Festivities will be held at Historic Halifax site from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Visitors can join Historic Halifax State Historic Site in the remembrance of the April 12, 1776, vote by the North Carolina Provincial Congress to separate from the British Crown.

Costumed interpreters and tours of historic buildings are part of the free program.

The event is sponsored by the Historical Halifax Restoration Association.

The 1776 Halifax Resolves was the first official move for independence among the 13 original colonies.

This step is recognized on the North Carolina flag with the date April 12, 1776, and is one of the most important events in the state’s history.

The 83 delegates of the Provincial Congress passed the Halifax Resolves unanimously.

Officials will honor the Halifax Resolves adoption in a commemoration ceremony at 2:30 p.m. in the Visitor Center.

Reid Thomas, restoration specialist with the state Historic Preservation Office, will discuss Gambrel Roof Houses of Northeastern North Carolina.

The Halifax Resolves Award will be presented in recognition of excellence in the field of historic preservation and restoration to individuals, groups or businesses.

A reception follows the ceremony in the Tap Room at the site.

Visitors may also learn about the Halifax area’s history through a self-guided museum tour and a 13-minute audiovisual presentation in the Historic Halifax Visitor Center from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The first 85 years of history of the town of Halifax are recalled in the site’s preservation, the period from 1760 to 1840.

Historic Halifax is located at 25 Saint David Street, Halifax.

For more information call 252-583-7191 or visit the Historic Halifax website.