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!
Captain Jack Information Session time: 3:000pm location: Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
event: In connection with Charlotte ‘s Craft Beer Week and partnership with Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, join us for an information session on Captain Jack while enjoying OMB’s refreshing Captain Jack pilsner.
Monday, May 14, 2018:
Inaugural Captain James Jack Colonial Dinner time: 6:000pm location: Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
event: Join us for the Inaugural Captain James Jack Colonial Dinner. Each of the three courses will be served with a different beer from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. Hear from keynote Chas Fagan, the artist behind our Spirit of Mecklenburg statue on the Trail of History. tickets: $50.00 Tickets are limited to the first 100 people.
Friday, May 18, 2018:
Noon Commemoration time: 12:00pm
location: Uptown at Trade and Tryon Streets
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!
Saturday, May 19, 2018:
May 20th Celebration
time: 12:00pm
location: The Charlotte Museum of History
event: Join The Charlotte Museum of History to celebrate the legendary MeckDec. Tour Mecklenburg’s oldest home site, home of one of the MeckDec signers. Tour a colonial military encampment. Visit Captain Jack’s Tavern for a brew from Bold Missy Brewery.
Sunday, May 20, 2018:
MeckDec Day at OMB time: 11am – close
location: Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
event: Visit Olde Mecklenburg Brewery for their annual MeckDec day. Enjoy a pint of Captain Jack pilsner, get your picture with Captain Jack, watch a movie about the MeckDec, or purchase merchandise from your Charlotte Independence!
Sunday, May 20, 2018:
Captain Jack Historical Bike Ride time: 2:00pm location: Start at 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, 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 return.
