Event Detail
Back to Events
July 4th at the National Archives
- Date: Friday, July 04, 2014
- Time: 2:00 pm
- Location: National Archives, Washington, DC
Celebrate July 4th at the National Archives, home of the original Declaration of Independence, on the Constitution Avenue steps between 7th and 9th Streets NW.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr as we celebrate #ArchivesJuly4 and post your own #ColonialSelfie or play Instagram Bingo!
10 a.m.–11 a.m.
Declaration of Independence Reading Ceremony (watch live on YouTube)
- Presentation of colors by the Continental Color Guard, provided by U.S. 3rd Infantry, the Old Guard
- Performance by the Fife and Drum Corps, provided by U.S. 3rd Infantry, the Old Guard
- Remarks by Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero
- Steve Scully, C-SPAN, Emcee
- Dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by special guests including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Ned Hector (portrayed by historical reenactors)
- Performance by Christopher Ullman, four-time international whistling champion
11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Inside the National Archives Building, Boeing Learning Center
- Take part in hands-on family activities, including storytime and crafts.
- Between noon and 2 p.m., meet Revolutionary figures Abigail and John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Ned Hector, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.
Prior to these festivities, the Foundation for the National Archives hosts a “Promise of America” breakfast for our supporters, with educational tours of the Charters of Freedom in the Rotunda and family activities in the Boeing Learning Center. Join us by becoming a Founder-level member today!
July 4th at the National Archives is made possible in part by the Foundation for the National Archives with the generous support of Lead Sponsor John Hancock Financial and Dykema.
