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, veteran news broadcaster John Palmer
  
• 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 the Honorable Royce C. Lamberth, Chief Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
  
• The singing of the National Anthem and America the Beautiful by soprano Michelle B. Johnson
  
• Dramatic Reading of the Declaration of Independence by special guests Washington Capitals player Jeff Schultz and Washington Nationals Vice President, Government and Municipal Affairs Gregory McCarthy along with historical reenactors 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