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Independence Day Naturalization Ceremony

Monticello

It’s an annual Independence Day tradition at Monticello—and this year marks the 51st Naturalization Ceremony in Charlottesville.

80 people from 38 countries will become U-S citizens at the event.

Musician Dave Matthews, who heads the Dave Matthews band, will be a featured speaker at the event.  Born in South Africa in 1967, he became a naturalized American citizen in 1980.

The Independence Day Ceremony at Monticello, presided over by the Western District Court of Virginia, is the oldest continuous naturalization ceremony outside of a courtroom in the country.

Since 1963, more than 3,000 people have been sworn in as American citizens on July 4th there.

Free tickets for the ceremony are still available to the public, on a first come, first serve basis by following this link.