ART

INDEPENDENCE IN PICTURES “From Revolution to Republic in Prints and Drawings” at the New York Public Library is compiled entirely from the library’s collections. “Selections from the C. W. McAlpin Collection” consists of drawings of George Washington in various guises and situations, and “Dawn of the American Revolution, 1768–1776” is composed of revolutionary posters, pamphlets, and paintings. In the March 15 edition of The New York Sun, Francis Morrone wrote: “The images of George Washington and of New York City that circulated the globe in the 18th and 19th centuries seldom attempted verisimilitude. Then again, in these cases the myths are part of the reality.” Through Saturday, today, 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m., closed tomorrow, Thursday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m., NYPL, Humanities and Social Sciences Library, Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, 212-592-7730, free.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

FIRE IT UP The Macy’s July 4th Fireworks Spectacular, the 31st of its kind, takes over the East Side of Manhattan for one day every summer. It’s worth it to start planning your July 4 fireworks trip in advance. Parents and children can enjoy the fireworks from the FDR Drive. Bring chairs, snacks, and drinks, and be prepared to arrive early, with lots of patience — the spectacle doesn’t begin until nightfall. Tomorrow, 9 p.m., the East River, between 23rd and 42nd streets, and South Street Seaport at Fulton Street, 212-494-4495, free.

FOR THE 4TH

CELEBRATORY NIGHT WALK The Fraunces Tavern Museum of Colonial and Revolutionary New York holds a two-part Independence Day and 100th birthday celebration. The party begins with a late-night, starlight walking tour of Revolutionary Manhattan. Sites include the scene of George Washington’s evacuation from Brooklyn Heights as seen from the Brooklyn Bridge, the gravesite of General Richard Montgomery, and the last home of Thomas Paine. The tour is led by the museum’s tour guide, James Kaplan. During daylight, the museum holds a free open house for its galleries, which include the Flag Gallery and the current exhibit, “If These Walls Could Talk: 54 Pearl Street.” Tomorrow, tour, 2–6 a.m., meet at City Hall Park, Broadway and Park Place, 212-425-1778, $25 general, $20 members. Open house, noon–5 p.m., Fraunces Tavern Museum, 54 Pearl St., between Broad Street and Coenties Alley, 212-425-1776, free.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY The New-York Historical Society celebrates America’s birthday with a daylong family celebration that includes a display of Revolutionary-era documents and artifacts. Master storyteller Jonathan Kruk tells short stories from 1776 at 1 and 3 p.m. Actors portraying George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Frederick Douglass are on hand to relate stories about leaderships throughout the day. Families are invited to sit for portrait drawings made in a 1770s style. Tomorrow, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., N-YHS, 170 Central Park West at 77th Street, 212-873-3400, free.

A FERRY PARTY The Staten Island Historical Society mount sits Independence Day celebration at Historic Richmond Town, including a daylong effort to collect and supplies for troops stationed overseas, organized by the Staten Island Project Homefront. Ice cream and Victorian paper fireworks workshops are offered. English country dancing, a pinwheel parade, and tableaux vivants are also offered. Tomorrow, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave., between St. Patrick Place and Tysen Court, Staten Island, 718-351-1611, free.

SUMMERTIME EATING For those who lack a backyard or front stoop to mount a July 4 barbecue, the restaurant 5 Ninth offers a summertime menu including house smoked brisket, New Orleans-style barbecued catfish, and fried chicken. Side dishes include coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, biscuits with gravy, and collard greens. Tomorrow, noon–11 p.m., 5 Ninth, 5 Ninth Ave., between Little West 12th and Gansevoort streets, 212-929-9460, $29 per person.

STAGE CELEBRATION The SoHo Think Tank presents the opening of its annual summer festival of new work, Ice Factory 2007. The festival opens with a July 4 barbecue party and the premiere of Kirk Wood Bromley’s play “No More Pretending (aka The Return of Indiebot),” performed by the Inverse Theatre. The story follows three actors, one of whom has dropped out of theater, one of whom has become famous onstage, and another of whom is still struggling to make a name for himself. The play is directed by Howard Thoresen, and featured actors include Meg MacCary. Tomorrow through Saturday, 7 p.m., Ohio Theater, 66 Wooster St., between Broome and Spring streets, 212-868-4444, $15 general, $10 students and seniors.

BIRTHDAY SWING LincolnCenter’s Midsummer Night Swing Salsa Saturdays series presents a special Independence Day event with “Un Tributo a Los Soneros — A Tribute to Legendary Salsa Vocalists.” The Chino Nuñez Orchestra, featuring Chuito de Jesus, Frankie Morales, Jose Papo Rivera, Ray Sepulveda, and Yoko “La Salsera Japonesa,” honors the genre’s greatest singing icons, such as Celia Cruz and Hector Lavoe. A dance lesson takes place at 6:30 p.m., and is included in the price of admission. Tomorrow, 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Center, Josie Robertson Plaza, Columbus Avenue at 63rd Street, 212-721-6500, $15.

To submit an event for consideration for the Calendar, please wire the particulars to calendar@nysun.com, placing the date of the event in the subject line.