News Release

New American Citizens at Charles Pinckney National Historic Site

New Americans take the Oath of Citizenship

NPS Photo

News Release Date: September 18, 2024

Contact: Brett Spaulding, [phone]

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC – On Constitution Day, September 17, a Naturalization Ceremony was hosted in partnership with the National Park Service and US Citizenship and Immigration Services at Charles Pinckney National Historic Site.  A class of 116 applicants from 40 different countries proudly took the Oath of Citizenship. Nearly 500 people attended the ceremony and celebrated the accomplishment of these new American citizens.
 
“There may be no more appropriate location in the Charleston area to welcome new citizens from diverse origins and perspectives than the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site. Here we not only commemorate Pinckney’s contributions to development of the U.S. Constitution but also tell how a diverse population of South Carolinians, both enslaved and free, influenced Pinckney’s work directly and indirectly and contributed significantly to the development of all that is America,” said Superintendent Tracy Stakely. “We celebrate those historic stories and at the same time are grateful for the diverse perspectives and contributions these 116 newest citizens bring to our country. I wish them well on their American journey.”
 
Naturalization is a process by which US Citizenship is conferred upon foreign citizens or nationals after fulfilling a set of requirements established by Congress. These foreign-born citizens now have the same benefits, rights, and responsibilities that the Constitution gives to native-born US Citizens, including the right to vote.
 
The park preserves Snee Farm, one of his plantation properties, where visitors can learn about the politician's influences on Charleston, the African people he enslaved, plantation operations, and the legacy of Pinckney's life. The park is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and the park visitor center is open Friday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. This is a fee free site. The park is located at 1254 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. For more information call 843-881-5516 or visit www.nps.gov/chpi.
 
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