Our inaugural Heritage Day 2020 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the PHS Board elected in April 2021 to incorporate many of the elements of Heritage Day into a new event in July 2021. The Rotary Club of Chatham is hosting a new Hometown Celebration weekend from July 2-4, 2021 that will include a fireworks display and block party on the evening of July 2. On July 3, the opening ceremony for a Field of Honor flag display hosted by the Rotary Club will be followed by an Independence Day parade down Main Street in Chatham hosted by the Chatham Volunteer Fire Department. The Chatham Garden Club is hosting a patriotic home and business decorating contest that will be on display throughout the weekend. The Friends of the Library's "Freedom to Read" book sale will bring shoppers to the Ennis Building. Other local organizations and business will host additional events on Saturday, July 3, and Sunday, July 4.
The Pittsylvania Historical Society will open the 1813 Clerk's Office, the historic Tobacco Barn and the Heritage Museum at the Ennis Building for public tours, put out historical information placards, and hopefully host historical reenactors at Francis Hallam Hurt Park. If you are interested in participating, let us know -- we need docents for museum tours, information booth volunteers, and help setting up and taking down exhibits. Let's make history live on the 245th anniversary of our nation's Declaration of Independence.