since 2002, with a two-year break in 2020 and 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions

We kindly ask for your understanding that our parking lot is limited in size and parking is not available onsite for the Naturalization Ceremony. Additional parking information can be found under ‘Logistics and Parking.’
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • The U.S. naturalization ceremony takes place on July 4 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM under a tent on Puddle Dock. It is free and open to the public.

  • We recommend bringing:

    • A refillable water bottle

    • A hat, sunscreen, or rain gear, depending on the forecast

    • A camera or phone to capture the moment (please be respectful when photographing others)

  • To help keep the event safe and welcoming for everyone, please do not bring:

    • Weapons of any kind, including firearms, knives, or sharp objects

    • Placards, signs, or banners (including flags on poles) that cannot be stowed in a small bag

    • Clothing with offensive or abusive language or symbols

    • Non-service animals

    Visitors arriving with prohibited items will be asked to return them to their vehicle before entering. Strawbery Banke Museum is not responsible for lost or stolen items left in vehicles.

    Please also review and follow the Strawbery Banke Museum Visitor Code of Conduct on the Plan A Visit page of the Museum’s website, which outlines expectations for respectful behavior while on the property.

  • Yes! Admission is free on July 4, and Strawbery Banke’s historic houses and exhibits will be open to the public following the ceremony.

  • Dogs and other pets are not permitted on the Museum grounds when the Museum is open for special events.

    Service dogs, as defined by the ADA, are welcome.

  • The ceremony is outdoors, rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and choose attire that feels respectful of the occasion—festive, thoughtful, and comfortable for a summer morning.

TICKETS AND RESERVATIONS:

  • No tickets or RSVPs are required. The Naturalization Ceremony is free and open to the public—just come and enjoy this special celebration.

LOGISTICS AND PARKING:

  • There is no on-site parking at Strawbery Banke Museum on July 4. Please use nearby municipal lots or garages. Limited accessible parking is available in surrounding areas but not on museum grounds.

  • The ceremony area is tented and accessible. If you require accommodations, we encourage early arrival. Please note that accessible parking is not available on site.

CONCESSIONS & PHOTOGRAPHY

  • Water stations will be available on site and there are grab-and-go concessions available for purchase in the Lawrence J. Yerdon Visitors Center.  Feel free to bring your own reusable water bottle.

  • Yes, respectful photography is welcome. Please be mindful of others and avoid obstructing views or disrupting the ceremony and listen to direction from Strawbery Banke staff and USCIS.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:

  • Yes! Please contact James Connally, Director of Events, via jconnally@sbmuseum.org.

  • We’re happy to help. Email us at info@sbmuseum.org or visit the Lawrence J. Yerdon Visitors Center at 14 Hancock Street.