The North Carolina Provincial Congress was the first colony to call for separation from England with the Halifax Resolves on April 12, 1776 – before the July 4 Declaration of Independence.
To remember its signing, Historic Halifax will present a three-day celebration of that declaration April 12-14.
Thursday, April 12
Halifax Resolves Day activities will include tours for fourth grade students, a wreath-laying ceremony by Sons of the American Revolution and a talk, “Black Patriots of North Carolina in the American Revolution,” by site interpreter Frank McMahon.
A highlight will be the annual Halifax Day program featuring actor, author and playwright Ira David Wood III, who is currently executive director of the Theater in the Park in Raleigh.
The day-long event will feature historic interpreters, living history demonstrations and other commemorative observances.
Friday, April 13
Prelude to Liberty programming will focus on the impact of the Halifax Resolves as the town and surrounding areas prepare for revolution! Ongoing living history demonstrations and self -guided tours of buildings will be available.
Saturday, April 14
Prelude to Liberty, starts the day with a parade of the Halifax District Minutemen Battalion down King Street.
Continental troops will escort newly captured prisoners and refugees from the Feb. 22, 1776, Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge in southeastern North Carolina.
That patriot victory fanned the flames of independence in North Carolina and led to adoption of the Halifax Resolves. Ongoing demonstrations, historical vignettes featuring townspeople and periodic military drills of 18th century weapons will fill the day.
Additionally, the Morattico Artisan Fair will be along King Street featuring local artists, crafters, potters, music performances and homemade baked goods from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The day will end with a vignette focusing on the 1776 dismissal of the Halifax Minutemen Regiment which led to more recruiting for the Continental Line regiments as the colony prepared for the impending war for independence!
Halifax Resolves Celebration Schedule
Thursday, April 12 Halifax Resolves Day
9:30 a.m. Living history program and tours for area fourth graders until 12:30 p.m.
10:30 a.m. Wreath Laying Ceremony sponsored by the N.C. Society, Sons of the American Revolution
1 p.m. The Black Patriots of North Carolina in the American Revolution, by Frank McMahon
3 p.m. Halifax Day Ceremony, featuring Ira David Wood III, sponsored by the Historical Halifax Restoration Association
4 p.m. Reception – William R. Davie House, sponsored by the Historical Halifax Restoration Association
Friday, April 13 Prelude to Liberty
10 a.m. Living history demonstrations and self-guided tours through 4 p.m.
1 p.m. Arrival of troops and assembly of military camps through 4 p.m.
Saturday, April 14 Prelude to Liberty
10 a.m. Morattico Artisan Fair along King Street features arts, crafts, food and entertainment through 4 p.m.
10:15 a.m. Military parade along King Street
11:15 a.m. Historical vignette, Halifax jail – arrival of Highland Scots prisoners
11:30 a.m. Arms demonstrations of muskets and artillery, Market Square
Noon Live music at Morattico Artisan Fair through 1:30 p.m.
12:30 p.m. Printing demonstration at clerk’s office
1:45 p.m. Historical vignette – Cornelius Harnett proclaims Halifax Resolves
2:15 p.m. Military drill demonstration and musket firing
3 p.m. Artillery firing demonstration
3 p.m. Friends of Historic Halifax Reception – William R. Davie House through 4 p.m.
3:30 p.m. Closing vignette – Dismissal of the Halifax Minutemen: Onward to Liberty.
