4 Ways to Geek Out on July 4

Yesterday was the 241th anniversary of America's resolution for independence. No, the holiday weekend hasn't made me lose track of time: in actuality, the Continental Congress voted to adopt a resolution of independence on July 2. The national holiday and accepted United States birthday July 4 is the day the Declaration of Independence was signed. Today, I suppose, would be the anniversary of the long day of debate and revisions to said document before it was voted on.

Due to July 4 falling on a Tuesday, lots of people have already started their holiday fun: travel, cookouts, even some early fireworks. If you're stuck at home or just want to find a different way to celebrate, here are four ways to geek your independence out.

1776 With some historical liberties, this musical chronicles the Declaration of Independence's passage through Congress. It's got a stirring soundtrack and offers a load of fun: anything that has one founding father lecturing the other about romping through cupid's groves with great agility knows how to make the Revolution come alive. If John Adams's final ballad "Is Anybody There?' doesn't inspire some patriotic fervor, I'm don't know what will. The movie version is available on Amazon; you can also check if there's an upcomming live performance in your area over at the MTI show page.

Young Justice What do you get when you make a show that focuses on the sidekicks junior partners in DC's superhero roster? Incredibly powerful stories about young emerging heroes striking out on their own, learning to save the day, that's what. The pilot episode "Independence Day" takes place on July 4, an appropriate date for these new heroes to step out from their mentors' shadows. You can read more about my love for this show in my full review. The first two seasons are available on Netflix. A third season is in development now, so there's no better time to dive into this exciting world.

Benedict Arnold Some people are so infamous that their very names became villainous, like Adolf or Judas. In America, there's Benedict, a general whose name became mud when he switched sides to fight for the British. I first read about him in the novel Finishing Becca; I also listened to a good nonfiction audiobook last year, Valiant Ambition. He's been featured in a number of period dramas, like AMC's Turn about Washington's spies, and even a musical. There are plenty of options available for you to learn more about this largely forgotten yet enduring favorite villain of the Revolution.

Liberty's Kids This PBS animated series aired when I was in high school; I became aware of it through my younger brother's repeat viewings. It took an unusual approach by making a leading character a loyalist who did not agree with the American cause (at least at first). The show had great star voice talent, including Whoopi Goldberg, Walter Cronkite, and Billy Crystal. Before they were humming Hamilton, this generation sang along to the theme "Through My Own Eyes." The series is freely available online on YouTube, so you can get the full story from start to finish.