The May 20th Society is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that endeavors to capture and celebrate Charlotte’s rebellious and visionary spirit and history—a history that began on May 20, 1775, when two dozen prominent civic leaders signed and approved The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence (MeckDec) – the first declaration of independence in America! Since 2003, The May 20th Society has been raising funds to bring history alive in Charlotte with its speaker series, noon commemoration of the MeckDec, unveiling of The Spirit of Mecklenburg statue and creation of the Charlotte Liberty Walk. Join us to celebrate the history of the MeckDec!
The May 20th Society is not a private, membership society nor are there any fees to join.
To learn more about the MeckDec, please read The First American Declaration of Independence? by our very own Board Chairman and native Charlottean, Scott Syfert. Visit Park Road Books or Amazon to purchase.
Support The May 20th Society and keep history alive by
donating online or contacting info@May20thSociety.org.
2021 MECKDEC Event Schedule
Thursday, May 20, 2021:
time: 12:00pm
location: Victoria Yards, 408 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
event: Military and Colonial Re-enactors, Historical Readings, horses, military parades, cannon firing and good ol’ American-styled patriotic celebration of who we are as a people. Don’t miss out on this free event celebrating Charlotte and its people!
Captain James Jack Colonial Dinner
time: 6:00pm
location: Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
event: THIS EVENT IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT – Join us for our Captain James Jack Colonial Dinner. Each of the three courses will be served with a different beer from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. Details to be released closer to the event.
Sunday, May 23, 2021:
Captain Jack Historical Bike Ride
time: 2:00pm
location: Start at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
event: In the Summer of 1775, Captain James Jack rode 450 miles to deliver the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence to Congress. In honor of his historic ride and in partnership with Queen City Bicycles, we invite you to participate in a historic bike ride from the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery to various historical locations around Charlotte relevant to Captain Jack. The ride will be leaving from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and finishing there with a social upon.
