National Archives Fourth of July Celebration

The National Archives celebrates the Fourth of July with special family programming celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Visit the National Archives Building on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW for this special birthday celebration on July 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Seating on the National Archives steps is available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Highlights of the day include:

10 a.m.-11 a.m. - Ceremony

• Presentation of Colors by the Continental Color Guard
  
• Performance by the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Fife and Drum Corps
  
• Remarks by U. S. Archivist Allen Weinstein and filmmaker Ken Burns
  
• Dramatic Reading of the Declaration of Independence by special guests: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Ned Hector, and WWII veterans Lieutenant Colonel Henry Cervantes USAF (Ret.) and Major Norman T. Hatch USMCR (Ret.)

11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Family Activities
(under tenting on Pennsylvania Avenue)

• Meet General George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Rosie the Riveter, and other historical figures from the Revolutionary and World War II eras
  
• Sign a full-sized facsimile of the Declaration of Independence
  
• Plant a Victory Garden and learn about wartime conservation efforts
  
• Meet children's author Louise Borden as she signs copies of her new book, The John Hancock Club
  
• Don a tri-corner hat and step up to the podium to declare your independence