Join the National Archives in celebrating the 239th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with special events in Washington, DC, at Presidential Libraries nationwide, and online!
You can see the full press release online here.
Celebrate July 4th at the National Archives in Washington, DC
The National Archives in Washington, DC, will celebrate the 239th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with its traditional Fourth of July program. C-SPAN host Steve Scully will return to serve as emcee for a fourth year, and Archivist David S. Ferriero will make remarks.
The free celebration will include patriotic music, a dramatic reading of the Declaration by historical reenactors, and exciting family activities and entertainment for all ages. See here for more information.
If you can’t make it out to the nation’s capital, the festivities will be live-streamed on the National Archives YouTube channel.
July 4th at the National Archives is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation with the generous support of Signature Sponsor John Hancock. Major support provided by The Coca-Cola Company and Dykema.
Celebrate July 4th at the National Archives Presidential Libraries
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, West Branch, IA
An Eastern Iowa Brass Band Concert at the West Branch High School will feature museum docent Richard Paulus as Samuel Adams reading the Declaration of Independence. This event is at 2 p.m.
For over 25 years, the Eastern Iowa Brass Band has been entertaining audiences throughout Iowa, the Midwest and even beyond. The 35-member band performs from a repertoire which features original works for brass band, as well as arrangements of well known orchestral and wind band literature. Featured soloists are frequently used in concert programs which also include marches, medleys, hymn tune arrangements, folk songs, Broadway show tunes and novelty features. Members of the EIBB come from all over Eastern Iowa. As the only brass band of this type in Iowa, the EIBB presents a truly unique musical experience.
Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum, Austin, TX
The Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum will offer free admission all day.
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids, MI
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum will participate in a city-wide celebration. The museum opens its grounds and allows visitors to watch the city fireworks. Admission fees still apply when visiting the museum.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Simi Valley, CA
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is hosting a day full of family-fun activities. This year’s celebration will include the Los Angeles Police Concert band performing our favorite patriotic tunes. There will be family entertainment, games, crafts, and more. Mingle with our Presidential and First Lady look-alikes.
All outdoor activities are free. Admission rates apply to view the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum, Air Force One Pavilion, and the library’s special exhibit, “Football! The Exhibition.”
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, College Station, TX
The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum will once again host the annual “I Love America! 4th of July Celebration” in partnership with the College Station Noon Lions Club and the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra.
The museum will open at 9:30 a.m. with free admission all day and will extend its hours to 8:15 p.m. The outside activities will begin with a flag-raising ceremony at 5 p.m. The Kids Zone will be open from 6 to 8:30 p.m. A musical program begins at 6 p.m. After a dusk hot air balloon glow, enjoy fireworks accompanied by the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra.
Celebrate the Fourth of July on Social Media
Join the conversation using the hashtag #ArchivesJuly4 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more!
Take a #ColonialSelfie
Snap a picture with a Founding Father at our July 4 celebration. If you aren’t in Washington, DC, be creative; your #ColonialSelfie can be with anything that was in fashion in 1776
Tell the World #ISignedTheDeclaration
Sign your name to the Declaration of Independence! Take a picture, tag it with#ISignedTheDeclaration, and share it with us on social media. If you attend our celebration in DC, look for the booth at the corner of Constitution Avenue and Seventh Street, and add your John Hancock to the list. The booth will be moved inside to the Boeing Learning Lab at 11 a.m.
Share Your Patriotic Spirit
We’ve sized these images to make social sharing easy!