Historic sites, museums plan July 4 celebrations

Here are some of the activities around the Triangle and a bit beyond culled, in part, from information from the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. (WRAL.com's Out & About calendar has a lot more information about Independence Day activities and fireworks, including downtown Raleigh's big celebration).

Independence Day at the State Capitol, Raleigh, 10 a.m., Saturday: Bring a picnic and lawn chairs for this family tradition with musical performances, military displays, carriage or trolley rides and several hands-on and play activities for children to enjoy. For the fifth year, an outdoor naturalization ceremony for about 30 new citizens will take place at noon on the Capitol steps, followed by a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Free.

N.C. Museum of History, Raleigh, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday: Visitors can see the downtown Raleigh museum's "Starring North Carolina" exhibit for half price.

Alamance Battleground, Burlington, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday. Enjoy a special showing of David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize winning HBO series "John Adams" at 1700s period Alamance Battleground. Free, but donations are appreciated.

Joel Lane Museum House, downtown Raleigh, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday. The site will celebrate its 24th annual Independence Day Open House with costumed docents, hands-on activities, crafts, games and more. Admission is free.

N.C. Museum of Art, Raleigh: The west Raleigh museum will be open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. At 10:30 a.m., Saturday and Sunday, the museum will offer free family-friendly tours through the museum's American Galleries. They are designed for families with kids ages 5 to 11 and their adults. Meet at the West Building Information Desk.

Tryon Palace in New Bern celebrates The Glorious Fourth starting at 10 a.m., Saturday. The Declaration of Independence will be read from the steps of the Royal Governor's palace; the Fife and Drum Corps will play; 18th century games, crafts, and free garden tours will be shared. At the North Carolina History Center (which is a wonderful stop for kids), World War I will be brought to life by re-enactors, photographs and crafts. House tours are ticketed, events free.