Events

Join the History Museum of Mobile and Colonial Fort Condé on Sunday, July 5, 2026, for a special celebration of American history featuring a Revolutionary War reenactment and the opening of a 50-year-old time capsule.

At 4:00 p.m., experience The Capture of Captain James Willing, Colonial Fort Condé's annual Independence Day living history program. Watch as interpreters bring to life the story of Captain James Willing, a Continental Navy officer whose actions brought the American Revolution to British-occupied Mobile. The program includes a full reading of the Declaration of Independence, live musket demonstrations, period clothing, and audience interaction.

Then at 5:00 p.m., witness history as the 1976 Colonial Fort Condé Time Capsule is opened for the first time in 50 years. Buried during America's Bicentennial celebrations, the capsule will be opened in honor of America250 and the 50th anniversary of the reconstructed Colonial Fort Condé. Guests will be able to view the contents until 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 5, 2026
4:00 p.m. – The Capture of Captain James Willing
5:00 p.m. – Opening of the 1976 Time Capsule
5:00–7:00 p.m. – Viewing of Time Capsule Contents

Colonial Fort Condé
150 South Royal Street
Mobile, AL 36602

Free and open to the public

Discover Mobile's unique role in the American Revolution and get a rare glimpse into what life—and celebration—looked like in 1976. We hope you'll join us for this special afternoon of history, community, and discovery.

PRESS RELEASE