National Archives Fourth of July Celebration

The National Archives celebrates the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with its traditional Fourth of July program. The celebration will include patriotic music, a dramatic reading of the Declaration by historical reenactors and free family activities and entertainment for all ages. The National Archives will participate with a float in the National Independence Day Parade!

Location

National Archives Building
Constitution Avenue steps
between 7th and 9th Streets, NW
Washington, DC
See a map of the National Mall

Seating on the Constitution Avenue steps is available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Highlights of the day include:

Ceremony - 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

• Ceremony emcee, C-SPAN host Steve Scully
  
• Presentation of Colors by the Continental Color Guard
  
• Performance by the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) Fife and Drum Corps
  
• Remarks by Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero
  
• Keynote address by Chair and President of the Foundation for the National Archives, A'Lelia Bundles
  
• The singing of the National Anthem and America the Beautiful by soprano Olivia Vote
  
• Dramatic Reading of the Declaration of Independence by special guests Jon Belman and Laura Belman (both are descended from three Signers: Samuel Chase of Maryland, William Ellery of Rhode Island, and Oliver Wolcott of Connecticut); Michael Miller (descended from Signer Col. William Williams of Connecticut); and Laura Murphy (descended from Philip Livingston of New York); and historical reenactors portraying Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Ned Hector.

Family Activities - 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

• Meet Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Abigail Adams, and other historical figures
  
• Air your grievances in a Revolutionary manner with a quill pen
  
• Sign a full-size facsimile of the Declaration of Independence
  
• Listen to stories of our Patriotic Past in the Boeing Learning Center

Extended Museum Hours

In honor of the Fourth of July celebration, the National Archives Experience will extend its visiting hours for the entire weekend. The National Archives Experience will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Read More About Fourth of July in Washington, DC