Are you coming to July 4 at the National Archives? This year, the four readers of the Declaration of Independence are also direct descendents of the signers of the Declaration of Independence!

It’s free, it’s fun! Bring the family for a full day of historic excitement.

Celebrate July 4 at the National Archives Building! Join us on the Constitution Avenue steps between 7th and 9th Streets as we commemorate this historic day with C-SPAN host Steve Scully as emcee and our annual dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence. 10 a.m.–11 a.m.Declaration of Independence Reading Ceremony Presentation of colors by the Continental Color Guard* Performance by the Fife and Drum Corps* Remarks by Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero Dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by special guests including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Ned Hector (portrayed by historical reenactors) * Continental Color Guard and Fife and Drum Corps provided by U.S. 3rd Infantry, the Old Guard 11 a.m.–2 p.m.Inside the National Archives Building Take part in hands-on family activities. Meet historical figures in the Rotunda: Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Ned Hector, and members of the American Historical Theatre. July 4th at the National Archives is made possible in part by the generous support of John Hancock Financial and Dykema.
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Celebrate July 4 at the National Archives Building! Join us on the Constitution Avenue steps between 7th and 9th Streets as we commemorate this historic day with C-SPAN host Steve Scully as emcee and our annual dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence.

10 a.m.–11 a.m.
Declaration of Independence Reading Ceremony

  • Presentation of colors by the Continental Color Guard*
  • Performance by the Fife and Drum Corps*
  • Remarks by Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero
  • Dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by special guests including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Ned Hector (portrayed by historical reenactors)

* Continental Color Guard and Fife and Drum Corps provided by U.S. 3rd Infantry, the Old Guard

11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Inside the National Archives Building

  • Take part in hands-on family activities.
  • Meet historical figures in the Rotunda: Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Ned Hector, and members of the American Historical Theatre.

July 4th at the National Archives is made possible in part by the generous support of John Hancock Financial and Dykema.