Spirit of ’76 celebration to bring Revolutionary War history to Old Town Graveyard

History will come alive in Medina on Independence Day as the Friends of the Cemetery hosts its Spirit of ’76 celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 4 at the Old Town Graveyard.

Held in partnership with Medina’s America 250 celebration, the free event will commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary with Revolutionary War reenactors, living history presentations, artisan demonstrations, music and family activities.

The day will begin with military rites and a wreath-laying ceremony honoring Frederic Jones, Harmon Munson and John Clark, three Revolutionary War veterans who later settled in Medina County. Members of a Continental Army militia unit will participate in the ceremony.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet historical figures portrayed by reenactors throughout the day, including George and Martha Washington, Betsy Ross, Paul Revere, Sybil Ludington and Mollie Pitcher. Medina County pioneers and Revolutionary War veterans such as Col. Jim Smith, Capt. Harmon Munson, Rufus Ferris and Austin Badger also will share stories from their lives.

Retired Rear Adm. Janice Hamby, a Medina native and grand marshal of Medina’s Fourth of July Parade, will be among those in attendance. Members of the 5th Virginia Regiment of the Continental Army reenactment unit also will participate in the event.

The celebration will feature performances by Maidens Kiss Early American Singers, along with a fiddler and dulcimer player providing music throughout the day. Visitors also can watch demonstrations by period artisans, including a tinsmith, candle dipper, spinner, ropemaker, wood carvers, needleworkers and quilters.

Children can participate in Early American games, leatherworking activities and photo opportunities. Additional attractions include animal pelt displays by the Medina County Park District and sno-cones offered by the Medina Kiwanis Club. Representatives from the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, Medina County Historical Society and Medina County District Library genealogy team will also be on hand to help visitors explore their family histories.

“Make plans to join us in celebrating our country’s 250th birthday in style right here in Medina,” Friends of the Cemetery President Teresa Merkle said.

The Spirit of ’76 celebration will be held rain or shine and is free to attend. The Old Town Graveyard is located on East Liberty Street behind the Medina County Administration Building. Free parking will be available in the county parking garage and other uptown parking lots.