Music, History & Heritage

What did the American Revolution sound like?

Find out at The Sound of 1776, a free, family-friendly immersive experience that brings Revolutionary-era Virginia to life. Set within the historic Lanesville Heritage Area at Claude Moore Park, the event recreates the sights, sounds, conversations, and activities of the 1770s. Wander through a living historical landscape where musicians, craftsmen, soldiers, patriots, and ordinary citizens share the stories, skills, and ideas that shaped life in Virginia during the Revolutionary era.

There is no stage to sit in front of and no history lesson to memorize. Walk among the people, hear their stories, watch their work, and experience the world they knew.

The Music Green

Hear the sounds of Revolutionary America

• Music was everywhere in 18th-century America—from military marches and fife-and-drum calls to the songs and rhythms of everyday life. Throughout the day, the Music Green will fill with the sounds that might have been heard across colonial Virginia.
• Enjoy performances by: George Mason University Historical Ensembles, presenting regimental and period music
• The GMU Fife & Drum Corps, bringing the unmistakable sound of a Revolutionary-era military band
• The Liberty Lasses, an all-woman acappella group performing songs inspired by the era

Pull up a seat, tap your foot, and let the music transport you to 1776.

The Artisan Yard

See the skills behind everyday life

Before modern factories and mass-produced goods, everyday necessities were made by hand. In the Artisan Yard, watch colonial craftsmen practice the skills that kept communities running. See traditional techniques in action as craftsmen demonstrate metalworking, spinning, and other early American trades. It is history you can see—and sometimes hear and smell—being made right in front of you.

The Patriots Gathering

Meet the people who lived through the Revolution

Along Vestal’s Gap Road and at designated locations throughout the park, encounter the people, personalities, and stories connected to Virginia’s Revolutionary experience.

Strike up a conversation with historical figures including:

• Alexander Hamilton — Founding Father and close associate of General George Washington
• William “Billy” Flora — African American patriot and hero of the Battle of Great Bridge
• Sgt. Maj. John Champe — Continental Army soldier who became Washington’s daring double agent
• Gen. Daniel Morgan — Commander of Morgan’s Riflemen, an elite corps of long-range marksmen
• Rev. John Marks — Local Baptist preacher and ardent supporter of the American cause

But the Revolution was not experienced only by famous generals and Founding Fathers. Meet ordinary townspeople and hear stories that reveal the Revolution from a different perspective—including the experiences of Ona Judge and Mary Hemmings, Native Americans, children, women, tradespeople, and other Virginians whose lives were shaped by an extraordinary time.

Their stories remind us that history was lived by real people—people who worked, worried, celebrated, disagreed, hoped, and wondered what the future would bring.

Continental Army Encampment

Step into the world of a Continental soldier. Explore a Revolutionary-era military encampment and discover how soldiers lived, trained, and prepared for the dangers of battle. Reenactors demonstrate military drills, share stories of camp life, and showcase the tents, weapons, tools, and equipment that accompanied soldiers on campaign.

Throughout the event, visitors will have the opportunity to witness period musket demonstrations, providing a vivid glimpse—and an unmistakable sound—of the military training and battlefield technology of 1776.

This encounter offers a firsthand look at the discipline, hardships, and daily routines of the men who left their homes to fight for American independence.

Tour Historic Buildings

Step inside Revolutionary-era Virginia
Explore two of Claude Moore Park’s historic buildings and discover what everyday life looked like in colonial Virginia.

The Lanesville Ordinary
Visit the Lanesville Ordinary, where John and Keturah Lane operated a vibrant social center serving travelers and local residents.

In the 18th century, an ordinary was much more than a place to eat. People from across social and economic backgrounds gathered here for food, drink, conversation, news, and companionship. Step inside and imagine the conversations that might have taken place over a hot meal and a tankard of ale. Then visit the outdoor kitchen beside the house and watch as a colonial meal is prepared using traditional methods.

The One-Room Schoolhouse
Step into the park’s historic one-room schoolhouse and discover what education was like in colonial Virginia. Try your hand at writing with quill and ink and imagine learning your lessons without computers, tablets—or even pencil.

Voices of the First Peoples

Step into an encounter with the living traditions and stories of the Indigenous peoples who have called this region home for generations. Through storytelling, music, dance, and conversation, Native American presenters share cultural traditions and perspectives that help visitors understand the people and communities who were here before, during, and after the Revolutionary era.

This welcoming gathering offers an opportunity to listen, learn, and experience the power of Indigenous storytelling and music- connecting the history of 1776 to the much longer story of the land and its people.

Come Experience 1776

The Sound of 1776 is more than a history event. It is a chance to step into the past. Hear the music. Meet the people. Watch craftsmen at work. Talk with soldiers. Debate the issues. Explore historic buildings. And discover the many voices and experiences that make the story of America’s founding so much richer.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Food trucks will be available to purchase food and beverages during the event. Feel free to pack a picnic basket or your own favorite snacks to enjoy at picnic tables throughout the park.

Come curious. Leave inspired. Celebrate America 250